CSC3031 : Research and Project Skills (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor John Fitzgerald
- Lecturer: Dr Simon Bowen
- 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: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Research skills are at the foundation of innovative projects in computing, whether in professional practice or in the Research & Development lab. Graduate computer scientists, in addition to their core technical competencies, should be able to access and appreciate research results. Consequently, this module aims to help students develop:
- an understanding of the character, processes and methods of research in Computer Science;
- confidence in approaching, using and appraising the research literature in Computer Science;
- basic skills required to define, propose and plan a substantial individual project
- awareness of the ethical and professional issues that arise in Computer Science research
Outline Of Syllabus
1. What is Research? Principles of originality, knowledge (including fallibility) and gain. Relating research, innovation and impact.
2. Scientific method and intellectual discovery. Reasoning techniques (deductive, abductive, inductive). Presentation of claims with supporting arguments: comparing and evaluating sources, critical evaluation of published material. Types of research activity in Computer Science, from theoretical studies to development or application studies.
3. The Computer Science Knowledge Base: the peer review process; understanding, searching and appraising literature including technical reports, conference proceedings, journals of record, identifying information need, locating and accessing information.
4. Project Proposal and Planning: the elements of a project proposal; identifying aims and objectives, project definition, planning and risk management; ethical and professional context and considerations.
5. Conducting a Project: review of process models; practical guidance on monitoring and management.
6. Communicating findings: elements of scholarship including citation, referencing, the structure and style of research reports and papers, oral presentations and posters.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Coursework 2: development of full project proposal |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Lectures (in persons) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Coursework 1: development and delivery of a project summary presentation (recording) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 48 | 1:00 | 48:00 | Pre-lecture and post-lecture reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 48 | 1:00 | 48:00 | Research literature search, review and appraisal |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Guidance with supervisors, preparation of project ethics review (min 50% in person) |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Informal peer review of project summary presentation |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module introduces essential knowledge and skills needed to appreciate the research landscape, methods and literature, as well as project proposal and planning in Computer Science. Knowledge is reinforced and skills are developed through practical work (searching and assessment of research literature, project planning) done in the context of a student’s individual project. Students can choose a research project of interest to their research area, intended career sector, or societal engagement. Project supervision is also provided by teachers related to the area of project application.
The module is block taught and includes contact time through scheduled lectures on each of the main areas of the syllabus as well as practical sessions with supervisors from the student’s chosen project theme.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 2 | M | 25 | Recorded video and oral presentation (500 words) covering project background, aims, objectives and outline plan |
| Research proposal | 2 | M | 75 | Project proposal (3500 words) covering rationale, literature review, refined aims and objectives and project plan |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | M | Ethics form- must be completed |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | Based on the presentation, moderated peer review (in groups) on project aims, objectives & planning, giving feedback on proposal. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Two forms of assessment are used: a short recorded presentation and a written project proposal. The recorded presentation allows students to demonstrate a grasp of research motivation and context, and particularly communication of project aims, objectives and outline planning. The written project proposal allows the assessment of formal academic skills by covering research project formulation and literature review, the selection and justification of research methods, as well as technical writing and scholarship.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3031's Timetable