1 EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDY KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Barbara Kaszowska, Karol Grandek Opole University of Technology, Poland

2 The Opole University of Technology The Opole University of Technology is the largest academic institution in the region providing education in the area of technical science. The university faculties comprise of: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science, Management and Production Engineering; Civil Engineering, Education in Technology and Computer Engineering, Physical Education and Physiotherapy. KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH

3 The scientific research conducted at the Opole University of Technology transcends the traditional fields of engineering, combining technical sciences with mathematical, natural, economic sciences and sports (not typical for technical university but conducted here with success). The scientific potential of our university is built by almost half a thousand research workers operating in the fields that are important for the development of both science and economy. The staff are free to choose the subject of their scientific research and to cooperate with the industry. At the same time, we continuously adjust our research profile to the European market economy. KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH

4 The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science seeks to provide an optimum environment for research and scholarly efforts of academic staff members and students in the fields of electrical, electronic, control and computer engineering. The Department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities, both full- and part-time, which lead to the degrees of BSc, MSc and PhD. The BSc and MSc require satisfactory completion of examined lecture courses as well as preparation and oral defence of a dissertation. The BSc and MSc can be conferred in the fields of electrical engineering, computer engineering, control and robotics, electronics and telecommunication and technical science education. The PhD is a research degree, which can be granted in the field of electrical engineering or control and robotics, on a basis of oral defence of a doctoral dissertation. KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH

5 Education in the field of Computer Science KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH B.Sc. studies General: B.Sc. studies in Computer Science are designed to last not shorter than 6 semesters. A total number of teaching hours should be not less than A total number of the ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System) should be not less than 180. B.Sc. studies in Computer Engineering are designed to last not shorter than 7 semesters. A total number of teaching hours should be not less than A total number of the ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System) should be not less than 210.

6 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Qualifications of a graduate B.Sc. in Computer Science: knowledge and skills in solution of general problems in computer science understand the operation of up-to-date computer systems knowledge in fundamentals of computer science, operating systems, computer networks, databases and software engineering be able to actively participate in realization of IT design projects skills in programming computers, in particular in team programming be able to make use of the acquired knowledge and skills in professional activity, while maintaining legal and ethical principles

7 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH B.Sc. in Computer Engineering (1): capacity for solution of general problems in computer science, engineering knowledge and skills in computer systems. knowledge in operation principles for computers and computer facilities knowledge and skills in operating systems, computer networks, databases, computer programming and software engineering possibility of an effective work in programming teams basic knowledge in artificial intelligence, computer graphics and man-computer communication be able to make use of the acquired knowledge and skills in professional activity, while maintaining legal and ethical principles

8 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH B.Sc. in Computer Engineering (2): A graduate should be prepared to work in computer firms involved in construction, implementation or maintenance of computer tools and systems, and in some other firms and organizations where such tools and systems are used as well as in medium-level teaching institutions.

9 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH M.Sc. studies in Computer Engineering An M.Sc. graduate shall have a general knowledge in computer science, at least in all the basic courses and specialization courses related to the field of computer science and shall prove his/her proficiency in the selected specialization area. The graduate shall have knowledge and skills enabling to solve various computer science problems, even non-standard ones, and to formulate opinions on a basis of incomplete or limited information. The graduate’s skills shall predestine him/her to successfully undertake a job in computer companies, state and self- governmental administration and in medium-level educational institutions. The M.Sc. graduate shall be prepared for continuing learning professional development as well as for undertaking research challenges and possible continuation of education towards the Ph.D. degree.

10 The accreditation in the field of Computer Science Study KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH The accreditation in the field of Computer Science Study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science of Opole University of Technology: conducted by FEANI international experts performed by Quality Assurance Commission for Technical Universities (QACTU) 2003 – carried out by the National Quality Assurance Commission (NQAC) - the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science obtained a ‘positive’ grade for the quality of education in the field of Computer Science, December 2009 – will be carried out by the National Quality Assurance Commission

11 On 15 April 2009 the National Quality Assurance Commission was entered in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR). KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH

12 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Accreditation procedure of the particular fields of study and assessment criteria The assessment criteria are as follows: formal and legal conditions of education, study plans and curricula, system of communication with students and dealing with students’ affairs, verification system of educational effects. Stages of accreditation procedure: the self-assessment report, inspection of the assessment team on the faculty, report of the assessment team, decision of the National Quality Assurance Commission.

13 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of meeting requirements in the scope of realization of study plans and teaching curricula (1) whether a graduate profile is in compliance with the regulations included in the education standards and qualifications structure, whether study plans and teaching curricula are in compliance with education standards (the program content, the number of hours the order and selection of courses, and relations between various forms of classes (e.g. the number of lectures lower than 50%), whether the participation of employers in shaping the concept of education was taken into consideration and whether a graduate’s qualifications meet the expectations of the labour market,

14 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of meeting requirements in the scope of realization of study plans and teaching curricula (2) what is the organization of classes (e.g. there should not be too many classes in one day and lectures in a given course should be carried out in periods not longer than 3-4 hours, what is the organization of a student practice for full-time and part-time students, whether the ECTS system takes into account the conditions and ways of transfer of students’ achievements, whether syllabi were developed for the particular courses.

15 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of meeting requirements in the scope of students’ affairs (1) whether the Study Regulations and the Regulations of Granting Financial Aid were introduced taking into account the resolutions of a student self-government of a given higher education institution, whether a tuition agreement between a given higher education institution and a student does not discriminate students, whether a given higher education institution respects the right to student self-governance and autonomy of the acting student self- government, whether granting the financial aid is in compliance with legal regulations being in force, clear, efficient and paid without avoidable delay,

16 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of meeting requirements in the scope of students’ affairs (2) whether a given higher education institution has a system of awards and distinctions granted from its own means for students achieving the best study results or distinguishing themselves with outstanding sports results or work for the student community, whether there exists a proper access to information related to the course of study (timetables, examination time plans, consultation plans, syllabi) whether the authorities of a higher education institution and its units, and especially vice-deans and deputy heads of basic organizational units for students’ affairs are available to students in the way, time and place convenient to students of all forms of study,

17 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of meeting requirements in the scope of students’ affairs (3) whether timetables and examination period plans are determined in agreement with the representatives of the student self- government and ensure conditions for effective education and study, whether administration services for students are in an adequate time load especially during the periods of numerous formalities to be dealt with by students (the beginning of the academic year, end of a semester, examination time, diploma examinations), whether a regular and suitable inquiries of the teaching process and academic teachers are carried out, what is the influence of student opinions on periodical assessment of academic teachers didactic work.

18 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of the verification system of educational effects (1) ways of verification of a graduate’s knowledge and skills assumed in a graduate’s profile, how is it evaluated whether the study plan, education content and the teaching methods used shape the attitudes defined in a graduate’s profile, how are the requirements referring to examinations, interim and credit papers, tests and projects established,

19 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Assessment criteria of the verification system of educational effects (2) what are the rules for preparation and assessment of diploma papers/projects, is there in a given higher education institution a ‘carrier office’ (or other formula) doing research on graduates and their employers satisfaction and the graduates’ situation on the labour market?

20 KATEDRA SYSTEMÓW, SIECI I URZĄDZEŃ ELEKTRYCZNYCH Thank you