BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Dr Razvan-Ioan Dinita

Anglia Ruskin University

In this Subject Spotlight, Dr Razvan-Ioan Dinita presents the fascinating topic: Decoding Social Media: An Exploration of Programming and Platforms. He begins by offering an introduction to what programming actually is, and thinking about the building blocks behind it. Razvan then considers how to program a platform like Facebook, including the ethical considerations of building such a vast social media platform, and a deeper dive into the tech behind it. Razvan then presents TikTok as a case study for considering software architecture, what makes it so successful, and finally an analysis of the data and a journey through the backend. You will then complete a matching activity based on everything you have learnt.

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Meet the academic

Dr Razvan-Ioan Dinita

Anglia Ruskin University

Dr Razvan-Ioan Dinita is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Science within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Razvan has many years programming experience, with knowledge ranging from server/backend to client/frontend languages, and a keen interest in general software engineering, web and app development, security, and cloud computing from a software perspective. Razvan has received his degree in Computer Science and Internet Technology, and a PhD in Cloud Computing, from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. He is currently Senior Lecturer of Computer Science and Cloud Computing and the Course Leader for the Computer Science undergraduate courses. His research is focused on Web and Cloud Computing Software and Security. He has published works in this field and has delivered a number of international talks on Software Approaches to Cloud Computing Optimisation. Razvan is an active Member of the IEEE and IES. He has been involved in several knowledge exchange programs (KEEP and KEEP+) with a range of companies. Razvan also has extensive understanding, and is a highly versatile user of HTML/CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, web MVC frameworks, PHP, MySQL, NoSQL (MongoDB), Java, Scala, C#, C/C++, Bash, and Git version control. Using this knowledge, he's recently developed a modular PHP MVC framework from the ground up, featuring dynamic modules, an HTML5 templating system, and SQL and NoSQL support. Razvan is interested in generating external income through EU projects, delivery of short training courses, knowledge transfer schemes, and consultancy contracts in the areas of Web Frameworks, General Software Engineering and Security, and Cloud Computing Security and Optimisation.

Episodes

1. Introduction to programming

2. Social media: behind the curtain

3. Case study: TikTok

4. Activity: Thinking critically about program architecture

Bonus: Bridging the gap

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Course snapshot

Studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Anglia Ruskin University, you will learn to design and build computer systems and develop in-demand technical, development and engineering skills to set you up for a career across a range of specialisms applicable to many industries, including software engineering, graphics and cybersecurity. This course is accredited by BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, allowing you to become a chartered IT Professional and Engineer.

Your first year will focus on understanding how computers work, and mastering the fundamental concepts of high-level programming for specific tasks in a range of settings. You will also be introduced to TCP/IP and OSI IP network models, getting hands-on with constructing and configuring network devices. You can also branch into optional modules covering modern operating systems, and mathematical and statistical skills for computing. Year two will focus on designing and implementing databases, while developing essential skills of team working, project management and research design. You will also develop an understanding of software application lifecycles, security risk management and mitigation. Your final year provides the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of the computational processes underpinning image processing in various applications. You will also complete your final project, where you will conduct research or product development in a specialised discipline. There are also a range of optional modules to hone your specialism, from development of human-computer interfaces to cloud computing and resource management.

Based at ARU’s Cambridge Science Centre, you will collaborate with other students on innovative computing projects, with access to the latest digital tech, including: a Cisco lab with routing and switching equipment, and a virtual Netlab for 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment; Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools; VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools; and mobile devices for developing mobile applications. Employability is embedded into the course, with access to Pluralsight professional online training courses and the option to take an industry placement year. As a Cisco Network Academy, graduating from ARU can give you Cisco CCNA certification and industry links

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Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is an innovative global university with students from 185 countries at our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough. These students are at the heart of our University, and we're delighted that our final-year undergraduates are positive about their educational experience. Our community is also incredibly important to us, and we're proud of the role we play in our cities and the wider region – including the positive effect on jobs and the local economy.We’ve been named one of the top 350 institutions in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, for the sixth successive year – and one of the top 40 universities in the UK. We're also listed in the top 15% for social inclusion in The Times Good University Guide 2022.