41078 Computing Science Studio 1
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRecommended studies:
Completion of first-year Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) subjects.
Description
Computer scientists grapple with difficult computational problems, from fast and efficient compression algorithms to finding the fastest route home in the evening. This studio subject immerses students in some of the interesting challenges that they face by replicating and expanding on a research result from the computing science literature, under the mentorship of leading researchers from UTS. Students also focus on skill development for their careers in computing science – developing the communication skills necessary for academic and professional communication, the ethical principles required of modern IT professionals, and the analytical skills needed for the critical use of academic literature.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Construct written, spoken, and visual communication with accuracy and clarity. |
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| 2. | Obtain and critically evaluate academic resources and information. |
| 3. | Synthesise the words and ideas of others ethically and effectively. |
| 4. | Apply appropriate research methods and replicate research results. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Establish priorities and goals (A.2)
- Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures (B.3)
- Implement and test solutions (B.5)
- Demonstrate research skills (B.6)
- Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose (E.1)
- Work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams within a multilevel, multidisciplinary and multicultural setting (E.2)
- Appreciate ethical implications of professional practice (F.2)
Teaching and learning strategies
The central goal of this subject is to introduce students to the practices of academic research, providing foundational skills for successful careers in research-based environments.
While a wealth of information is available on research practices and associated skills, to provide an authentic experience from which the students can construct practical learning the students need to engage in a research environment. To achieve this, the subject employs a studio-based learning approach to duplicate, in a managed environment, the experience of working as a researcher in computer science (broadly interpreted). The students will work in small groups in an active and collaborative manner, under the mentorship of an active academic researcher.
To prepare and guide the students, they will also be given preparation activities to develop the theoretical grounding which they will apply within the studio environment.
Content (topics)
1. Written and verbal communication in Computer Science research.
2. Accessing and evaluating research.
3. Ethical considerations in the research environment.
4. Research practices
5. Logic and Rhetoric
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Research and Evaluation Assignment
| Intent: | This task introduces students to the fundamental skills of searching and evaluating the existing scientific literature, understanding and exploring the context of existing research, and synthesising this knowledge to inform future research. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.2, B.3, B.6 and E.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1000-2000 words: made up of 250-500 words per evaluation for 4 evaluations. Bibliography and reference lists are excluded, but all other words are included. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Replication
| Intent: | This task develops skills in undertaking scientific research. The students will independently replicate existing results, providing a more structured environment that “green-fields” research, but still actively contributing to the scientific endeavour through verifying or falsifying existing work. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.5, B.6, E.1 and F.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1000-1500 words – the emphasis here is on the accuracy of the replication, and the report itself can be short. Bibliography and reference lists are excluded, but all other words are included. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Rewrite a paper
| Intent: | This task focuses on presenting evidence and results in a scientific manner appropriate to Computer Science research. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.2, B.3, B.5, B.6 and E.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 3000-4000 words, but mediated by the need to rewrite the paper thoroughly and with adequate coverage (ie. can be longer if necessary). Bibliography and reference lists are excluded, but all other words are included. The replication data you produced in assignment 2 can be used in this assignment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Engagement with collegial support
| Intent: | Reviewing and engaging with the broader scientific community is one of the fundamental tasks any researcher must engage in. This task gives the students opportunities to engage in constructive peer-review in an academic setting. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.5, B.6, E.1 and E.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | At least 500 words per peer-review. At least 10 discussion board posts of 100 words. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
