| Unit name | Human-Computer Interaction (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMS30029 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Bird |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
COMS10014 Mathematics for Computer Science A and COMS10013 Mathematics for Computer Science B or equivalent. COMS20009 Interaction and Society or equivalent. Knowledge of statistics (for experimental research) and qualitative research methods. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EITHER COMS30027 Human-Computer Interaction (Examination assessment, 10 credits) OR COMS30075 Human-Computer Interaction (Examination and Coursework assessment, 20 credits). Please note: COMS30029 is the Teaching Unit for the Human-Computer Interaction option. Single Honours Computer Science and some Joint Honours students can choose to be assessed by either examination (10 credits, COMS30027) or examination and coursework (20 credits, COMS30075) by selecting the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. Any other students that are permitted to take the Human-Computer Interaction option are assessed by examination (10 credits) and should be enrolled on the co-requisite exam assessment unit (COMS30027). |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Humans are technological creatures. We have always built tools, and continue to do so systematically, such that without tools our species would not have flourished the way it did. Tools help us build and shape the world we live in, but they also shape the way we think and act in it. This unit is about gaining a deep understanding about this intricate feedback loop in the way we design interactions with and through computers - arguably one of the greatest tools humans have built to date. We will trace how our thinking about human-computer interaction (HCI) has evolved and cover HCI theories, models and frameworks and their applications in the design of today's and tomorrow's interactive technologies.
COMS30029 provides the theoretical foundations that underpin HCI, with both theoretical and practical elements.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This is an optional unit that can be taken in Year 3.
An overview of content
The field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) draws on many disciplines and spans an ever more increasing range of application areas; from the social, cognitive and computational sciences to design, engineering and art, and from tasked-based actions with clearly defined quantifiable outputs to other activities that have no underlying goals other than enjoyment and an emphasis on the quality of experience. Interactive technology also continues to be used in ever more changing contexts and dynamics, with interaction paradigms shifting away from traditional keyboard, mouse and touch screens and towards mobile, multisensory, wearable and body integration and augmentation.
This unit explores the multidisciplinary nature of HCI theory and application, with the aim of introducing students to the rich and varied foundations of HCI, to survey the theories, models and frameworks and analytical perspectives that underpin HCI research and practice, and to outline a set of advanced topics in the application of HCI.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
The student will develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of human-computer interaction. They will be able to examine interactive situations using different theoretical perspectives and extract and apply appropriate design insights accordingly.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the 3 waves historical development of the theoretical underpinnings of human-computer interaction
2. Appreciate and comprehend multi-disciplinarity in human-computer interaction
3. Explain the methods of cognitivist, contextual and experiential analysis of interaction with technology
4. Synthesise a wide range of analytical perspectives to characterise interactions with and through technology
When the unit is taken with the associated 20 credit option that includes coursework, students will also be able to:
1. Capture interaction data from real-world scenarios
2. Analyse interactive situations using a variety of perspective to extract and apply design insights
The unit includes, hands-on lab, seminars, and a series of panel discussions with international HCI experts as guest speakers on key topics. This will provide concrete examples of how HCI theories, models and frameworks influence both research and industry practice in interaction design. If taken with coursework, the unit provides weekly coursework support sessions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical hands-on activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in weeks 9-11 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in Weeks 12.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
2-hour exam (10 credits: COMS30027 – 100%; COMS30075 – 50%)
In addition, students taking COMS30075 will also take a coursework in weeks 9-11 (50%, equiv. to 10 credits.)
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will retake relevant assessments in a like-for-like fashion in accordance with the University rules and regulations
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMS30029).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
