| Unit name | MSc Project Computer Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM3201 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Calway |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
COMSM0084 Introduction to Computer Science |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit involves undertaking a major computer science project over the summer. It gives students the opportunity to make use of the knowledge and skills that they have developed during the taught component of the MSc programme. The expectation is that the project will involve a significant software development component applied to an application area, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to design, implement and evaluate a large piece of software that meets the specification and requirements of the application.
Students are encouraged to select application areas which align with their interests and/or previous degree subject and where appropriate to collaborate with organisations either inside the department such as research groups, or outside of the department, either in other parts of the University, with industry partners or with cultural/public organisations. This can include spending time working within the organisation if appropriate.
Students will begin thinking about their project area within Teaching Block 1 as part of the unit COMSM0084 Introduction to Computer Science, where they will be introduced to best practice in designing, implementing, evaluating and writing up computer science projects. Students are encouraged to come up with their own project ideas, developing them during Teaching Block 1 and Teaching Block 2, with projects being confirmed within Teaching Block 2, including project partners. Students will also select an appropriate academic supervisor who will provide guidance and advice during the project.
It is also possible for a group of students to work together on a single project. This provides opportunity for larger projects to be undertaken, widening the scope of potential topics and applications. Effective team working is highly valued by industry and this group project option allows students to gain further experience of working in a team in addition to that gained in the unit COMSM1401 Software Engineering and Group Project.
Projects are assessed in August/September by a demonstration and viva relating to the work completed and by a report. In the case of a group project, students do a joint demonstration and viva and submit both a joint report and individual reports, with the latter covering individual contributions and evaluations of the project.
Students who successfully complete the unit will be able to:
The supervision of the MSc project is carried out by a member of academic staff, sometimes with the assistance of a research associate or doctoral student. In the case of a collaboration with an organisation outside of the department, it is usual for a representative of that organisation to also contribute to the supervision in an advisory capacity. In the case of a group project, students can choose to have more than one supervisor, depending on the project.
Students meet regularly (at least fortnightly) with their supervisor(s) (and/or assistants) throughout the project period to provide an update on progress and to plan the next steps. Towards the end of the project the student will be given guidance on preparing for the demonstration and viva, and on writing the report.
Coursework (100%)
Dependent on individual project selection.
