Portfolio Coursework for Computer Science Research Areas

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

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.

Submission Requirements: The complete portfolio in a single document in PDF format should be uploaded to the canvas site for this module. The document should be named to reflect your tutorial group A#, student# and first name and surname as appears in the UH student records (example A01 123456 Deepthi Ratnayake).

Marks awarded for:

Formative verbal/written feedback will be given for the portfolio milestone reports through canvas and during the scheduled sessions as per the module delivery plan. Individual summative feedback will be given through canvas for the final submission. The assignment will be marked according to the attached marking scheme as such you should address each of the marking components within your assignment.

Every week, review & reflection questions related to the assessment activities will be posted on StudyNet. These questions will help you to reflect on the activities you will be undertaking as part of the assessed work for the module. Self-assessing your work as you progress through the module and help you understand the subject better. Feedback is not just the marks and the commentary at the end of the module – it is also the regular advice about your work as you undertake the practical activities. If you fail to undertake the tutorial activities and you fail to engage with the class and with the instructors, you will disadvantage yourself.

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?

b.Self-Reflection 1:

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

Task 2

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.

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?