Unit information: Individual Project: Research Proposal in 2015/16

Unit name	Individual Project: Research Proposal
Unit code	COMSM0011
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Dave Cliff
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	COMSM0111
School/department	Department of Computer Science
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit covers the skills needed to carry out technical and scientific research and to exploit the results of the research. This may be in a University research group or in a Research and Development Laboratory in a company. It will be delivered in the context of technical, theoretical or experimental research relating to areas of Computer Science. The emphasis will be on mechanisms for effective research, including teamwork and the generation of ideas, writing technical strategy documents (whitepapers) and academic publications, and for successful exploitation, such as gaining funding and commercial or social enterprise. Topics will range from how to carry out literature searches, formulate research problems and publish academic papers, through to writing research proposals and applying for patents.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will:

1. have good knowledge of the skills and mechanisms necessary for carrying out effective research
2. be able to conduct thorough background literature and technical searches
3. be aware of the academic publication process and how to write an effective publication
4. be aware of the avenues available for exploitation of research and for gaining further funding
5. be able to write a convincing research proposal or technical strategy document

Teaching Information

One three-hour session per week. Over the duration of the unit, this session involves lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, and directed reading.

Assessment Information

100% coursework. Students will submit a Research Proposal relating to their project conducted in unit COMSM0111 Individual Project : Implementation

Reading and References

W Booth, G Colomb J M Williams The Craft of Research, University of Chicago Press, 2005