CSC2034 : Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ken Pierce
- Lecturer: Professor Paolo Missier, Dr Clara Crivellaro, Dr Pawel Widera, Dr Rich Davison
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 30 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
Aims
The module provides students with an introductory understanding of a range of advanced areas in computing, including Bio Computing, Data Science, Computer Game Engineering, Human Computer Interaction, and Modelling and Reasoning. These are the research areas which the School of Computing at Newcastle is renowned for (and not covered in other Stage 2 modules). The module acts as introduction to these contemporary topics, and gives students insight into optional modules and project choices in preparation for Stage 3, while building on skills learned in Stages 1 and 2, accruing experience of how they are applied into more advanced areas of computing.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Bio Computing: Introduction to cellular and molecular biology, the computational needs of modern biological data analysis, biologically-inspired computing, computational approaches to engineer biological systems.
• Data Science: Predictive modelling, visualization, ethical challenges, and examples of how data science is used to solve problems in a range of domains.
• Computer Game Engineering: Introduce students to each step of the programming tool-chain pipeline used in the video game industry by utilising an industry standard games engine to develop a video game. Focus on the programming and visual interfaces to game construction, allowing provided game assets to be utilised in the production of a video game.
• Human Computer Interaction. Key concepts and issues in HCI, theories and history of HCI, understanding users (human factors, requirements engineering), HCI Design (Principles, standards and guidelines, input and output technologies, and designing interactions), prototyping, evaluation techniques for usability and specific application areas.
• Modelling and Reasoning: Introduction to computer modelling techniques and tools. Introduces key concepts including abstraction of process and data, modelling paradigms and analysis techniques; motivates modelling and describes relevant case studies.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Report writing |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 50 | 0:30 | 25:00 | Lecture materials for each topic |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures for each topic (Present in person) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Guest talks from researchers (present in person) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Supporting lecture materials for each topic and key skills |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practical's in each topic (Present-in-Person) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Practical supporting major project (Present-in-Person) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Practical exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Paper review |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Project implementation |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Reflective log |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 90 | 1:00 | 90:00 | Background reading |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module combines lecture materials and practical experience providing students with a learning framework across the range of specific computing topics that the school is renowned for. Lectures materials are provided by leading researchers in each field, with contributions from research staff and PhD students. Exercises supported by practicals provide relevant tools and techniques for each topic. The coursework gives students a chance to explore a contemporary topic in computing through background research and analysis, and implementation of a specific application in a related field.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 2 | M | 20 | Reflection on each topic (2000 words) |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 60 | Practical implementation and technical report (2500 words) in one topic |
| Report | 2 | M | 20 | Review of paper in one topic (1500 words) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | In-class exercise on reflective writing |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The reflective log ensures that students engage with their understanding of each of the five topics and reflect on their learning overall. The in-class formative exercise helps students to complete their reflective log. The paper review experience in reading and critically evaluating research papers, as well as providing an opportunity to engage with research aspects in one topic. The implementation/report enable students to test their practical skills in one of the topics and reflect of what they've learned
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC2034's Timetable