Module Catalogue 2025/26

CSC8114 : Research Methods and Group Project in Advanced Computer Science

CSC8114 : Research Methods and Group Project in Advanced Computer Science

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Rehmat Ullah
  • Lecturer: Dr Mujeeb Ahmed, Dr Aydin Abadi
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to provide students with a range of possible research approaches and the types of research projects. It will aid students in formulating valid research questions appropriate to domain of interest within the area of computer science and evaluating the relationship between questions, methodology and methods. It will serve to prepare the students for the working of individual research projects.

The module will also aid students in the reflecting on the experience of applying the techniques taught in the preceding modules (for example IoT, Cloud, Security and resilience analysis, and development of a computing system). The students will work in groups to address advanced issues in computer science and this will include literature review, software design, implementation, presentation of design and demonstration of the implemented system. The students will have access to technical guidance from faculty members but will essentially work as small independent team under their own initiative.

Outline Of Syllabus

Material on research methods will include:

• Introduction to research methods in computer science.
• Identifying research questions and hypotheses.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Experimental design methods.
• Approaches to analysis and drawing valid conclusions.
• Methods for evaluating research projects (e.g. quantitative data collection and analysis).Writing up and
presenting research.
• Ethical considerations.

Students will also work in groups on research topics chosen by module leaders. Groups work together, forming reading circles to collaboratively produce a literature review. Groups will then begin work on the software development exercise. Development will involve research, requirements elicitation, design and implementation, and developing appropriate evaluation functionality (e.g. benchmarking suites). Selection of appropriate development methods and tools will be done by each group. Each group will then present their work.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to describe and discuss:

• The sources of information and standards of information quality that apply in Computer Science.
• The methods of conducting and analysing research in Computer Science, state of current research in a
particular technology or application area.
• Issues that relate to the planning and execution of a team-based software project.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to:

• Outline methods of conducting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research in Computer Science.
• Formulate potential research questions appropriate to an area of interest.
• Evaluate different methods of investigating an area of research interest.
• Recognise the relationship between research questions, methodology and method.
• Conduct a critical evaluation of technical literature in Computing Science.
• Form an argument based on presentation and analysis of relevant evidence- cooperate in a team.
• Take a significant role in a team collaborative exercise.
• Communicate in written reports, verbally and in a presentation.
• Plan project development activities working within resource limitations.
• Select appropriate technology, taking account of professional, legal and ethical aspects.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion201:0020:00Literature review.
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials81:008:00Lecture materials on research methods. Asynchronous online materials.
Guided Independent StudyProject work601:0060:00Project Coursework.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00Synchronous (in person) sessions, if available. Else additional synchronous online sessions.
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity601:0060:00Formal/informal meetings (not timetabled, scheduled by students in person or online as appropriate).
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity181:0018:00Reading circle (not timetabled, scheduled by students in person or online as appropriate).
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study101:0010:00Lecture follow-up.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study201:0020:00Background reading.
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials and online sessions will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning. Students aiming for 1st class marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.

Project meetings both formal and informal, will provide team members with the opportunity to follow progress and address team issues. These meetings can be held online or in person.

Students gain knowledge in research skills from lecture materials and working together on the literature review and reading circle. Students gain experience in development of a significant software project from the student-led activities and project work.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report2M30Group literature review.
Report2M70End of module, group report.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Oral Presentation2MPoster Presentation - feedback to students.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The literature review provides an opportunity to assess practical research, communication and collaboration skills in a realistic environment.

Students will assess each other's contribution to the literature review.

The group work is used to award a mark to each group.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.