COMP516 Research Methods in Computer Science (2008-09) -- 5,000 word essay

Your task for this assessment is to write a 5,000 word essay on a subject agreed between yourself and the examiner. This is the second of two essays which form the basis for the assessment of COMP516 `Research Methods in Computer Science' and accounts for 85% of the module mark. Failure on this assessment can be compensated by higher marks on the other assessment(s).

In principle, the subject of the second essay can be the consideration of any current research topic or current technological development in Computer Science. To give you some ideas for potential topics, a list of past topics can be found here.

A good essay will (i) help the reader to gain an understanding of the concepts involved in the subject area of the essay, (ii) provide an overview of the current state, possibly together with some historical information of the subject area, (iii) cover debates, different points of views, open questions, directions of future research and development in the subject area. Of particular interest are topics where there has been or there currently is a debate between two sides holding opposing views, e.g. pros and cons of software patents. In such a case the essay should present both sides and try to evaluate their arguments.

The subject of the second essay needs to be agreed between student and module co-ordinator. You should do so by sending an e-mail to U.Hustadt@csc.liv.ac.uk with your intended subject. As you should not start to work on your essay before you have received confirmation that your intended subject is acceptable, you should reach an agreement as soon as possible, ideally by Friday, 31 October 2008.

You should spend a total of 50 hours on this task.

Your essay should be about 5,000 words in length, using a 12 point size font, 1.5 line spacing, with on outer margin of at least 3.0cm. The essay must be written in your own words (see the University guidance on plagiarism and collusion, which can be found at http://www.csc.liv.ac.uk/~ullrich/adm/GuidelinesforPlagiarism.pdf, for additional information). Quotes are allowed if appropriate, limited in their extent, and clearly indicated as such. A list of references should be included and does not count towards the word limit.

General information on essay writing can be found at http://www.csc.liv.ac.uk/~ullrich/COMP516/assess.html#essay_writing.

Do not indicate a name, student id, or other information which could identify you in your essay. When handing in your essay, it will be assigned a unique number, and a list mapping that number to your name will be compiled. The intention is to mark essays anonymously.

Submission proceeds in two steps:

Submit an electronic version of your essay (either PDF format, which is the preferred format, or MS Word 2003 format, but NOT MS Word 2007 format via the departmental electronic submission system.
Your submission will be checked for collusion/plagiarism by TurnitinUK.
Submit a printout of your essay together with a completed declaration on plagiarism and collusion to Janet Lowry in the Student Office.

The deadline for the second essay is

Monday, 15 December 2008, 15.30

Earlier submission is possible, but any submission after the deadline attracts the standard lateness penalties. See http://www.csc.liv.ac.uk/department/regulations/practical.html for details. Regarding lateness, the later of the two submission steps will be considered as the date/time by which the essay has been submitted.

This assessment is intended to primarily address the following learning outcomes of the module:

have a conceptual understanding sufficient to: (i) evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Computer Science, and (ii) propose possible alternative directions for further work;
be able to deal with complex issues at the forefront of the academic discipline of Computer Science in a manner, based on sound judgements, that is both systematic and creative; and be able to communicate conclusions clearly to both specialists and non-specialists;
make use of the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: (i) the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, (ii) decision making in complex and unpredictable situations and (iii) the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;
have the skills set to be able to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level, with respect to continuing professional development as a "self-directed life-long learner" across the discipline of Computer Science;

while the activities involved in the assessment will also indicate that you

have an understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to extend, create and interpret knowledge in Computer Science.
demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems within the domain of Computer Science, and be able to act autonomously in planning and implementing solutions in a professional manner;
be able to define and plan a programme of independent research.

Finally, conformance with the University guidelines on plagiarism and collusion indicates that you have basic understanding of how to

participate within the professional, legal and ethical framework within which they would be expected to operate as professionals within the IT industry.

Detailed information on how the essay will be marked can be found at http://www.csc.liv.ac.uk/~ullrich/COMP516/marking.html.