Research Methods
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP4037 | Computer Science | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- COMP4037
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module exposes MSc students to a variety of research methods, providing students with good quantitative and qualitative skills. Research approaches covered include reading scientific papers, evaluation methods, scientific literature, surveys, case studies and examples of good research. In addition to project management, the module introduces the research process, from examining how problems are selected, literature reviews, selection of research methods, data collection and analysis, development of theories and conclusions, to the dissemination of the research based on analysis of research papers. The module also offers an overview of ethical considerations when conducting research, and support in identifying directions for MSc projects.
Target Students
Available to Level 4 PGT students in the School of Computer Science. This module is not available to students not listed above without explicit approval from the module convenor(s). This module is part of the Projects theme in the School of Computer Science.
Assessment
- 50% Report: Literature and technology review explaining the background of the student's dissertation project.
- 25% Video: Video summary of a research paper.
- 25% Visualisation: Data visualisation Analysis
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To expose students to research methodologies and approaches, and to be able to critically review research.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Ability to critically appraise and choose research methods, and justify their application to appropriate research problems.
- Ability to read scientific research papers and extract the essential knowledge from them.
- Identify and critically discuss managerial, political, economic and ethical problems associated with the development and execution of a research project.
Intellectual Skills
- Good understanding of research process and the application of appropriate research approaches to given problems.
- The ability to write a research literature review.
Professional Skills
- Enhanced skills to write research proposals to implement projects.
- The ability to evaluate available appropriate approaches to a given situation.
- Visual Data Analysis.
Transferable Skills
- Problem solving, ability to compare and contrast based on understanding and experience of research skills.
- Visual Data Analysis.