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 | Research Methods in Computer Science | ||
Code | CKOL508 | ||
Coordinator |
Dr S Thomason Computer Science S.Thomason@liverpool.ac.uk |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2019-20 | Level 7 FHEQ | Whole Session | 15 |
Aims |
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1. To provide a deep and systematic knowledge of the nature of strategic computing projects that harness recent development within the domain of computer science. |
Learning Outcomes |
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(M1) An ability to investigate and define a problem in terms of recent innovations and the current technological state of the art; and in terms of end-user (customer) needs and cost drivers. |
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(M2) An ability to critically review current literature concerning key developments in a particular domain, and identify limitations and avenues with a view to further development and entrepreneurship. |
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(M3) An ability to define and evaluate a computing solution to a recognised problem taking into consideration technical constraints, risks and safety aspects; and the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional Issues (LSEPI), including information security requirements. |
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(M4) An ability to manage the design, specification and implementation of a computing solution to a recognised problem using appropriate tools and practices. |
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(M5) An ability to critically evaluate a proposed computing solution to a recognised problem. |
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(S1) Experience of working in development teams and the leadership of such teams. |
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(S2) Communication skills in electronic as well as written and oral form to a range of audiences both technical and non-technical. |
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(S3) Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems within the domain of Computer Science, and an ability act autonomously in planning and implementing solutions in a professional manner. |
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(S4) Digital literacy in the context of an ability to search for information using digital systems and then synthesise the information found. |
Syllabus |
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Week 1: Overview of Research Methods Week 2: Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional Issues (LSEPI) Week 3: Literature Review. Week 4: Research Project Specification. Week 5: Project Management Week 6: Project Conduct Week 7: Project Evaluation Week 8: Technical Writing |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of study enables students to pursue modules via home study while continuing in employment. Module delivery involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions, each of which comprises an online lecture, supported by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions, self-assessment activities, reading materials and other multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement that students are able to pursue the course in their own time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important element of the module provision is act ive learning through collaborative, cohort-based, learning using discussion fora where the students engage in assessed discussions facilitated by the faculty member responsible for the module. This in turn encourages both confidence and global citizenship (given the international nature of the online student body). |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
24 |
40 |
64 | ||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 86 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 150 |
Assessment |
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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 |
Presentation: The motivation, rational, benefits, programme of work and planned management of a selected computer science research project as might be presented to members of a senior management team. | 30 minutes | 30 | ||||
Essay: Literature review concerning the state-of-the-art with respect to a current topic at the âcutting-edgeâ of the discipline of computer science. | 2000-2500 words | 30 | ||||
Discussion question 2: Actively participate in online discussion concerning a specific topic related to research methods in computer science, demonstrating an understanding of the key issues and showi | 1000-1500 words | 20 | ||||
Discussion Question 1: Participate actively in an online discussion to critically discuss experiences and opinions within the cohort relating to research methods in computer science. | 1000-1500 words | 20 |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |