Computer Science

This module will introduce you to a range of topics in Computing which are currently in the research arena and which relate to the active research interests of members of staff, and thereby convey an understanding both of the nature of research in Computing and of the expertise available in the department (for example, for project supervision in the final year).

Owing to the diverse nature of computer science disciplines, not all are covered by modules from a particular computer science programme.  This module, consisting of a number of relatively short seminars, is aimed at providing you with a basic knowledge of a variety of computer disciplines, the methods and techniques they employ as well as the limitations and achievements of each of them.

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 demonstrate general knowledge about a number of different areas of Computing research;
2 demonstrate more detailed specific knowledge about one area of Computing research.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 understand that Computing is a subject in which active research can be pursued both at a practical and a theoretical level;
4 understand the nature of academic research and how it differs from, for example, commercial enterprise.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:
5 use the library and the internet to follow up references in researching a topic of interest;
6 write a concise general summary covering a range of related topics;
7 write a more detailed review of a specific topic.

The topics covered in the seminars may vary from year to year as they will depend on the current research interests of the lecturers presenting them. However, they are expected to include some aspects of machine learning, optimisation, nature-inspired computation and knowledge representation.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Reading list for this module: