COMP SCI 4405 - Research Methods in Software Engineering and Computer Science
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code COMP SCI 4405 Course Research Methods in Software Engineering and Computer Science Coordinating Unit Computer Science Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 2 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Assessment Written exam and/or assignments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Yiliao (Lia) Song
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 Understand and be able to explain and apply the philosophy of science as it applies to research methods 2 Be able to explain principles of research design 3 Be able to apply principles of research design for a variety of projects 4 Understand and be able to explain research ethics and their implications 5 Understand and be able to apply a range of techniques, including, but not limited to: qualitative methods, quantitative methods, survey methods, case studies, interviews 6 Understand and be able to explain the important of data replication and the management of bias 7 Be able to design and implement research studies that meet the above requirements 8 Demonstrate the ability to produce written records of research work that are of a submittable standard 9 Demonstrate the ability to critique and review work in order to identify where research methodological principles have been followed well or could be improved, including the written presentation of the review to a professional standard
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia .
The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1 - 9 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
5, 7, 9 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
2, 4, 9 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
3, 5, 7, 9 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
4 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
The course has no text books but readings will be provided throughout the course and may be accessed through the on-line teaching portal.Recommended Resources
There are no recommended resources.Online Learning
All materials will be availabe from MyUni, , Canvas Learning Management System. Online learning materials are likely to include podcasts, video recordings, electronic documents and on-line quizzes to verify knowledge. Students may also interact with the Mahara portfolio system as part of their coursework. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course will require students to carry out pre-reading and, on occasion, prepare presentations prior to attending the face-to-face session time, one two-hour session every week. The face-to-face will consist of mini-lectures, group discussion, collaborative activities, presentation, and peer evaluation. It is essential that students are prepared before attending. While the face-to-face sessions may be recorded, the activities contained may not necessarily be captured by that system.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Students will be expected to undertake 3-4 hours of reading and preparation each week, with one two-hour face-to-face session every week. Course assessment activities will take approximately 4 hours a week on average.
As there is no examination, assessment activities and load will continue into Week 13 and possibly Week 14.Learning Activities Summary
This course will prepare students for advanced research by examining how to plan, conduct and report on empirical investigations. The course will cover techniques applicable to each of the steps of a research project, including formulating research questions, theory building, data analysis (using both qualitative and quantitative methods), building evidence, assessing validity, and publishing. It will particularly focus on research involving software, developing statistical tools to measure software performance and the ways in which people interact with software tools.Specific Course Requirements
Students should be the final year of an Honours undergraduate program, enrolled in an Honours or coursework Masters program or have recently started a PhD program. Students should, preferably, be starting their project work and be able to undertake this course in conjunction with the first 6-12 months of their project. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative Due (week)* Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes CBOK Alignment** Critique a research paper.
Written submission15 Individual Summative Week 3 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. 2.1 3.2 Construct and refine an
appropriate methodology for a
research question. Research Proposal15 Individual Summative Week 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 Presentation of a research paper in class 10 Group Summative Week 11 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 1.1 1.2 2.2 2.4 2.6 3.2 Produce a short research paper.
Written paper40 Individual Summative Week 13 Min 40% 1. 2. 3. 4.5.6.7.8. 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 Reflection: Reflect on the application of resaerch methods as part of the research project, discuss advantages and disadvantages 20 Individual Summative Week 13 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 100
This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
**CBOK is the Core Body of Knowledge for ICT Professionals defined by the Australian Computer Society. The alignment in