School of Electronics and Computer Science:
COMP6029 MSc Project and Dissertation
Basic Information
| School | Electronics & Computer Science |
|---|---|
| Known as | COMP6029. |
| Session and Semester | Semester Two, 2011 - 2012 |
| Credit | 60 Credit Points |
| Unit Leader | 0nobody |
| Study | Around 600 hours independent research, development and writing up, spread over 15 weeks |
| Assessment | 15,000 word dissertation |
| Coursework | 100% |
| Teaching | Weekly supervision meetings |
| Prerequisites and Exclusions | Prerequisites: You must pass the taught part of the MSc first . |
| Referral | On referral, this unit will be assessed 100% by examination. |
| Syllabus Approved |
Description
Aims
Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of Complexity Science, Software Engineering or Web Technology: for example you might investigate and evaluate a new software engineering method, technique or tool, or some key technology underpinning web services or the semantic web. At the start of the summer, you will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must submitted to, and agreed by, the project coordinator. You will thereafter have weekly meetings, either in person or electronically, with your supervisor or, if your supervisor is unavailable, a delegated deputy. Your dissertation is due by the end of September and late submissions will be penalised, unless an extension to this deadline has been agreed beforehand in writing by the project coordinator. You are advised to complete all research and practical work by the end of August so that you can concentrate on writing up during September.
The aims of this module are:
- to give you the opportunity to demonstrate advanced knowledge of your specialist subject (Complexity Science, Software Engineering or Web Technology)
- To provide the opportunity to work in a research-led environment
- To develop research skills and prepare you for a career in research and development
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Scientific and technological principles underlying your chosen topic of study
- Specialist tools and techniques used to design, analyse, implement and verify systems
- Current research issues relevant to your chosen topic of study
Intellectual Skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:
- Acquire new knowledge and understanding through critical reading of research material
- Apply such knowledge and understanding to specialist design problems
Practical Skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:
- Use specialist tools and techniques to specify, design, analyse, implement and verify systems
- Model and simulate the behaviour of systems and sub-systems at an appropriate level of detail.
General Transferable (key) Skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:
- Use printed and on-line catalogues and databases to locate relevant technical information
- Present specialist technical information in written and verbal forms
- Work independently on a significant research project
Topics Covered
The topic or topics covered will be agreed by negotiation between yourself and the supervisor who is allocated to support you with your project.
Teaching and learning activities
Teaching methods include
Teaching activities include regular interaction with supervisors to discuss project aims and progress. The project will help you to develop your skills in areas such as research techniques, project management, and report writing that have been covered in the taught part of your MSc.
Learning activities include
Learning activities include reading, note taking, software or web design and development, simulation and modelling, and an extended piece of writing. Practical work will enhance relevant problem-solving techniques.
Methods of assessment
| Assessment method | Number | % contribution to final mark |
|---|---|---|
| 15,000 word dissertation [other] | 1 | 100 |
Feedback and student support during module study
Feedback on progress is mainly provided by regular meetings with your project supervisor. You should note that it is likely your supervisor will be away at some point during the summer attending conferences, or on vacation. During this time your supervisor will provide supervision cover by an electronic communication mechanism such as email, or by appointing a deputy supervisor.
Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes
The main drive is towards self-driven research-led learning and supervisor guidance. This directly drives the outcomes. Your dissertation marked by your supervisor, and a second ECS examiner. Their marking may be moderated by a third examiner, or the external examiner.
Resources
Other resource requirements
- See the course web site (notes page) for some useful on-line resources
Taught to
COMP6029
MSc in Artificial Intelligence (Compulsory)Non-existing cohort: "csMScCo" (Compulsory)
MSc in Software Engineering (Compulsory)
Students who are not registered on an ECS approved programme may take this module subject to meeting its pre-requisites and the availability of resources. To confirm this, please can you contact the module leader (as listed above) in the first instance. They will then refer you on to the appropriate director of studies for formal approval of your selection.