- Programme in brief
- Content of the programme
- Admission requirements
- Fontys way of studying
Programme in brief
This exchange programme will give you insight in some more advanced Software Engineering concepts. It’s actually the third semester of an Informatics bachelor programme. Several software engineering topics will be discussed in more detail, like design patterns, software architectures, algorithms and data science. Furthermore, the programme knows a project in which an app, either iOS- or Android-based and using a cloud architecture, will be developed.
What can you expect from us
The semester consists of four modules with theory lectures and practical work, and a project in which students work together in groups. Educational activities are interactive and take place in small classes. Our classes are quite international: Dutch, German (due to our location at the border) and “real” international students. Speaking English is the standard.
What de we expect from you
Foreknowledge in the IT domain is needed, you preferably finished the first year of an IT bachelor programme. Furthermore, interest in the IT discipline and an active and eager-to-learn attitude is all we expect.
* This programme is only offered in the fall semester.
The total workload for this programme is 30 European Credits, duration is 1 semester. All courses have to be taken in order to achieve the full credits. The following minor parts (courses) have been defined:
Compulsory modules:
| Modules | Studyload in ECTS |
| DARC – Design And Architecture | 5 |
| ALDA – Algorithms and Datastructures | 5 |
| CAN – Computer Architecture and Networks | 5 |
| ARDA – Applied Research and Data Analysis | 5 |
| PRJ3 – Project 3 Mobile Computing | 10 |
- DARC - Design and Architecture
For a software engineer, understanding of the application programming interfaces (API) is very instrumental in increasing productivity. Modern API’s, such as Java and .NET strongly use the Design Patterns as introduced by Eric Gamma in the Gang of Four (Gamma et al.) book. This course is a follow-up on the UML-modeling course (AAD) in the first year. AAD focuses on getting to know modeling techniques (syntax) and apply them in simple cases. This course focuses on smart software design using software and architectural design patterns.
- ALDA – Algorithms and Datastructures
Algorithms and data structures belong to the standard equipment of a software engineer. A number of important algorithms and data structures will be studied and applied in practical work. During the practical work, a test-driven approach is used. An important topic, which returns frequently in discussions, is (time-)complexity.
- CAN – Computer Architecture and Networks
In this course is explained the way computer networks are connected and how computers store information and communicate with each other. The scope of this module ranges from physical storage and signal processing to high level communication protocols. After following this course students are able to understand possibilities of networks and its Pro’s and Con’s, which components are used in computers and networks, the OSI model and how it works, communication in LAN’s and WAN’s, protocols like Ethernet, IP and TCP, and different ways of storing information on a computer system.
- ARDA – Applied Research and Data Analysis
Data is the basic material for obtaining more objective information, which on its turn, is essential for making (business/economic/engineering/scientific/…) decisions. For a graduate in business informatics or software engineering it is mandatory that he/she is able to analyze and interpret data based on current statistical methods and techniques. Furthermore, statistics are heavily used in modern Data Science / Big Data applications. This course offers a solid introduction in Statistics and Data Science. The module has a practical approach and uses the R-language.
- PRJ3 – Project 3 Mobile Computing
Mobile App Development is still in development, as is IT in general. Fact is, that it is a very
important application area. The mobile apps development world is divided into different
technologies. The most important technologies are ios, android, hybrid and html/css/javascript.
Because the server centred software development is already covered by other courses, we have chosen for the device centred and platform dependent major technologies: ios and android.
In case students are familiar with some of the mentioned topics, some modules can possibly be interchanged by modules from another semester.
Admission requirements
For this exchange programme we have the following admission requirements:
- English level: equivalent to IELTS 6.0;
- The student’s foundation year should be successfully rounded off.
- Students must have prior knowledge in IT
Fontys way of studying
At Fontys you will study in various ways. There are tutorials and lectures in classrooms with about 25 other students. In these sessions you will work in small groups or independently and depending on course choices, within a project team on your assignments. The campus offers a wide array of facilities to study alone or with a group. Here at Fontys, we believe that collaborative learning stimulates a hands on, independent way of working. At Fontys we believe in interaction. We like it when you ask questions during lectures and also outside lectures we are there for you.
Recognition
How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?
Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.
Scholarschips
Fontys does not provide scholarships for its exchange students
Studycoach
If you encounter problems regarding a certain subject, you can either speak to your lecturer or contact your exchange coordinator.
