CS941-10 Research Methods

Introductory description

The module aims to facilitate students' acquisition of a range of research methods to become able to critically review and contribute to academic publications, ensure that students are aware of the legal framework within which research is conducted, and that students are sensitive to the social and ethical issues which affect Computer Science research.

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.

Introduction to research methods and collaborative software tools
Use of secondary sources and bibliiographic tools
Critique
Round-table research discussion
Academic writing and presenting
Opportunities and limitations of generative large language models.
Writing research proposals
Ethics and law in computer science research

Learning outcomes

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

• show a systematic understanding of the research methods used in Computer Science (CS) including time-management, project management skills and collaborative tools; distinguish between different types of academic writing; use electronic systems of bibliographic citation. avoid plagiarism of secondary sources by using a variety of writing strategies; demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and limitations of generative large language models.
• develop conceptual understanding to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses and offer support for them through empirical evidence; conduct peer reviewing in a professional manner;
• develop conceptual understanding of ethics and law in computer science research;
• skills to deliver an effective verbal research presentation; demonstration of improved written communication skills as demonstrated through writing an effective and realistic research proposal sustaining original and sound scientific arguments and using secondary sources in their writing in an accurate and honest manner;
• qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

independent research

Subject specific skills

• Understanding the research methods used in Computer Science (CS)
• Distinguishing between different types of academic writing strategies
• Writing an effective and feasible research proposal
• Understanding the principal legal issues which affect computer science research, and be aware of the need to recognise the ethical and social impact of computer science research activities
• Using electronic systems of bibliographic citation
• Using collaborative tools for software development
• Conduct research in CS in an effective and productive manner
• Writing a scientific paper
• Writing a research proposal
• Conducting a critical review of a scholarly article
• Managing a long research project and see it to completion
• Having a systematic understanding of the opportunities and limitations of using generative large language models

Transferable skills

Students will improve their qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in computer science and related areas, including the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development; working in teams;