| Unit name | Advanced Topics in Theoretical Computer Science (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0068 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Clifford |
| 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. COMS10018 Object-Oriented Programming and Algorithms or equivalent. COMS20017 Algorithms and Data. COMS30042 Advanced Algorithms. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Assessment Unit COMSM0158 Advanced Topics in Computer Science |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This topics course exposes the students to a selection of advanced topics in theoretical computer science related to “Theory A” and complexity. These may include (but are not restricted to) time, space, circuit or communication complexity, and distributed, randomised, parameterised, streaming or approximate counting algorithms.
While results and problems of recent origin may be included in the syllabus, the instructors aim to make the material accessible to all students fulfilling the prerequisites by providing all necessary background material.
The unit is suitable for students with a firm grasp of the basic concepts in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year algorithms courses (Object-oriented Programming and Algorithms, Algorithms and Data, Advanced Algorithms) and likely of interest to those planning to move into industrial or academic research.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This is an optional unit that can be taken during the first eight weeks of TB1 in year 4. This positioning is crucial since the fundamental skills and knowledge about algorithms theory developed during the first three years of their study are essential. This unit is also delivered around the time that students are selecting their final year project topics, so can have an influence on the nature of projects undertaken.
An overview of content
The contents of this unit can vary from year to year. Recent topics have focussed on:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
This unit will introduce students to cutting edge areas of algorithms research. When streaming algorithms are covered, they will learn about an entirely distinct computational model to the usual offline model. They will be able to use probabilistic reasoning in sophisticated ways to reason about the algorithms presented. They may also learn about lower bound proofs, enabling them to understand what cannot be done as well as improving on what is possible.
Learning Outcomes
Teaching will take place over seven weeks and will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Teaching will take place over the first 8 weeks of the term (excluding the reading week). During the taught phase of the unit, students will progress through a series of problem sheets that encourage an in depth understanding of the material. Problems classes will also be run to allow interactive learning of the material in a face-to-face setting with the lecturer and teaching assistant.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
This unit will contribute 50% towards the 20cp Advanced Topics in Computer Science exam, (equivalent to 1 hour of exam time) that will be sat during the winter examination period. This closed-book exam will assess all learning outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will retake the relevant assessment 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. COMSM0068).
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.
