AMSc Research Methods Module co-ordinator: Jane Reid

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 2 Outline Aims of the module Schedule and staff Assessment Further information

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 3 Aims of the module To prepare for the summer project To teach basic research skills used in pure and applied research in computer science –Increase awareness of research resources –Foster analytical, critical and reflective skills –Raise awareness of the importance of “transferable skills” –Introduce the main approaches to computer science research –Teach appropriate research methods for these approaches –Give relevant, practical experience of applying these methods

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 4 Schedule and staff [1] Main slot: Tuesday 3-5, both semesters Tutorial slot (provisional): Thursday 4-5, both semesters Format of the course: –Weeks 1-4: background and transferable skills –Weeks 5-12: research approaches and methods –Weeks 13/14: transferable skills consolidation –Weeks 15-18: seminars/discussion –Weeks 19-24: project preparation

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 5 Schedule and staff [2] Week 1 Introduction - Jane Reid Philosophy of science - Graham White / Pat Healey Week 2 Philosophy of science - Graham White / Pat Healey Week 3 Transferable skills - Peter McOwan / Sean Gong Week 4 Information skills training (library-based) - Kathy Abbott

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 6 Schedule and staff [3] Weeks 5/6 Research approach I: analytical - Pat Healey / Jon Rowson Weeks 7/8 Research approach II: implementational - Thomas Roelleke / Graham White Weeks 9/10 Research approach III: formal - Sean Gong / Mounia Lalmas Weeks 11/12 Research approach IV: experimental - Jane Reid / Marie-Luce Bourguet

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 7 Schedule and staff [4] Weeks 13/14 Transferable skills consolidation Weeks Seminars/discussion - external speakers Weeks Project: proposal and literature review

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 8 Assessment Coursework only –Written assignment [30%] –Project: proposal + presentation [30%] –Project: literature review [40%]

AMSc RM Introduction - 25/09/01 - Jane Reid 9 Further information Web page at Lecturers for individual sections Course co-ordinator for administrative matters