CS908 15 CATS

Availability

Core - MSc Computer Science, MSc Data Analytics

Academic Aims

The module aims to facilitate students’ acquisition of a range of research methods through the delivery of subject-specific teaching by the subject librarian and tutors from the Academic Writing Programme (AWP) and the Department of Computer Science; This module aims to assist students in the various stages involved in undertaking a substantial research project: beginning with choosing a topic, finding a supervisor, writing a research proposal, narrowing the scope of the research, planning, researching, writing and finally submitting the dissertation. The module’s overall aim is to offer an intellectually challenging and supportive environment which allows students to develop their research and writing skills in the context of undertaking a research project of their choice.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module the student should be able to understand the research methods used in Computer Science (CS); distinguish between different types of academic writing strategies; write an effective and feasible research proposal; use electronic systems of bibliographic citation.
• By the end of the module the student should be able to demonstrate improved written and verbal communication skills; use selected CS databases; use systems for bibliography construction; conduct peer reviewing in a professional manner; understand time-management and project management skills; avoid plagiarism of secondary sources by using a variety of writing strategies.
• By the end of the module the student should be able to critique scholarly articles in their research area; conduct a comparative critical analysis of scholarship in their field; formulate a scientifically sound hypothesis and offer support for it through empirical evidence; communicate the results of their peer review; engage with research methods intelligently and with confidence; write a long research paper which sustains an original and sound argument.
• By the end of the module the student should be able to conduct research in CS in an effective and productive manner; write a scientific paper; write a research proposal; conduct a critical review of a scholarly article; conduct peer review; manage a long research project and see it to completion; use secondary sources in their writing in an accurate and honest manner.

Content

• Introduction to research methods
• Use of secondary sources
• Critique
• Round-table research discussion
• Academic writing
• Writing research proposals

Assessment

Critique (25%), Literature review (25%), Presentation (10%), Research proposal (40%)

Teaching

10 two-hour seminars plus self-directed learning.