Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module COMP4031: COMPUTING METHODOLOGIES IV

Department: Computer Science

COMP4031: COMPUTING METHODOLOGIES IV

Type Open Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2017/18 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Computing Methodologies III

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce to the students the state-of-the-art in major areas of applied computing, giving them a knowledge of the current theoretical research, the emerging methodologies and the breaking technologies in these areas.

Content

  • Themes will be from the following areas:
  • Scientific Computing
  • Interconnection networks for parallel computing
  • Automated Reasoning
  • Distributed Simulation

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an in-depth knowledge of the state-of-the-art in several methodologies of applied computing
  • a critical awareness of the main open problems of current interest related to these methodologies
  • a comprehensive understanding of the research issues that relate to these problems, including recent developments and research trends, breaking technologies and opportunities for industrial innovation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to conduct significant self-study and critically evaluate research issues in the covered areas of applied computing
  • an ability to propose adaptions to computing methodologies to problems of current interest in the covered areas and evaluate their potential industrial implications.
Key Skills:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to read and understand technical papers
  • an ability to propose original solutions to problems of current interest.

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

  • Lectures provide the students with a focus on the content described above.
  • Supported by problem and paper reading classes where application of the theory and familiarisation with current research issues are enabled.
  • A substantial summative assignment encourages and guides further independent study to be conducted.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
lectures 44 2 per week 1 hour 44
problem classes 11 1 per two weeks 1 hour 11
preparation and reading 145
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100% No
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Practical work 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Example formative exercises given during the course. Additional revision lectures may be arranged in the modules 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