CSC2034 : Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ken Pierce
- Lecturer: Professor Daniel Archambault, Dr Jonte Hance, Dr Chris Holder, Dr Clara Crivellaro, Dr Ittoop Puthoor, Dr Pawel Widera
- Teaching Assistant: Ms Hasti Kamali, Mr Omid Akbarzadeh
- Other Staff: Mr Dawei Wang, Mr Haowei Xu
- 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 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module introduces students to advanced topics in computing, showcasing the School of Computing’s research strengths. It covers subjects not found in other Stage 2 modules, giving students a glimpse into the new fields of computing science). The module acts as introduction to these contemporary topics building on the foundational skills learned in Stages 1 and 2. It gives students insight into Stage 3 optional modules and the dissertation project. By taking this module, students will gain a better understanding of the computing science research and be better prepared for their final year of study.
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:
• Quantum Computing.
• Human Computer Interaction.
• Computing and Biology.
• Computer Game Engineering.
• Data Science.
Note that due to the nature of research, these topics are subject to change.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Supporting lecture materials for key skills. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Report writing. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 50 | 0:30 | 25:00 | Lecture materials for each topic. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Guest talks from researchers (in person). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures for each topic (in person). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practicals in each topic (in person). |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Practical exercises. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Practicals supporting major project (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Project implementation. |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Paper review. |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Reflective log. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 75 | 1:00 | 75:00 | Background reading. |
| 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 science topics that the school is renowned for.
Lecture 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
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 (2000 words). |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 60 | Practical implementation and technical report (2500 words) in one topic. |
| Report | 2 | M | 20 | Review of paper in one topic (1500 words). |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | In-class exercise on reflective writing. |
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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC2034's Timetable