CSMPR16-MSc Project

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 80 [40 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Carmen Lam
Email: carmen.lam@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students enrolled on MSc Advanced Computer Science have to do a dissertation project, which is a major component of the study programme, worth 80 credits (out of a total 180 credits). The student must pass this module in order to be awarded an MSc degree. 

Aims:

The aim of the dissertation is to allow MSc students to define and execute a piece of research on a specific topic of their choice, with direction from an academic supervisor, and to effectively communicate their findings in an appropriate form.

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as problem solving;  creativity and critical thinking; hypothesis generation and testing; literacy; action planning and decision making; self-reflection; negotiation and persuasion; and organisation and time management; professional communication (with supervisors and peers); initiative and self-motivation; software design and development; effective use of commercial software; end-user awareness; presentation skills and technical report writing for technical and non-technical audiences.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students are set a major research project which they have to plan and execute, and to present both orally and in written form. The assessment will be on the basis of a written dissertation and by an oral presentation and examination.

Additional outcomes:

Design, build and test a specified system; project management, organisational and presentation skills.

Outline content:

This is the main MSc project, which must be done individually and contain an element of original work. The project will usually be allied to some current research done in the Department/School.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students are provided with guided reading on generic research methods. The students work independently, with direction from an academic supervisor. The self-directed nature of study for this model should encourage students to be resourceful in their search.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials		1
Project Supervision		4	10
Guided independent study:		95	690
Total hours by term	0	100	700
Total hours for module	800

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two pieces of assessment for the dissertation:

1. Dissertation report (90%), and


2. Presentation and demonstration (10%)

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be provided throughout supervision and research activities.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Students are required to contact the module convenor to determine the specified assessment component(s). Submission of the specified assessment component(s).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022