Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
1. Module Title Research Methods in Computer Science
2. Module Code COMP516
3. Year Session 2023-24
4. Originating Department Computer Science
5. Faculty Fac of Science & Engineering
6. Semester First Semester
7. CATS Level Level 7 FHEQ
8. CATS Value 15
9. Member of staff with responsibility for the module
Dr M Gianni Computer Science Mario.Gianni@liverpool.ac.uk
10. Module Moderator
11. Other Contributing Departments  
12. Other Staff Teaching on this Module
Mrs J Birtall School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science Judith.Birtall@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr O Michail Computer Science Othon.Michail@liverpool.ac.uk
13. Board of Studies
14. Mode of Delivery
15. Location Main Liverpool City Campus
    Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
16. Study Hours 30

    10

    40
17.

Private Study

110
18.

TOTAL HOURS

150
 
    Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other
19. Timetable (if known)            
 
20. Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 
21. Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 
22. Co-requisite modules:

 
23. Linked Modules:

 
24. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a mandatory basis:

25. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

26. Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

27. Aims
 

1. To provide a deep and systematic understanding of the nature and conduct of CS research. 2. To enhance existing transferable key skills. 3. To develop high order transferable key skills. 4. To equip students with the ability to undertake independent research. 5. To remind students of the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional (LSEP) issues applicable to the computer industry.

 
28. Learning Outcomes
 

(LO1) Have an understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to extend, create and interpret knowledge in Computer Science.

 

(LO2) Have a conceptual understanding sufficient to:(i) evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Computer Science and (ii) propose possible alternative directions for further work.

 

(LO3) Be able to: (i) deal with complex issues at the forefront of the academic discipline of Computer Science in a manner, based on sound judgements, that is both systematic and creative, (ii) demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems within the domain of Computer Science, (iii) act autonomously in planning and implementing solutions in a professional manner and (iv) define, plan, and/or carry out a project related to research and to communicate conclusions clearly to both specialists and non-specialists.

 

(LO4) Make use of the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:(i) the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, (ii) decision making in complex and unpredictable situations, (iii) scientific risk identification, assessment and control, and (iv) the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

 

(LO5) Understand and participate within the professional, legal, social and ethical framework within which they would be expected to operate as professionals within the IT industry.

 

(LO6) Have the skills set to be able to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level, with respect to continuing professional development as a "self-directed life-long learner" across the discipline of Computer Science.

 

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

 

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

 

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

 

(S4) Time and project management - Project planning

 

(S5) Research skills - Ethical awareness

 
29. Teaching and Learning Strategies
 

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description:
Attendance Recorded: No

Standard on-campus delivery
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions
Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: On-campus synchronous sessions

 
30. Syllabus
   

1. Introduction and overview of the module. 2. The nature of CS research; what is research? 3. Literature searches, information gathering 4. Reading and understanding research papers. 5. Technical writing, referencing, bibliographies. 6. Presentation skills, written and oral. 7. Choosing or proposing a project. 8. Project planning, tools and techniques for planning. 9. Project conduct, time management, risk management, team working. 10. Commercial and economic considerations in IT research and IT industry. 11. Review of legal, ethical, social and professional (LSEP) issues including data protection and standards.

 
31. Recommended Texts
  Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
 

Assessment

32. EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
   
33. CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
  (516) Research project (research, paper, literature review, project proposal, ...) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assess 0 60
  (516.1) Group oral presentation Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1 0 20
  (516.2) Class test There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1 0 20