Introductory description

The dissertation is intended to give students the opportunity to consolidate the knowledge that they have acquired during the first half of the MSc, and to undertake a research led project. Students are expected to carry out a significant development exercise, either in the form of a research project or a knowledge transfer project that is applying recent research and the advanced topics taught in the first half of the course.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The research interests of staff members, as typically represented by (but not restricted to) the modules in the taught component of the MSc, will be the major source of dissertation topics. A degree of industrial input and involvement will be encouraged, and can be facilitated through existing academic-industrial collaborations or by addressing specific topics that are of interest to industrial partners. The dissertation project will be prefaced by CS908 Research Methods covering issues of project management, planning, literature seach, and general research skills. All projects will be closely supervised by academics with ongoing feedback and guidance at all stages of the project from the conception to completion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Carry out a comprehensive research project and critically interpret results in computer science and applications
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of one area of computer science at, or approaching, the frontiers of research.
• Interpret and evaluate results in computer science.
• Demonstrate independent learning skills
• Write an extended scientific report and show research skills (including the use of library and web resource s)
• Show good oral communication skills

Research element

Research paper reading.
Research literature analysis and critique.

Subject specific skills

Computer science research skills.

Transferable skills

Technical - Experience in undertaking critical reading and interpretation of technical articles. An understanding of the hardware and software systems that are linked to the area of the dissertation. Technical skills in the analysis, design and implementation of complex systems in support of a research and /or commercial goal.
Communication - Lecture listening. Technical report writing. Technical document comprehension and analysis. Documenting software solutions. Research paper reading. Presentation skills.
Critical Thinking - Systems analysis and technical problem solving. Research literature analysis and critique.
Multitasking - Management of competing deadlines and priorities. Management of parallel project activities.
Teamwork - Working under the supervision of a an academic advisor.
Creativity - Developing solutions to a research or industrial problem.
Leadership - Combining critical thinking and technical understanding in the development of an original solution, whilst being able to convey the process to an informed audience and being receptive to supervisory support.