| 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 | Dr. Bennett |
| 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%)
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. COMSM3201).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
