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CMPSMP2Y - RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Module Code:
CMPSMP2Y
Department:
Computing Sciences
Credit Value:
20
Level:
M
Organiser:
Dr. Wenjia Wang
A module that provides students with the training of some transferable skills, an overview of research methods used in computing sciences, and introduces individual students to background material preparatory to their dissertation project which they would not otherwise study systematically to the required depth. 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 Computer Science.

Lecture notes and other material will be made available on the Blackboard.
 


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.


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:

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

 

Work submitted Marks deducted
After 15:00 on the due date and before 15:00 on the day following the due date 10 marks
After 15:00 on the second day after the due date and before 15:00 on the third day after the due date 20 marks
After 15:00 on the third day after the due date and before 15:00 on the 20th day after the due date.  All the marks the work merits if submitted on time (ie no marks awarded) 
After 20 working days Work will not be marked and a mark of zero will be entered


Saturdays and Sundays will NOT be taken into account for the purposes of calculation of marks deducted.

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.

For more details, including how to apply for an extension due to extenuating circumstances download Submission for Work Assessment (PDF, 39KB)
 

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 and disciplinary action, as detailed by UEA's Policy on Plagiarism and Collusion.


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.


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.

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


Coursework