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CS4040: RESEARCH METHODS (2023-2024)

Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46


Course Overview

In this course, you will conduct an individual research project into the behaviour of a computing system. You will develop knowledge and understanding of rigorous methods to: explore computing system behaviour; identify questions about behaviour; design experiments to answer those questions; analyse experimental results; and report on the outcomes of your research. You will develop your understanding of research ethics and how this relates to professional behaviour.

 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Arabella Sinclair
  • Professor Ehud B. Reiter

Qualification Prerequisites

  • One of Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In all the topics covered the emphasis will be on understanding the diversity of issues in and approaches to computing research, and imbuing the ability to select and utilise the appropriate tools for your research.

  • Introduction of Computing Research
  • Research ethics and professional behaviour
  • Identifying research questions and hypotheses - comparative analysis
  • Statistical methods
  • Experimental design methods
  • Approaches to analysis and drawing valid conclusions
  • Reviewing Research papers
  • Writing Research Reports

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Project Report/Dissertation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyStudents will be able to formulate research questions and hypotheses
FactualUnderstandStudents will be able to read and critically assess research literature
ProceduralAnalyseStudents will be able to design and carry out experiments to test research questions and hypotheses, statistically analyse experimental data, and draw appropriate conclusions
ReflectionCreateStudents will understand how to write a research report presenting their work, in LaTeX

Research Proposal

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyStudents will be able to formulate research questions and hypotheses
FactualUnderstandStudents will be able to read and critically assess research literature
ProceduralAnalyseStudents will be able to design and carry out experiments to test research questions and hypotheses, statistically analyse experimental data, and draw appropriate conclusions
ReflectionCreateStudents will understand how to write a research report presenting their work, in LaTeX

Formative Assessment

Peer Evaluation of Project Report

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandStudents will be able to read and critically assess research literature

Response Paper

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandStudents will be able to read and critically assess research literature

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements (pass marks carried forward)

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyStudents will be able to formulate research questions and hypotheses
ProceduralAnalyseStudents will be able to design and carry out experiments to test research questions and hypotheses, statistically analyse experimental data, and draw appropriate conclusions
ReflectionCreateStudents will understand how to write a research report presenting their work, in LaTeX
FactualUnderstandStudents will be able to read and critically assess research literature

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