BSc Honours Project Introduction CSY4010 Amir Minai Module Leader

Module Learning Outcomes 1. Manage a substantial individual project, including research & planning, design, implementation, testing and documentation. 2. Construct a focussed problem statement and conduct a suitable investigation, including literature review, into the context of that problem 3. Demonstrate professional competence by applying appropriate theory and practice to the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of a non-trivial set of deliverables.

Module Learning Outcomes 4. Show a capacity for self-appraisal by analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project process and outcomes with reference to the initial objectives and to the work of others. 5. Provide evidence of the foregoing in the form of a report 6. Defend the work orally at a Viva Voce examination.

What is an Honours Project? The project provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their computing knowledge and practical skills. It is expected to be a problem-solving piece of work involving the design of an appropriate solution. It (is desirable that it) should result from an industrial, organisational or research context and have an identifiable client other than the student. A project will include some or all aspects of a project life- cycle and will apply appropriate principles, skills, tools and techniques developed throughout the programme of study and specially acquired during the project.

What is NOT an Honours Project Topic I’m going to build a web site I’m interested in 3D animation graphics I want to make a computer game I’m going to build a Network / Database / GUI I am going to use Bluetooth I want to do something that will help me get a job I am going to meet a client’s specific requirements I am working part-time as a database administrator These are all really good places to start!!

Computing Project Types Research Based –Thorough investigation of a particular area –Improving the understanding of that area –Identifying the strengths and weaknesses within the field –Discuss how the field has evolved –Results in a contribution to the development of some aspects of the field

Computing Project Types Development –Includes the development of Hardware and Software system to include; Design & Spec Requirements Process models Methods Testing Critical evaluation Full System Documentation Note: The emphasis will vary depending of the nature of the pathway; Software engineering, Internet Web Systems, Computer Networks

Computing Project Types Evaluation –This type includes All Projects that involve some form of Evaluation of the main issues. Comparing different approaches to a problem Evaluating different programming languages Analysing an implementation process within an area Assessing different User Interfaces Considering alternative and new technological approaches to a problem Appraising the development methodologies to a problem

Computing Project Types Industry based –Involves solving a problem within an Organisation –Certain types of Business Enterprises –Etc. A distinctive feature of this type of Project is that the outcome is developed for a specific Client

Computing Project Types Problem Solving –Develop a new techniques to solve a problem –Improve the efficiency of existing approaches in different situations –Evaluation of existing theories to new problems –Determine the reasons for certain outcomes

Computing Project Types What ever type of Project you choose –You might have to produce ACCEPTABLE and QUALITY code

Choosing your Project This the most difficult, time consuming, and important stage of all. You choose a Project that YOU must undertake over the whole of an academic year. When choosing, keep the following principle in mind –You must be capable of doing the proposed project –You must be interested, motivated, and enjoy the work –You must consider your personal and career aspirations –You must be able to show a degree of personal development –Your must undertake a project with clear and serious outcome(s)

Choosing your Project In addition to your part in choosing a Project, your supervisor should be able to advise you on the following questions –Does your Project have a clear and focused target and direction? –Is your project suitable for your Degree? –Does your project have sufficient Scope and Quality? –Are there adequate available resources for your Project?

Choosing your Project You may use the following techniques, sources of information; –The published Staff Research interests list –Project ideas you may have come across at work –Past Projects –Reading around you area/subject of Interest –Brain storming ideas, Clustering particular Areas Friends, colleagues, Supervisor

Your responsibilities - Submission of the Project Proposal by the end of week 5;Project Proposal Presentation of the Project work-in-progress by the end of week11; Preparing for and actively contributing to discussion of the Project progress with your supervisor;

Your responsibilities - It is your responsibility to keep the diary sheets or equivalent mechanism to record the weekly activity and making a copy for inclusion in your final report;diary sheets Preparing the final report* in consultation with your supervisor. You may also wish to submit a draft of your report to the TurnItIn service, thereby demonstrating the originality of your report. The Originality Reports created by TurnItIn will be made available to both you and your supervisor. Your supervisor has to indicate on their assessment form they have seen these originality reports and are satisfied that the work completed and report is your own work;TurnItIn Submission of the report in week 27;

Your responsibilities - Preparing for the viva voce examination that will take place after your final submission, and attending at the agreed time to answer questions, primarily from the second marker but also from your supervisor. After this examination the supervisor and second marker will agree on a final mark that will be awarded to the project and report. –The assessment guidelines are in the project handbook

* The Project Report Should Identify the overall aim and the specific, measurable, objectives of the project; Contain an in-depth investigation and evaluation of appropriate information sources identifying their importance for the project activities; Describe the use of processes and tools pertinent to, and evaluating their applicability in the project;

* The Project Report Should Describe how the deliverable was tested and / or evaluated identifying any tradeoffs as appropriate; Critically evaluate the work undertaken including; a rationale for the decisions that were taken, the applicability of the processes and tools that were adopted, identification of any future work and the management of the project activities and processes. Identify the information sources used as a set of references which should be appropriately cited within the text.

Resources Register on Nile for CSY4010 Read the Project/Dissertation Handbook, –It tells you precisely what YOU have to do, how, when and for what reason Plus Read other supporting documents provided Note: –You are expected to keep in regular contact with your supervisor throughout the life span of your project at pre-arranged meetings.

What to do next If you haven’t done so, –Identify the project area using the ideas list –Make an appointment with a supervisor –Complete the project registration form Start your project immediately You have to be proactive in getting your project started –Don’t just !!!