Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module COMP51515: MODERN COMPUTING: FUTURE TRENDS AND RESEARCH

Department: Computer Science

COMP51515: MODERN COMPUTING: FUTURE TRENDS AND RESEARCH

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2016/17 Module Cap
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The objectives are to familiarise the student with, and give them practical/laboratory experience of, state-of-the-art research trends in the field. Both 'process' and 'product' topics will be addressed. While the details of the syllabus will vary from year to year to reflect advances in the field, the module will be given by staff members who are leading researchers in their field.

Content

  • The learning objectives will be met by selecting a number of advanced topics that are currently the subject of research (in the department), and study these in depth. In the laboratory, experiments will be undertaken to gain hands-on experience of these topics, using existing and current software tools (e.g. as used in research projects in the department).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Specialist knowledge: a critical awareness of current research topics
  • A practical understanding of techniques used to create and interpret new research
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate an ability to independently evaluate research issues including current practices, recent developments and emerging trends, and an ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them
Key Skills:
  • On completion of this modules students will be able to demonstrate an ability to understand and effectively communicate technical information, and an ability to use research and industry standard material within both existing and new system scenarios.

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

  • The module comprises two weeks of lectures, directed reading and laboratory exercises; and two weeks undertaking a major assignment. The overall workload conforms to the standard SLAT requirement of 150 hours equivalent to 15 credits.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 5 per week in weeks 1 and 2 2 hours 20
Tutorials 5 in Weeks 3 and 4 2 hours 10
Preparation and Reading 120
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Staged written feedback of laboratory and practical work and/or formative exercises


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