CSC2034 : Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ken Pierce
- Lecturer: Professor Paolo Missier, Dr Clara Crivellaro, Dr Pawel Widera, Dr Rich Davison
- 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, based on 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
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:
• Science of Programming
• Human Computer Interaction
• Biocomputing
• Computer Game Engineering
• Data Science
Note that due to the nature of research, these are topics subject to change.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Guest talks from researchers (present in person) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures for each topic (Present in person) |
| 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 |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 50 | 0:30 | 25:00 | Lecture materials for each topic |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Practical supporting major project (Present-in-Person) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Practical's in each topic (Present-in-Person) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Practical exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Paper review |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | 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 |
| 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
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
| 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