Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module COMP2201: GROUP PROJECT

Department: Computer Science

COMP2201: GROUP PROJECT

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Programming

Corequisites

  • Software Engineering

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To understand the issues surrounding the project management and development of a significant piece of software within a team environment and provide an appreciation of the complexities and impact of legislation on the professional work environment.

Content

  • Project Management: preparing to be a manager; effective teamwork and leadership; team development (Tuckman); understanding team motivation; dealing with a crisis;
  • Legal and Social Issues: English law; data protection; privacy, intellectual property rights; contracts; professionalism
  • Team software development projects for internal and external third sector clients.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an understanding of project management theory and techniques.
  • an understanding of the important legal, ethical and moral issues relating to the building and use of computer applications.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to plan, organise, manage and implement a large scale software application as part of a team.
  • to improve their appraisal and evaluation skills through the use of peer and self assessment and critical appraisal of others work.
Key Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability in technical writing, oral presentation and social interaction
  • an ability to work with others as part of a team
  • an ability to solve problems in a team environment.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures provide the core material for managing a team project and how project management methods and techniques might be applied to practical scenarios. Legal, social, ethical and professional issues are introduced and debated.
  • Practicals provide the opportunity to develop a large software system as part of a team.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 1 per week 1 hour 20
Practicals 20 1 per week 2 hours 40
Preparation, reading and project work 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group Work 85% Yes
Legal, Social, Ethical, Professional Issues 15% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback through lecturer-led group discussion will be given throughout the development of the group projects which includes demonstration of a prototype software system. Industry seminars are sessions offered by external specialists (subject to availability).


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