Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DISSERTATION PROJECT
Code CKIT702
Coordinator Prof FP Coenen
Computer Science
Coenen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 60

Aims

1. To provide a systematic analysis of the nature and conduct of Information Technology and Computer Science research.

2. To allow students to successfully complete a self directed IT project culmibating in a dissertation.

3. To equip students with the ability to undertake independent research.

4. To examine the foundations of research and the associated legal and ethical issues.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A well-founded ability to conduct independent research in the context of IT projects.

(LO2) An ability towrite documentation describing and pertaining to IT projects.

(LO3) Demonstarte knowledge and experience of conducting literature searches.

(LO4) An ability critically appraise and evaluate research papers.

(LO5) An ability to critically analyse and evaluate IT project results

(LO6) An ability to assess the ethical issues associated with IT projects.

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Personal action planning

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S3) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification


Syllabus

 

Seminar 1: What Is Research?
The concept of research and the foundation theories and practices whereby it is conducted. An appreciation of the many faces to research, serving different purposes.

Seminar 2: Choosing a project and writing a proposal.
How to choose a project and how to construct a project proposal. The expectations of the dissertation.

Seminar 3: Literary search and Scientific Paper reading.
The need for a literature survey with reference to the “Information Literacy Module” taken by students earlier in their programme of study but including  additional modes of literacy search. How to read, evaluate and criticise research papers.

Seminar 4: Project Planning, Risk and Time Management. 
Resources requirements of IT projects, including time and money, in order to deliver a product of a particular scope and quality. The "tension" between the extent of resource i nput and the extent of product output; and the "tension" between project management activities and project development activities. Aspects of project, risk, and time planning, and how to manage them.

Seminar 5: Computer Ethics.
Definition of what “ethics” are and their classfcation according to different approaches? Implications for computing and Codes of Ethics formulated by different computer associations.

Seminar 6: Conducting and Presenting the Project. 
Best Practice and structured approaches to project development.

Seminar 7: Presentation and Analysis of Quantitative Data (Optional). Basic statistics that will help with rescet to qualitative analysis of data.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Online Learning
Description: Research Methods Training (RMT)
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to attend the virtual classroom so as to participate in discussion and individual assessment as part of the RMT class is 5.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 25

Teaching Method 2 - Online Learning
Description: Dissertation
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to devote to reading, independent research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom and dissertation work is 20.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 540


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           0

0

25

25

540

540

1130
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 1130

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Project Specification and Design Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 14  Project Specificatio    10       
Dissertation There is a resit opportunity. Non-standard penalty applies for late submission - For dissertations commencing after 1st March 2016: Dissertations submitted up to 10 calendar days after  12,000 - 18,000 word    80       
Research Methods Training (RMT) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :(normally) Weeks 1-6  Research Methods Tra    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.