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. Key knowledge and experience:
|
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EITHER COMS30081 Topics in Computer Science (Examination assessment, 20 credits). OR COMS30089 Human-Computer Interaction (Coursework & In-class test assessment, 20 credits) Please note: This unit is the Teaching only unit for the Human-Computer Interaction option. Students taking this unit choose to be assessed by EITHER the 20 credit point unit (COMS30089) OR as part of the Topics in Computer Science MINOR 20 credit examination unit. Students select the form of assessment to be taken by enrolling on the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. |
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 and without tools our species would not have flourished the way it has. 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 and the way we can systematically 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 teaches 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 during TB1 in Year 3. This unit is 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 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, with interaction paradigms shifting away from traditional keyboard, mouse and touch screens and towards mobile, multisensory, wearable systems that augment, and even integrate, with our bodies.
This unit explores the multidisciplinary nature of HCI theory and applications, with the aims of: introducing students to the rich and varied foundations of HCI; surveying 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?
Students 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, ALL students (both MAJOR and MINOR) will be able to:
When the unit is taken MAJOR 20 credit variant that includes coursework, students will also be able to
5. Capture interaction data from real-world scenarios
6. Analyse interactive situations using a variety of perspectives to extract and apply design insights
The unit includes, hands-on labs, 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 in weeks 9 – 11.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-8 (excluding reading week), with coursework support in weeks 9-11 and for students assessed by examination, consolidation and revision sessions in week 12.
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.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
For students taking this unit as a MINOR variant, there will contribute 50% to the 20cp 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 Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3.
For students taking this unit as a MAJOR variant, there will be two elements of assessment:
The use of two elements of assessment for the MAJOR variant mitigates the risk of students failing the unit, should they perform poorly in either single element of assessment.
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.