Aims of Project Unit in Computer Science

Demonstrate appropriate level of intellectual skill

The aims of this unit are: demonstrate that they have the appropriate level of intellectual skill – i.e. the abilities to synthesise, criticise, develop and integrate material that they have met in the taught part of their particular course of study develop the ability to identify problems, analyse situations and develop solution develop the ability of project management to schedule their time and work, and schedule resources, assisted by supervision carry out and present in an organised way a substantial body of original work.

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of a selected specialist area within Computer Science, including theoretical and methodological approaches issues at the forefront of research or professional practice in that area.

2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

Independently design and undertake a rigorous and substantial investigation into an aspect of computer science and soundly justify the approach taken

Knowledge and skills gained from other units, and from your wider educational and working background (e.g. your first degree which may be in a subject area rather than computing), is a major integrative exercise. The project unit is an ideal vehicle for this purpose. You will be expected to develop an idea (most likely generated by a member of academic staff) and demonstrate your ability to develop it further, producing a suitable artefact by applying their technical, analytical, practical and managerial skills in an integrated manner. You are required to emphasise on a topic which sufficiently reflects on the course you are studying.

1.1 Aims

·demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of intellectual skills – i.e. the abilities to synthesise, criticise, develop and integrate material that you have met in the taught part of your particular course of study

·develop the ability to identify problems, analyse situations and develop solutions

·develop the ability of project management to schedule your time and work, and schedule resources, assisted by supervision

·carry out and present in an organised way a substantial body of original work.

1 Knowledge and understanding

Develop the ability to analyse situations, isolate problem areas and propose solutions in relation to Computer Security and Forensics, critically evaluate a specialist area, applying knowledge and skills in a practical way, establish and specify the contribution to knowledge achieved through in-depth research and extend current thinking to cater for future developments in the field Computer Security and Forensics.

2 Skills and abilities

Develop competence in abstracting a wealth of current information from literature or situations, devising and following a clear process of investigation, assimilating material in an effective manner and work creatively under guidance of a member of staff, planning and presenting a comprehensive thesis in a professional manner according to the project timescale.

·Contribution to knowledge - The project is the main way in which postgraduates show their potential for research work. This is achieved by making a contribution to knowledge in the respective field of study. Simply providing literature review on any topic does not carry contribution to knowledge and it is not suitable as project deliverable!

Please answer the following questions by circling YES or NO as appropriate.

1.Does the study involve vulnerable participants or those unable to give informed consent (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities, your own students)?

2.Will the study require permission of a gatekeeper for access to participants (e.g. schools, self-help groups, residential homes)?

3.Will it be necessary for participants to be involved without consent (e.g. covert observation in non-public places)?

4.Will the study involve sensitive topics (e.g. obtaining information about sexual activity, substance abuse)?

5.Will blood, tissue samples or any other substances be taken from participants?

6.Will the research involve intrusive interventions (e.g. the administration of drugs, hypnosis, physical exercise)?

7.Will financial or other inducements be offered to participants (except reasonable expenses or small tokens of appreciation)?

8.Will the research investigate any aspect of illegal activity (e.g. drugs, crime, underage alcohol consumption or sexual activity)?

9.Will participants be stressed beyond what is considered normal for them?

10. Will the study involve participants from the NHS (patients or staff) or will data be obtained from NHS premises?

If the answer to any of the questions above is “Yes”, or if there are any other significant ethical issues, then further ethical consideration is required. Please document carefully how these issues will be addressed.