Module Code: H9RCO
Long Title Research in Computing
Title Research in Computing
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Ralf Bierig
Module Author: Horacio Gonzalez-Velez
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Propose a research question and identify its implications with regard to the choice of subject.
LO2 Propose research objectives and identify possible deliverables
LO3 Create a literature review which situates the work with regard to previous work, a research and development design and methodology
LO4 Critically assess and select methods for addressing the research question, including originality considerations.
LO5 Demonstrate the ability to write a comprehensive research plan that explores research methods and deliverables for a specific subject in computing.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Research Questions and Literature Review (20%)
• Structure and purpose of a literature review • Search tools and sources • Selecting and coping with literature • Formulating Research Questions
Research in Computing (10%)
• The research community and their major platforms (journals, conferences) • Making use of research articles to make informed choices in development • Planning software development and evaluation • User involvement • Descriptive, theory oriented and applied projects
Scientific Writing and Research Documentation (40%)
• Proposal structure • Selection and assessing the quality of literature • Project structure • Citations and referencing • Presenting non-numerical data • Presenting numerical data • Scientific writing and style considerations • Plagiarism and self-plagiarism
Technical information (20%)
• Reading, understanding and summarizing technical material, including source code, academic articles, patents, and documentation. • Writing effective technical documentation and materials.
Communication (10%)
• Dynamics of oral, written, and electronic team and group communication.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Literature Review and Project Plan (100%) Students will develop an extended and in-depth literature review and project plan (2500 words) on a specialisation area of the overall MSc programme over the course of the semester. The review will comprise: an overview of the state of the art in the chosen topic, the identification of the research niche. Additionally students ought to include their research plan including the description of the expected research deliverables (e.g. software packages, technical manuals, etc.) and milestones (specific code, chapters, etc.) for their project.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning Time No Description 8.5 Every Week 8.50
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning Time No Description 8.5 Every Week 8.50
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Mikael Berndtsson. (2008), Thesis projects: a guide for students in computer science and information systems., First. Springer, London, p.162.
  • Justin Zobel. (2015), Writing for Computer Science, Third Edition. Springer-Verlag, [ISBN: 1447166388].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Berndtsson, M., Hansson, J., Olsson B., and Lundell, B.. Planning and Implementing your Final Year Project - with Success!: A Guide for Students in Computer Science and Information Systems., Springer, London.
  • Ned Kock. (2007), Information systems action research, Springer, [New York, N.Y.], [ISBN: 038736059X].
  • McNiff, J., and Whitehead, J.. (2009), You and Your Action Research Project. New York: Taylor and Francis..
  • Creswell, J. W.. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd Edition., SAGE Publications., London.
  • Lester J.D.. (2011), Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 14th Edition. Longman.
  • Mittelbach, F. et al.. (2004), The Latex Companion., 2nd edition. Addison Wesley.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: