Module Code: |
H9RCO |
Long Title
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Research in Computing
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Title
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Research in Computing
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Module Level: |
LEVEL 9 |
EQF Level: |
7 |
EHEA Level: |
Second Cycle |
Module Coordinator: |
Ralf Bierig |
Module Author: |
Ralf Bierig |
Departments: |
School of Computing
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Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff |
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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).
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
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
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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
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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
• Data Privacy (e.g. GDPR) and Ethical Guidelines
• Plagiarism and self-plagiarism
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Technical information (20%)
• Reading, understanding and summarizing technical material, including source code, academic articles, patents, and documentation.
• Writing effective technical documentation and materials.
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Communication (10%)
• Dynamics of oral, written, and electronic team and group communication.
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 100.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
Coursework |
Assessment Type: |
Project |
% of total: |
80 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
2,3,4,5 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Literature Review and Project Plan
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. |
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Assessment Type: |
Continuous Assessment (0200) |
% of total: |
20 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: The first assignment entails the definition of the research question. It includes a suitable title and selects an area within the module domain from a large list of suggested areas. The phrased research question addresses the specific topic. The submission critically justifies why this question is worth investigating and how it will contribute to knowledge in the field of the module. It furthermore describes why the question is feasible, clear, significant, and ethical and includes 3-5 citations to key sources based on the research question. |
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No End of Module Assessment |
Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
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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 |
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Mikael Berndtsson. (2008), Thesis projects: a guide for students in computer science and information systems., First. Springer, London, p.162.
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Justin Zobel. (2015), Writing for Computer Science, Third Edition. Springer-Verlag, [ISBN: 1447166388].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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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.
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Ned Kock. (2007), Information systems action research, Springer, [New York, N.Y.], [ISBN: 038736059X].
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McNiff, J., and Whitehead, J.. (2009), You and Your Action Research Project. New York: Taylor and Francis..
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Creswell, J. W.. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd Edition., SAGE Publications., London.
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Lester J.D.. (2011), Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 14th Edition. Longman.
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Mittelbach, F. et al.. (2004), The Latex Companion., 2nd edition. Addison Wesley.
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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Other Resources |
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[Lecture Notes], Hofer, A. H and Tichy W.F.. Hofer, A. H and Tichy W.F. 2007, Status
of empirical research in software
engineering, Empirical Software
Engineering Issues. Critical Assessment
and Future Directions, Lecture Notes in
Computer Science, vol. 4336, 10–19
[ISSN: 0302-9743],
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[Website], http://psyweb.psy.ox.ac.uk/dapweb/teachi
ng/graduate/grad_datafiles.htm,
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[Website], udacity,
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