This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module COMP3411: CONTEMPORARY COMPUTER SCIENCE III (20 credits)
Department: Computer Science
COMP3411: CONTEMPORARY COMPUTER SCIENCE III (20 credits)
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2016/2017 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- At least two level 2 Computer Science modules including Programming Paradigms (COMP2221)
Corequisites
Excluded Combinations
- Contemporary Computer Science III (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.
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.
- Security
- Network analysis
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of how Computer Science impacts on emerging areas in Science and Technology
- an in-depth knowledge of different paradigms and techniques from two areas of contemporary 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 implement key algorithms within the 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.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lectures | 44 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 44 | |
| problem classes | 4 | 2 each in terms 1 and 2 | 2 hours | 8 | Yes |
| preparation and reading | 148 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 66% | Examination | 1.5 hours | 100% | |
| Coursework | 34% | Practical work | 100% | No |
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.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.