Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module provides students with an introductory understanding of a range of advanced areas in computing, based on 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

The taught component of the module gives a ‘taster’ for each contemporary topic through lectures and practical sessions, along with general lectures on key skills and knowledge. This is followed by a period of project work in which students investigate one contemporary topic more deeply through guided independent project work.

Each topics taster will:
• Introduce key concepts and definitions
• Provide an overview of relevant techniques, paradigms, and tools
• Cover ongoing research and potential ethical issues
• Place the topic in the wider context of computing and industry

General lectures cover:
• Reflective writing
• Reading academic papers
• Finding and managing information
• Writing technical reports

We aim to cover five topics, delivered by lecturers, and supported by demonstrators, who are active researchers in these areas. Current topics are:

• Science of Programming
• Human Computer Interaction
• Biocomputing
• Computer Game Engineering
• Data Science

Note that due to the nature of research, these are topics subject to change.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

After completing this module students will be able to:
• Summarise research being undertaken in the School of Computing
• Define each of the five topics covered
• Provide definitions for common terminology within each the five topics
• List relevant tools and techniques within each of the five topics
• Explain the process of research

Intended Skill Outcomes

After completing this module students will be able to:
• Select techniques appropriate to a particular task or goal
• Apply these techniques to problems in one of the five areas
• Demonstrate use of relevant software tools from each of the five topics
• Critically evaluate and assess research papers
• Write reflectively on their experiences of learning these advanced topics
• Write a technical report to describe their independent project work
• Make an informed decision about an avenue of specialism

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 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 provides 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, to practice project work and technical report writing, and reflect of what they've learned.

General Notes

N/A