Research Methods (COMP90044)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIM
“The aim of scientific research is to produce new knowledge. To be useful, new knowledge must be able to stand up to critical scrutiny, and its presentation to other researchers and/or to the public must be persuasive. This subject is an introduction to the processes of science as they apply to computing and related disciplines, including designing experiments, locating relevant literature, writing papers, giving presentations and refereeing. Underlying all of these, the subject will foster the development of critical thinking, a skeptical, scientific perspective, and scientific ethics. This subject will be particularly useful for students contemplating undertaking a research degree, or for students currently enrolled in a research degree (MPhil or PhD).”
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Introduction to research methods and being a researcher; research writing; reviewing and refereeing; reading and assessing literature; research planning; empirical methods; research presentations; statistical methods; ethics.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
Having completed this unit the student is expected to:
- Explain the principles of scientific research
- Describe and appreciate the roles of rigour and skepticism in producing results of high impact
- Explain the ethical guidelines governing academic research
- Demonstrate knowledge of and experience in research planning, analysis of research, experimental methods and written and spoken communication.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have the following skills:
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
- Ability to manage information and documentation
- Capacity for creativity and innovation
- Ability to communicate effectively both with the engineering team and the community at large.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Completion of 50 points of third year computing study or equivalent or enrolment in a Masters degree
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM90016 | Advanced Topics in GIScience | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A 1500 word literature review on a chosen research topic (30%), addressing Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 2 and ILO 4, first draft due in approximately week 4 and second draft due in approximately week 11. Requiring approximately 35 - 40 hours of work
- A 10 minute presentation on a research topic (20%), addressing ILO 1 and ILO 4, to be delivered in approximately week 11, requiring approximately 25 -30 hours of work
- A 2000 word research plan and experimental design, focusing on research questions with justifications and discussion of plausible outcomes and an experimental design to test a hypothesis (30%), addressing ILO 1, ILO 2 and ILO 3 and ILO 4, due in approximately week 12. Requiring approximately 35-45 hours of work
- A 1500 word research paper review (20%), addressing ILO 2 and ILO 4, due in approximately week 7 and requiring approximately 25 -30 hours of work
- To pass the subject, students must obtain at least 50% overall.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator James Bailey Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of one 3-hour lecture per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Prof James Bailey
email: baileyj@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will comprise a mixture of lectures and workshops (3 hours each week). A significant amount of project work is assigned throughout the semester.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Evans, D. and Gruba, P. and Zobel, J. How to Write a Better Thesis, 3rd edition, Melbourne University Press, 2011
Zobel, J. Writing for Computer Science, 2nd edition, Springer, 2004.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
The subject will provide students with a greater awareness about pathways to and practice for a career in industrial or academic research.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Computer Science) Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Informal specialisation Computer Science Informal specialisation Master of Engineering (Software) Specialisation (formal) Software Major Computer Science - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022