The learning objectives for this module are to enable students to approach the dissertation with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to successfully complete a masters dissertation in Computing Sciences.

Module specific:

On completion of this unit students should have achieved the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the main approaches to research in computing science,
• The ability to use computing-specific information resources effectively,

Transferable skills:

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Use the Internet and UEA Library effectively to locate technical information and literature,
• Write reports that adhere to the conventions for good technical writing in English,
• Understand and apply simple project management techniques to their own work,
• Understand and apply statistical hypothesis techniques applied to computing problems,
• Assess the appropriateness of different evaluation strategies used in computing research.

Recommended reading:

• Zobel, J. (2006) Writing for Computer Science, Springer,

• Robson, C.(2002) Real World Research, Blackwell

Additional reading lists will be issued before sessions as necessary.

Total hours: 40

Lectures: 22 hours   (with provisional weekly schedule)

1. Improved academic writing techniques;

2. Tools for technical writing;

3. Information retrieval and literature review skills;

4. The use of statistics in computing;

5. Evaluation of research in computing;

6. Project management;

7. Professional ethics and legal issues;

8. MSc dissertation proposals.

Workshops: 6 hours

Laboratory work:  12 hours 

Submission

Written coursework should be submitted by following the standard CMP practice. Students are advised to refer to the Guidelines and Hints on Written Work in CMP

Deadlines

Coursework should be submitted before 23:59 on the deadline day. Paper copies can be submitted via the Hub drop boxes up to 22.00  in the LTS Hub, and there will be a ‘late box’ in the Library for submissions between 22.00 and midnight.

If coursework is handed in after the deadline day or an agreed extension:
 

All extension requests will be managed through the LTS Hub. A request for an extension to a deadline for the submission of work for assessment should be submitted by the student to the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Hub, prior to the deadline, on a University Extension Request Form accompanied by appropriate evidence. Extension requests will be considered by the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Manager in those instances where (a) acceptable extenuating circumstances exist and (b) the request is submitted before the deadline. All other cases will be considered by a Coursework Coordinator in CMP.

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the copying or close paraphrasing of published or unpublished work, including the work of another student; without due acknowledgement. Plagiarism is regarded a serious offence by the University, and all cases will be investigated. Possible consequences of plagiarism include deduction of marks anddisciplinary action, as detailed by UEA's Policy on Plagiarism and Collusion.