Module Descriptors
MSC DISSERTATION (STOKE)
COIS70706
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Jonathan Westlake
Email: J.C.Westlake@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 12
Independent Study Hours: 588
Total Learning Hours: 600
Assessment
- DISSERTATION weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Resources
Software and hardware appropriate to the chosen project together with standard computing facilities.
Module Indicative Content
This is a major piece of work to be carried out on an individual basis. You are expected to highlight two seperate strands during your work on the dissertation: understanding and application. The first part will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject domain. The second part will allow you to demonstrate your abilities through investigationof the problem and the application of appropriate knowlegde and skills in providing solutions.
The major aim of the Dissertation is to allow you extendand unify your understanding of the subjects as developed in the underlying modules. The production of the Dissertation is supported byan academic supervisor, who will help you develop your ideas.
It is envisaged that the Dissertation will focus on a particular topic in a computer related field. It is typically expected that projects will seek to apply technology to business management and computing scenarios with a view to the development of knowledge and understanding of how computing can contribute to further business and computing efficiency. This will involve a critical study of recent developments in the field and will normally be illistrated by a practical component which may take the form of a software product, design document (includingrigorous specification), or guidelines.
Software product - Protoype of a suitable application, interface or tool.
Design document or specification - A suitable document to include planning, modelling, implementation and testing recommendations together with a rigorous specification.
Framework - Document detailing research into method, components / approach, tools or testing and taken to the production of a small prototype.
Guidelines - Set of recommendations based upon relevant research, developed theorem and models which have undergone some form of trial or testing process.
The major aim of the Dissertation is to allow you extendand unify your understanding of the subjects as developed in the underlying modules. The production of the Dissertation is supported byan academic supervisor, who will help you develop your ideas.
It is envisaged that the Dissertation will focus on a particular topic in a computer related field. It is typically expected that projects will seek to apply technology to business management and computing scenarios with a view to the development of knowledge and understanding of how computing can contribute to further business and computing efficiency. This will involve a critical study of recent developments in the field and will normally be illistrated by a practical component which may take the form of a software product, design document (includingrigorous specification), or guidelines.
Software product - Protoype of a suitable application, interface or tool.
Design document or specification - A suitable document to include planning, modelling, implementation and testing recommendations together with a rigorous specification.
Framework - Document detailing research into method, components / approach, tools or testing and taken to the production of a small prototype.
Guidelines - Set of recommendations based upon relevant research, developed theorem and models which have undergone some form of trial or testing process.
Module Learning Strategies
A typical dissertation requires you to:
Identify the area of study.
Develop a plan including for the project milestones, deliverables and development schedule.
Identify the resources needed.
Following this the research and development needs to be carried out. This should be based on the techniques and knowledge gained from the underlying modules, together with advice from an academic supervisor. Finally the report should be produced describing the achievements, techniques used and analytical aspects of the Dissertation. You will also be required to attend an viva voce to orally present the report content
It is expected that student and supervisor will be in weekly contact over the 24 week completion of the dissertation. This will typically involve the student emailing their weekly progress to the tutor three days in advance of a half hour supervision meeting that can be held face-to-face, on the telephone, or email.
12 hours - 24 x half hour sessions
Identify the area of study.
Develop a plan including for the project milestones, deliverables and development schedule.
Identify the resources needed.
Following this the research and development needs to be carried out. This should be based on the techniques and knowledge gained from the underlying modules, together with advice from an academic supervisor. Finally the report should be produced describing the achievements, techniques used and analytical aspects of the Dissertation. You will also be required to attend an viva voce to orally present the report content
It is expected that student and supervisor will be in weekly contact over the 24 week completion of the dissertation. This will typically involve the student emailing their weekly progress to the tutor three days in advance of a half hour supervision meeting that can be held face-to-face, on the telephone, or email.
12 hours - 24 x half hour sessions
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Enrolled on MSc Computing for Business, MSc Computing Solutions for Business or MSc Computing.
Module Texts
Research papers and standard textbooks appropriate to the area of study.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Dissertation (100%) - Learning Outcomes 1-4