Module Catalogue 2024/25

CSC8499 : Project and Dissertation for MSc in Advanced Computer Science

CSC8499 : Project and Dissertation for MSc in Advanced Computer Science

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Jason Steggles
  • Lecturer: Dr Alaa Alahmadi, Dr Gizem Buldum
  • 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: 30
Semester 3 Credit Value: 60
ECTS Credits: 45.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
CSC8208Research Methods and Group Project in Security and Resilience
Pre Requisite Comment

CSC8208 may be replaced by the equivalent Cloud research methods and group project module (CSC8113).

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- To deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in the first half of the programme through practice.
- To develop an awareness of the range and limitations of technologies available.
- To enhance research skills and awareness of the professional literature.
- To develop an awareness of open problems in the subject.

The individual project is a substantial piece of independent work involving the technical and research skills developed in the taught part of the degree. You will have the opportunity to contribute directly to research or development activities, develop your own specialist expertise in the project topic, and further improve your planning and communication skills. You will work closely with a member of staff from one of the School's research groups, and you may also be working with an industrial partner (possibly in an industry laboratory).

Outline Of Syllabus

1.       Project Definition and Planning: Bounding and clarifying a problem for research. Planning background research, identifying relevant information sources. Decomposing a problem and forming a project outline in terms of goals and criteria for success. Identifying resources and tooling required.
Students will either select a project from a list offered by potential supervisors or propose and refine a project proposal with an academic supervisor. Projects will involve learning about some unfamiliar aspect of secure and resilient systems. In every project there will be a research component and a strong design, programming and/or analytic element.
2.       Supervision Arrangements: Each project has a lead supervisor and second supervisor, both staff from the School. Additional supervision support may be provided by an industrial partner. The student and lead supervisor will meet regularly throughout the period of the project.
3.       Research: Background research will be undertaken in the selected topic using the skills developed in earlier modules with access to library and online resources. The supervisor will advise on quality of sources and standards in the topic area.
4.       Development and Analytic Skills: The core of the project will involve carrying out the project plan largely independently, but with guidance from the supervisors.
5.       Dissertation: A dissertation will be prepared, describing the technical background, the work undertaken, the analysis of results and directions for further work. Guidance on the style and content of an academic dissertation will be provided by means of lectures and through the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to describe and discuss:
- the main body of knowledge for their programme where applicable to their project,
- the current state of the art in chosen subject area,
- express an in-depth knowledge of chosen project topic and relevant technologies.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To be able to demonstrate:
- problem solving skills related to the project chosen.
- written and oral communication skills appropriate to technical communication and presentation
- personal skills for lifelong learning
- ability to exploit professional information resources

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:00Question and Answer session (online synchronous)
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials21:002:00Support study material (online non-synchronous)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion785:00390:00Writing interim report and dissertation
Guided Independent StudyProject work985:00490:00Undertaking project
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision171:0017:00Supervisor meetings
Total900:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The project is undertaken with a lead academic supervisor, working in association with one of the research groups of the School or with a collaborating industrial research laboratory (in which case it will be supervised jointly). There will be a designated second academic supervisor to support assessing the 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
Report3M5Interim Report, max 5 pages
Dissertation3M9540 pages, excluding appendices
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description When Set Comment
Prof skill assessmntMEthics Form
Design/Creative projMDemonstration of project results
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The interim report provides a means of assessing the projects initial aims, methodology and planning. The dissertation provides for an assessment of professional skills in research and development, analysis, and detailed technical communication.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 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, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.