CSC2034 : Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ken Pierce
- Lecturer: Dr Paolo Zuliani, Dr Rich Davison, Professor Dave Kirk, Professor Paolo Missier, Dr Rachel Clarke, Dr Jaume Bacardit
- 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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Introductory and summary lectures for each topic (online Synchronous) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 0:30 | 5:00 | Guest talks from researchers |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Supporting lecture materials for each topic and key skills |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Report writing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practicals in each topic (Present-in-Person) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practical supporting major project (Present-in-Person) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Practical exercises |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Sessions supporting reflective writing and paper reviews (Online synchronous) |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Paper review |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 35 | 1:00 | 35:00 | 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 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Q&A session for each topic (Present-in-Person) |
| 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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
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 (5 x 400 words) |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 60 | Practical implementation and technical report (2500 words) in major topic |
| Report | 2 | M | 20 | Review of paper in minor topic (2000 words) |
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 limit of 400 words per reflective entry ensures that students have space to reflect on their experiences properly. While this means the total is 2000 words for this submission, the work spread over the first half of the term with dedicated sessions to help students complete the 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. The implementation/report act as major assessment and allow students to engage more deeply with a topic of their choice, to test their practical skills and reflect on what they’ve learned.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC2034's Timetable