This module aims to prepare you for your dissertation project. It enables you to develop comprehensive understanding of approaches, methods, tools and techniques necessary for efficient and effective research in Computer Science and related areas, and in particular, by introducing you to research groups of the School, and topics and research in Computing. The module provides an opportunity to develop confidence and independence in researching a given or chosen topic, and to master skills and competences in critical thinking and reflection on learning. 

1. Discuss the purpose, goals and process of academic research 
    

2. Appreciate and compare a variety of research approaches, methods, tools and techniques, and choose appropriate methodology relevant to the research issue or topic 
    

3. Demonstrate the process of evaluating and synthesising prior knowledge through carrying out a literature review on a topic related to Computing 
    

4. Reflect upon their strengths and skills acquired or enhanced to date 
    

5. Create a project pitch and design a project plan 

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions and engage with online material. 

You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include: 

• on-line resources that you work through at your own pace (e.g. videos, web resources, e-books, quizzes), 

• on-line interactive sessions to work with other students and staff (e.g.  discussions) 

Critical awareness of current research trends 

Effective and efficient academic and professional peer-reviewed literature search, including restricting searches, identifying, locating, retrieving and storing documents 

Critical thinking in selecting and synthesis of literature relevant to the chosen or given topic 

Ability to cite and attribute credit correctly and acceptably 

Critically reflect on learning and performance on completion of research activities 

Project management and organisation 

A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations. 

Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations. 

Purpose, goals and process of academic research 

Contemporary Computer Science research 

Project proposal 

Project management and organisation 

Research strategies, data generation methods and data analysis 

Literature review: strategies and methods for effective literature search, retrieval and storage 

Process and principles of critical appraisal, construction of argument 

Research ethics 

Reflection