Code

COMPGC99

Year

MSc

Prerequisites

Successful completion of core and option courses within the MSc Computer Science

Term

2-3

Taught By

Various academic staff supervisors (Co-ordinated by Graham Roberts (100%)

Aims

To give students experience of undertaking and completing a large piece of work, applying techniques learned throughout the programme, including the technical skills of analysis, design and implementation.

Learning Outcomes

To be able to: work individually developing a major project, plan and coordinate development activities, make realistic work commitments, present the work done effectively to a deadline.

Overview

There is no set syllabus: students identify their chosen project area and are allocated a supervisor who is a member of academic staff. The supervisor provides support and guidance. The project runs from immediately after the examination period (May) with the students responsible for organising themselves and their work, with advice from their supervisor. Student are expected to meet with their supervisor on a regular basis, as agreed with the supervisor. A typical project will comprise approximately 4 weeks of background reading, analysis and design, followed by 4 weeks of implementation and finally 4 weeks to write an in-depth dissertation.
Exceptionally a student may undertake a project that does not require programming skills. However a student undertaking such a project would be required to demonstrate an exceptionally high level of skill in the areas of analysis synthesis critical assessment and design. It is not a soft option and students are advised that such a project is typically much harder than a 'programming' project.
Some projects are done in conjunction with other departments of the College. Others are done in conjunction with external organisations although supervision is always provided within the department.

Project Report

The main report documents the results of the project. The deadline for submission is normally around the end of the first week of September. The project has a weighting equivalent to 2 course units so represents one third of the MSc programme.
The final report is normally recommended to be not more than 45 pages long although appendices are permitted. The total length of report and appendices must not exceed 120 A4 pages.

Individual working with support from the project supervisor.

The course has the following assessment components:

• Reports (100% project report hours, 100%)

To pass this course, students must:

• Pass the Coursework (50% or more)

Books, papers, manuals etc. relevant to the project.

Detailed project guidelines