Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)
Module COMP4051: CONTEMPORARY COMPUTER SCIENCE IV (20 credits)
Department: Computer Science
COMP4051: CONTEMPORARY COMPUTER SCIENCE IV (20 credits)
| Type | Open | Level | 4 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Not available in 2013/14 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Software Methodologies AND Theory of Computation AND Software Engineering
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Contemporary Computer Science IV (20 credits), Contemporary Computer Science IV (40 credits)
Aims
- To introduce students to advanced topics in Computer Science that are finding application in modern technology.
- To introduce students to novel topics in Computer Science that have significant potential to impact upon future applications of Computer Science.
- To study two topics on contemporary aspects of Computer Science.
- To enable students to comprehend and develop research relevant to novel applications of Computer Science.
Content
- Topics will be selected that are currently provoking widespread interest as regards applications (current and potential) or research and development. Such topics include:
- GPU computing.
- Quantum computation.
- Algorithmic issues of the World Wide Web.
- Bioinformatics.
- Data mining.
- Multi-agent systems.
- Computer Aided Geometric Design.
- Photorealistic and physically accurate computer graphics.
- Visualising complexity and uncertainty.
- Empirical experiment design for computing.
- Novel high performance computing architectures and systems.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate: an understanding of how Computer Science impacts on important areas in Science and Technology
- an in-depth knowledge of different paradigms and techniques from several areas of contemporary Computer Science
- an appreciation of recent research applications of Computer Science.
Subject-specific Skills:
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate: that significant self-study has been undertaken and research reviewed in each of the two topic areas
- an ability to independently evaluate research issues related to the two topic areas including current practices, recent developments and further areas of possible exploration
- an ability to fully comprehend and have the potential to contribute to recent research advances in the two topic areas.
Key Skills:
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to novel directions in and applications of Computer Science.
- Students are assessed by formative and summative assessment and examinations.
- There is additional reading associated with the module which is assessed via summative coursework and an exam.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lectures | 44 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 44 | |
| problem classes | 11 | 1 per 2 weeks | 1 hour | 11 | |
| preparation and reading | 145 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 66% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Examination | 1.5 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 34% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Practical work | 100% | Yes | |
Formative Assessment:
Example formative exercises are given during the course. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the module's lecture slots in the 3rd term.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University