Handbook home
Research Methods (COMP90044)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Chris Ewin
cewin@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Simon Coghlan
simon.coghlan@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Research is a process of acquiring new knowledge by systematically and rigorously applying methods to address well-formulated questions. To be valuable, new knowledge must address a significant theoretical question, it must be supported by evidence and 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 research thinking, skills and methodologies as they apply to computing and related disciplines. The subject will foster the development of critical thinking, a sceptical and rigorous approach, and awareness of research 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) or a course-work degree with a research project (MIT, MIS).
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Research skills covered will include: surveying relevant literature, developing productive research questions, selecting and designing appropriate methods, analysing data and reasoning about their theoretical implications, communicating research both in writing and through oral presentation, and understanding the ethics of research. Qualitative methods covered include: ethnography, field data collection techniques (interviews, focus groups), thematic analysis, case studies and design-based research. Quantitative methods covered include: statistical thinking and techniques, hypothesis testing, experiment design, survey design, simulation studies.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Survey relevant literature, identify gaps and formulate productive research questions
- Conduct effective research design and planning
- Communicate research effectively in written form
- Demonstrate knowledge of selected research methodologies
- Apply rigour and skepticism in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research findings
- Apply ethical guidelines governing academic research
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: 1 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
GEOM90016 Advanced Topics in GIScience
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: 1 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
An individual critical literature review of 2000 words. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 3 and 5 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 7 | 40% |
An individual research methods evaluation and design assignment of 3000 words. ILOs 2, 4 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 14 | 50% |
Workshop exercises throughout the semester. ILOs 1 - 6 are addressed.
| From Week 2 to Week 12 | 10% |
Last updated: 1 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Chris Ewin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of two 1 hour lectures and one hour tutorial Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Chris Ewin
cewin@unimelb.edu.au - Semester 2
Principal coordinator Simon Coghlan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of two 1 hour lectures and one hour tutorial Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
Simon Coghlan
simon.coghlan@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 1 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Zobel, Justin, Writing for Computer Science, second edition, Springer
Recommended texts and other resources
Evans, Gruba, Zobel, How To Write A Better Thesis, 3rd Edition, Melbourne University Press, 2011
- 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 Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Science (Computer Science) Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Major Computer Science Specialisation (formal) Software - 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.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 1 February 2024