Module Details

Module Code: COMP9021
Title: Computing Research Project
Long Title: Computing Research Project
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module the learner is expected to undertake independent study. As part of this self-directed learning the student will employ various research methods and will propose a research question that will be addressed as part of a research based project relevant to their field or domain or expertise. The student will be expected to disseminate the research work and research outcomes through an oral presentation, poster presentation and submission of a thesis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Plan and implement self directed learning to further knowledge and understanding of an unfamiliar and/or ill defined problem.
LO2 Select and implement appropriate research methods and techniques with the aim of indentifying a research question in a specific domain.
LO3 Establish a contribution to the development of knowledge in the specific discipline.
LO4 Apply appropriate written and oral communication skills and synthesise the research work in the form of presentation, abstracts, executive summaries, technical papers and a dissertation.
LO5 Prepare a thesis that details and evaluates the work undertaken and justifies the conclusions reached.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
General
Supervised self directed learning that addresses the learning outcomes, draws on the overall curriculum content and critically evaluates a specific research problem.
Research Methods
Searching for information. Research methods. The nature of research. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methodologies. Literature searches: Sources (magazines, journals, Web, impact rating, quality of source). Online databases (INSPEC, Compendex, IEEE, CiteSeer, ACM Portal), Searching the Web, Systematic searching, Management of information found, Referencing. Research Ethics - Ethics, privacy and information security. Computer Ethics. Cyber ethics. Ethical design. Posthuman era, machine ethics, unintended consequences. Case studies - Facebook Mood Manipulation Experiments.
Research Question
The learner is required to identify their research question through identifying, applying and critically interpreting appropriate, rigorous and employing advanced research methods and techniques.
Oral and poster presentation
Disseminate the research work and outcomes and communicate effectively, through oral and poster presentations. This will include an in-depth question and answer session.
Thesis
Present a thesis which communicates and disseminates the research work undertaken and the research outcomes developed. The thesis should include the analysis undertaken, results of the work and how this work contributes to furthering knowledge in the specific field of research. The learner must demonstrate a deep and fundamental understanding of the specific research problem addressed.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Submit a report summarising the work undertaken
(attendance at interview may be required).
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Oral and poster presentation on the research project.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Dissertation submission outling the topic, research
question and methodology, project and plan.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Review of Progress Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Project work and independent learning Every Week 41.00 41
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Review of Progress Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Project work and independent learning Every Week 41.00 41
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Judith Bell, Stephen Waters, Helen Johnson (2024). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers 8e, 8th. Open University Press, [ISBN: 0335252427].
  • Martyn Denscombe. (2021), The Good Research Guide, 7th. Open University Press, [ISBN: 0335249833].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Robert K. Yin (Editor). (2018), Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, 6th. Sage Publications, [ISBN: 1506336167].
  • Kate L. Turabian. (2018), A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 9th. University of Chicago Press, [ISBN: 022643057X].
  • Levin, P.. (2011), Excellent Dissertations, Student Friendly Guides, Open University Press, [ISBN: 0335238610].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Halpern, J. W.. (1988), Getting in deep: Using qualitative research in business and technical communication, 2(2),
    https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ377430
  • Rude, C. D.. Mapping the Research Questions in Technical Communication, Journal of Business and Technical Communication, Jan 2009.
  • Håkansson, Anne. (2013), Portal of research methods and methodologies for research projects and degree projects, The 2013 World Congress in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Applied Computing WORLDCOMP 2013.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Travis, Tiffini A. (2017), From the classroom to the boardroom: The impact of information literacy instruction on workplace research skills, Education Libraries, 34(2).
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KINSE_9 Master of Science in Cybersecurity 3 Mandatory
CR_KCYMN_9 Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management 3 Mandatory
CR_KINDD_9 Master of Science in Technical Communication 4 Mandatory