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  4. 2015-2016
  5. Computing Science
  6. CS4040: RESEARCH METHODS

CS4040: RESEARCH METHODS (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:36


Course Overview

Does this new algorithm improve query performance? Will this protocol ensure our system is robust to attack? How does response time vary with server load? Understanding behaviour – the performance of a task by a computing system in an environment – is critical in both industrial and scientific practice. In this course, you will conduct an individual research project into the behaviour of a computing system. You will develop knowledge and understanding of rigorous methods to: explore computing system behaviour; identify questions about behaviour; design experiments to answer those questions; analyse experimental results; and report on the outcomes of your research.




Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Timothy Norman

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In all the topics covered the emphasis will be on understanding the diversity of issues in and approaches to computing research, and imbuing the ability to select and utilise the appropriate tools for your research.
  • Introduction of Computing Research
    • Identifying research questions and hypothese - comparative analysis
  • Statistical methods
  • Experimental design methods
  • Approaches to analysis and drawing valid conclusions
  • Reviewing Research papers
  • Writing Research Reports

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: in-course assessment; submission of an assignment of up to 5,000 words in which the student describes a problem, the approach they have taken to investigate it and the details of their investigation (100%).

Resit: No resit.

Formative Assessment

During lectures, the Personal Response System and/or other ways of student interaction will be used for formative assessment. additionally, practical sessions will provide students with practice opportunities and formative assessment.

Feedback

Formative feedback for in-sourse assessments will be provided in written form. Additionally, formative feedback on performance will be provided informally during practical sessions.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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