COMP SCI 2008 - Topics in Computer Science

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Introduction to a specialised area of Computer Science. Topics include theoretical and applied aspects of Computer Science. Combines guided reading and research with a significant individual or group project component.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMP SCI 2008
    Course Topics in Computer Science
    Coordinating Unit Computer Science
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites COMP SCI 1103, COMP SCI 1104
    Restrictions Only available to students enrolled in B. Computer Science (Advanced)
    Assessment Reports, Practical Assignments and / or Exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Gustavo Carneiro

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    1. Develop skills in independent project work and research.
    2. Acquire knowledge in a selected area of contemporary computer science.
    3. Improve communication skills in reporting findings of the study.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. Knowledge in a selected area of contemporary computer science.
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. Skills in independent project work and research.
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. Skills in independent project work and research.
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. Skills in independent project work and research. Communication skills in reporting findings of the study.
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. All
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. Skills in independent project work and research.
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. Skills in independent project work and research.
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. N/A
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    May vary with topic but generally access to internet and computer.
    Online Learning
    Will require contact with project mentor/supervisor, and formal presentation of work, but otherwise could all be done online.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    In this course, the student will meet regularly with the project supervisor, and once a week meet with the course coordinator to discuss the progress of the project.

    This course aims to introduce students to a range of fundamental research and project development skills. The course will be taught through a combination of meetings with the course supervisor and the project supervisor.

    The meetings with the course coordinator are to assess the weekly progress of the project and discuss the expected outcomes.  During these meetings, the student will make an informal presentation that will be assessed by the course coordinator.  The meetings with the project supervisor are to discuss the details of the development of the project.  


    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students are expected to spend 20 hours per six unit course. This includes approximately 2 hours of contact time per week (one hour with the project supervisor and one hour with the course coordinator), and approximately 18 hours of independent study time.
    Learning Activities Summary
    week topic lecturer       presentation written project and system
    1            Introduction and supervisor matching       GC
    2 Problem identification GC Presentation 1
    3 Literature review GC Presentation 2
    4 Literature review GC Presentation 3
    5 Research hypothesis GC Presentation 4
    6 Specification and design of project GC Presentation 5
     
     
    7 Specification and design of project GC Presentation 6
    8 Hypothesis testing and experiments GC Presentation 7
    9 Hypothesis testing and experiments GC Presentation 8
    10 Hypothesis testing and experiments GC Presentation 9
    11 Results communication GC Presentation 10
    12 Results communication GC Poster and demo presentation
    to the  
    School of Computer Science
    Submission of project and system
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Task Weighting Learning objectives
    Written Project  30% 1, 2, 3
    System 30% 1, 2
    Poster and demo presentation 20% 3
    Mid-term Presentations (10 presentations during the semester) 20% 3
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must obtain at least 40% in the written project and mid-term presentations components, and 50% overall, to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Written project: this will be a 6-8 page conference format paper. This paper will ideally be at a stage that can potentially be submitted to a conference of reasonable reputation.

    System: this will typically consist of a program showing the development of the project and experiments.

    Poster and demo: intended to be used as a conference style presentation, where the audience will be the faculty and students of the School of Computer Science.

    Mid-term Presentations: 5-10 minute presentation showing the weekly progress of the student.
    Submission
    Written projects and system will be submitted online, please refer to each assignment description for details.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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