Skip to main content

Module

CSC2034 : Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing

  • Offered for Year: 2020/21
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Stephen Riddle
  • Lecturer: Dr Jaume Bacardit, Mr Richard Gordon Davison, Dr Paolo Missier, Dr Ahmed Kharrufa
  • 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, biological concepts and the development of novel computational approaches and the principles of how computational systems can be used to engineer biological systems.
•       Data Science: Predictive modelling, similarity, 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

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Assessment Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Reading Lists

Timetable