COMP SCI 3020 - Advanced Topics in Computer Science

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

Specialised study within an area of Computer Science, guided by a supervisor. 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 3020
    Course Advanced 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 2008
    Restrictions Only available to students enrolled in B. Computer Science (Advanced)
    Course Description Specialised study within an area of Computer Science, guided by a supervisor. 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 Use advanced skills in independent project work and research
    2 Discuss advanced level knowledge in a selected area of contemporary computer science
    3 Apply 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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,3

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    May vary with topic but generally access to internet and computer.
    Recommended Resources
    There are no recommended resources for this course
    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 (almost) every week meet with the course coordinator/tutor 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/tutor 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 some of these meetings, the student will make an informal presentation that will be assessed by the course coordinator. he 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 3-4 hours of contact time per week, and approximately 16-18 hours of independent study time.
    Learning Activities Summary
    There are no official lectures associated with this course, as the main purpose is to provide a platform for joint work with an academic supervisor.
    All course-related activities are announced via MyUni.
  • 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
    There are three milestones:

    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual / Group Formative / Summative Due (week)* Hurdle criteria Learning Outcomes CBOK Alignment**
    Final Report: 40 Individual Formative / Summative Week 13 Min 40% 1. 2. 3. 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Final Presentation: 30 Individual Formative / Summative Week 12 1. 2. 3.  1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3
    Design Document: 30 Individual Formative / Summative Week 3 1. 2. 3.  1.1 1.2 2.4 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 


    * 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 Detail
    Design Document: "Introduction", "Motivation", "Literature Review", "Project Goal and Challenges", "Timeline".
    Final Report: "Supervision vs Independence", "Review of Area", "Plan", "Work Produced", "Presentation".
    Final Presentation: "Presentation", "Introduction and Motivation", "Methodology", "Results".
    Submission
    Submission details for all activities are available in MyUni but the majority of your submissions will be online and may be subjected to originality testing through Turnitin or other mechanisms. You will receive clear and timely notice of all submission details in advance of the submission date.
    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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