MSc in Computing graduates will need to remain up to date with new innovations in computing, which may be applicable to their chosen area of specialism. To achieve this, students must be able to undertake research using appropriate sources in an ethical and professional manner and present their research findings in an appropriate form. The major focus of this module will be on what research is, the different types in the student’s discipline, how to locate relevant research and then how to write correctly. This module develops the student's ability to effectively research and present their research findings by introducing them to the research process; equipping them with an understanding of computing research sources and how to use them critically and ethically and how to present their findings in an acceptable form.
Introduction to Scientific Research:
• What is scientific research?
• Primary versus secondary research.
• Underlying philosophical assumptions of research (ontology, epistemology and methodology) and how these influence the student’s discipline, particular research problems and choice of research method.
• Purpose and nature of quantitative research, qualitative and mixed methods research within the student’s discipline.
• Analysing and evaluating examples of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research from the student’s discipline.
• Understanding plagiarism and its implications.
• Ethical principles in research: minimise harm, autonomy, informed consent, right to privacy, accuracy and protection of data, limitations of use of data. Literature Searching:
• The concept of the body of knowledge.
• Research sources, types and pedigree.
• Literature search strategies.
• Sourcing published sources using digital technology.
• Referencing and citation of different types of sources, using appropriate referencing systems.
• Reference management tools. Report Writing:
• Different types of reports: basic structure; language and style; including images, data, and visualisations.
• Quoting, paraphrasing, summarising.
• Proofreading.
• Checking work for plagiarism using specialized software.
The module is designed to be delivered within a blended learning model, employing mixed modes (online and face to face) of learning, teaching and assessment.
TU059 will be delivered primarily in a face-to-face mode while TU060 will be delivered in a blended mode.
This module will involve student-based learning methods to allow students to learn by practice as much as possible.
Material may be presented in the form of lectures and seminars, however all contact periods will beopportunities to discuss and clarify the material and to put it into a more cogent and coherent framework.
Students will be expected to use library and internet based information sources extensively. They will be
encouraged to be pro-active in their approach to learning.
All students will be required to present problems, discuss solutions and work independently and in groups.
Students will be encouraged to think and reason for themselves and develop the critical skills needed at this
level.
Considerable emphasis will be placed on developing the student’s ability to effectively construct a report (or
position paper) demonstrating critical thinking, appropriate use of literature and their ability to express these
appropriately in a written form.
Students will be expected to develop independence and responsibility for their own learning.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |