COMP SCI 2008 - Topics in Computer Science

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2020

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 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites COMP SCI 1104
    Corequisites COMP SCI 1103 or COMP SCI 2103
    Restrictions Only available to students enrolled in B. Computer Science (Advanced)
    Course Description 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.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Markus Wagner

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    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

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   1.6   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.1   3.2   3.3   3.4   3.5   3.6   

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    2
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    3
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-3
  • 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
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes CBOK Alignment**
    Project Paper 30 Individual Formative / Summative Week 13 Min 40% 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    System 20 Individual Formative Week 13 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Poster and demo presentation 20 Individual Summative Week 13 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Mid-term Presentations 20 Individual Summative Weeks 2-12 Min 40% 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Introduction and Literature Review Paper 10 Individual Summative Week 6 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
     
    This course has a hurdle requirement. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.

    **CBOK is the Core Body of Knowledge for ICT Professionals defined by the Australian Computer Society. The alignment in the table above corresponds with the following CBOK Areas:

    1. Problem Solving
    1.1 Abstraction
    1.2 Design

    2. Professional Knowledge
    2.1 Ethics
    2.2 Professional expectations
    2.3 Teamwork concepts & issues
    2.4 Interpersonal communications
    2.5 Societal issues
    2.6 Understanding of ICT profession

    3. Technology resources
    3.1 Hardware & Software
    3.2 Data & information
    3.3 Networking

    4. Technology Building
    4.1 Programming
    4.2 Human factors
    4.3 Systems development
    4.4 Systems acquisition

    5.  ICT Management
    5.1 IT governance & organisational
    5.2 IT project management
    5.3 Service management 
    5.4 Security management
    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 report: 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: 10 minute presentation showing the fortnightly progress of the student.

    Assessment Type Proportion of that
    Assessment
    Due Week Learning
    Objectives
    CBOK Mappping*
    Problem Solving
    (abstraction and design)
    Professional Knowledge
    (interpersonal communications)
    Technology Resources
    (data and information)
    Technology Building
    (programming, HCI, system
    development)
    Mid-term present.1 Formative
    and Summative
    4% week3 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    Mid-term present.2 Formative
    and Summative
    4% week5 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    Mid-term present.3 Formative
    and Summative
    4% week7 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    Mid-term present.4 Formative
    and Summative
    4% week9 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    Mid-term present.5 Formative
    and Summative
    4% week11 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    Written report Formative
    and Summative
    30% week12 1,2,3 5 5 5 5
    System Formative
    and Summative
    30% week12 1,2,3 5 3 5 5
    Poster present. Formative
    and Summative
    20% week12 1,2,3 5 5 5 5


    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.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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