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Study information

Outside the box: Computer Science Research and Applications - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEOutside the box: Computer Science Research and Applications CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2427 MODULE CONVENERDr Yunxiao Zhang (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 97
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module gives you a chance to explore the breadth and depth of Computer Science beyond the core technical content of the main syllabus and to investigate some of the current research in Computer Science and ways in which Computer Science is used to solve problems in other areas. It will explore some of the frontiers of research in the department and, through lectures by specialists in other fields, will introduce you to some of the uses of Computer Science methods in business, the sciences, social sciences and humanities.

This module has ECM1410 and ECM1416 as pre-requisites

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to introduce students to current Computer Science beyond the confines of the main syllabus.  On one side it will introduce you to some of the research into new ideas in Computer Science, on the other it will explore some applications where Computer Science is essential. You will learn about the nature and purpose of research, some current research problems, the methods employed to tackle them, and how the results are evaluated. You will also learn about some of the ways existing Computer Science techniques and technologies are applied to solve problems outside Computer Science, particularly large-scale computing applications.


You will demonstrate what you have learnt by producing an in-depth review on one of the topics covered by the seminars, and in groups, you will also find out about a current topic of Computer Science and technology and make a presentation on it.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:



 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge



1. describe scientific and industrial problems, and their resolution with Computer Science techniques;



2. appreciate the diverse range of problems confronted by Computer Scientists;



3. compare and contrast different potential solutions to a Computer Science problem;



4. describe in depth areas of research within Computer Science.



Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge



5. systematically break down a problem into its components;



6. recognise how different problem domains may use the same techniques and solutions;



7. appreciate how and why Computer Science is a subject in which active research is being pursued at both a practical and a theoretical level;



8. appreciate the nature of academic research and how it differs from e.g., commercial enterprise.




Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge



9. work in a team



10. present and synthesise complex ideas orally;



11. present and synthesise complex ideas in a written form.



12. use the library and the internet to follow up references in researching a topic of interest;



13. use standard referencing styles for attribution of ideas and results;



14. write a detailed review of a specific topic of interest.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- what Computer Science research is;



- reasons for conducting Computer Science research;



- the frontiers of Computer Science;



- why understanding Computer Science is important for applications;



- how to find information in libraries and on the internet;



- the elements of a good presentation;



- how to write about and reference other people’s work;



- an introduction to the LaTeX typesetting language;



- a variety of topics based on the current research interests of lecturers;



- a variety of topics based on the academic and industrial applications of Computer Science.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching 27 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching 6 Group supervisions and group presentation sessions
Guided independent study 60 Assessed work
Guided independent study 54 Wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Literature Review 60 Literature review report 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 Written
Presentation 40 Video or live presenation plus slides 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 Oral or written in feedback sheet
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Literature Review Literature review from original topic list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 Submit in August ref/def period
Presentation Literature review on topic outside of seminars 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 Submit in August ref/def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only, except if a student has failed/deferred the group presentation, when they will have to do a review on the topic covered in their group presentation. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1410, ECM1416
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 14th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 14th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Computer Science research; applied computing; problem solving using computers; industrial problems; scientific problems.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.