COMP4251

Computer Science Honours Project - Part 1

Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

20 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012

This course is the first part of the CS Honours project.
It provides preparation for completion of a supervised research project. In part 1, students carry out a preliminary literature review of the material relevant to their project, develop a research proposal and timeline and begin their research project. They summarise and discuss their proposal in an intermediate report and present a seminar.
The Honours project (part 1 and 2 together) comprises a substantial project usually involving a detailed literature review together with a theoretical and/or practical investigation of a computer science problem. Technical content will be dependent on the project undertaken.

Objectives

1. Be acquainted with the steps necessary to plan a research project.
2. To give students the opportunity to carry out research oriented activities in a scientific way and to provide students with hands-on exposure to problems in the frontier of knowledge that are relevant to academia or to industry.
3. To develop research and communication skills. This includes techniques for discipline specific literature search and to give students the opportunity to present and discuss in written and oral form current research issues and associated literature in project relevant areas.

Content

Comprises planning and start of a substantial project usually involving a literature review together with a theoretical and/or practical investigation of a computer science problem. Technical content will be dependent on the project undertaken. The project work is embodied in a research report, and presented in a seminar. Additional instruction and assistance in report preparation and seminar preparation and delivery will be given.

Replacing Course(s)

COMP4250A - Honours Project - Part A

Transition

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

Permission from HOD. Knowledge is as required for the project undertaken

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Individual Supervision

Assessment Items

Presentations - Individual

The student is expected to present a seminar for the project proposal. The seminar should be presented before the end of the semester. The oral presentation should include project topic, goals, background (literature review), results achieved so far (if any) and research plan for the whole project including part 2 (COMP4252). The length of the presentation should be about 30 mins plus 10 mins for discussion and questions. The intention is to supply the Honours student with feedback on the project plan and provide an opportunity for improving oral presentation skills.

Reports

Before the end of week 10 an intermediate report should be presented to the project supervisor. The aim is to have a realistic and well-supported project proposal and plan developed. This intermediate project report and proposal should contain:
• Project title
• Project definition and description
• Literature review (at least 5 references)
• Discussion of possible outcomes of the project
• Plan for the whole project (including preliminary timeline and milestones).
The length of the intermediate report should be at least 10 pages. It will be marked by the project supervisor and returned to the student.

Contact Hours

Individual Supervision: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	B Computer Science (Hons)

Timetables