Portfolio Coursework in Computer Science Research

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

This Assignment assesses the following module Learning Outcomes (from Definitive Module Document):

Knowledge and understanding:

LO1 Have a conceptual understanding of how established techniques of research are used to create and extend existing knowledge in computer science.

LO2 Be able to identify a research problem from synthesizing problem definitions from relevant literature.

LO3 Demonstrate originality in proposing alternative solutions within a chosen area.

Skills and attributes

LO4 Critically evaluate research literature and identify research problems to solve

LO5 Demonstrate ability to propose alternative approaches for future work in a chosen area.

LO6 Communicate research knowledge effectively in scholarly manner.

Aim: To provide exposure to research areas in Computer Science drawn from the Department’s research profile in order to provide preparatory ground for students to pursue a deeper investigation of a research topic as part of their Master’s project.

Your portfolio should include (in one document, structured appropriately) following;

Task 1:

a. A review report on your own research area (relevant to your own MSc route)

b. Self-reflection 1: using the guidelines received in Week 2 tutorial.

Task 2:

a. A review report on another distinct topic covered in the lectures in the subject areas below. As part of your tutorial work you are preparing these short reports on each topic with the support of your tutors. Where a topic seems quite broad, you can choose an aspect of it. The module will include 4-5 research talks by active researchers in UH on their subject areas ;

i. Networks, Security and Systems

ii. Human Oriented Computing

iii. Data Science

iv. AI & Robotics

v. Software Engineering

b. Self-reflection 2: using the guidelines received in Week 10 revision session. The report structure and the marking and feedback schemes and grade band descriptors are given in Annex ‘A’.

All work should be supported by a Title page showing the Module code, your name student number, MSc route and the words “Portfolio Coursework”, citations and adequate references (including approximately 15 high quality references) and appendices where required.

Research is not just for academics, governments and commercial/industrial organisations typically have a research units where teams of research and subject experts work systematically to create new knowledge/products/services and/or the use of existing knowledge/products/services in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes. Research encompasses pure and strategic basic research, applied research and experimental development. Applied research is original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge but directed towards a specific, practical aim or objective.

Assume that you have been newly appointed as a research assistant of a university/a large organisation with many research groups who are working on different research projects, are working along with you. During your probation period, your line manager has asked you to attend the company’s weekly research talks and prepare a portfolio, demonstrating that you have achieved the learning outcomes of your Advanced Research topics in Computer Science successfully and you are indeed, ready to join a British research team that produce world leading research outcomes.

a.Report on own research area

1.Title/research subject area

2.Research area: A brief description of the area

3.Relation to Computer Science in general:  What other areas in Computer Science and Science in general does the area relate to?

4.Research problem and research question:  Identifying a research problem and a significant research question in this area

5.Research methods:  What methods could be used to investigate this question.  Evaluate the effectiveness of these methods

6.Alternative solution/approach: Propose an alternative solution/approach for future work. How might this approach be generally beneficial to the society?  Are there any possible negative implications? (around 500 words)

b.Self-Reflection 1:

Self-reflection: using the guidelines received in Week 2 tutorial (around 250 words).

a.Report on another DISTINCT topic covered in the lectures

Note to the students: The research area must be from the guest lecture topic/theme and you must use one of the research papers given in the units ( 6, 7, 8, 9).

1.Title/research subject area

2.Research area: A brief description of the area (around 150 words)

3.Relation to Computer Science in general:  What other areas in Computer Science and Science in general does the area relate to?

4.Research problem and research question:  Identifying a research problem and a significant research question in this area

5.Research methods:  What methods could be used to investigate this question.  Evaluate the effectiveness of these methods

6.Alternative solution/approach: Propose an alternative solution/approach for future work. How might this approach be generally beneficial to the society?  Are there any possible negative implications?