FIT2083 is a core unit introduced as part of the new Bachelor of Informatics and Computation Advanced (Honours) degree in the Computer science specialisation.

December 2017: Update to prerequisites following the changes to the course structure for C3001 for 2018. Discussed with CE (David Green) and C3001 course director (Julian Garcia). Effective Semester 1, 2018.

29/08/2017: Update to unit name as part of the redevelopment of the Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours) degree in 2018.

20/09/2016: Admin - CE changed workload from 2hr Lecture/2hr Tutorial to two-2hr Workshops.

Sept 2016: Updated for course architecture.

FIT2083 assessment has been modified so that it is line with FIT4005 for which it is essentially a replacement. The change removes an exam and replaces this by in-semester assessment which is more appropriate for assessing research skills. For Semester 1, 2014 implementation.

17/09/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

FIT2083 Research methods in computer science and its sister unit FIT2084 Research methods in information systems and information management form part of the core of the BICA. They are designed to teach communication and research skills which the students then put into practice in FIT2082 Research project 2 and subsequent research units.

It feeds into the following learning outcomes of the BICA: (4) understanding and appreciation of the ethical and professional issues that arise in IT practice and research, and the importance of adhering to ethical and professional guidelines; (6) ability to communicate proficiently to a multi-disciplinary audience by: listening, speaking, reading and writing English for professional practice and to communicate research results; (7) understanding and knowledge of research methodologies used in the IT discipline and of the different organizational contexts in which IT research is performed;

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. review and critique Computer Science research literature, research design and reported findings;
2. communicate research findings, orally and in writing, in research settings;
3. explain the ethical and professional issues that may arise in research;
4. recognise the main research methodologies of Information Technology research generally;
5. describe the most common data collection and analysis methods used in Computer Science research;
6. select and justify an appropriate research methodology for tackling a specified Computer Science problem;
7. explain the technical, professional and socio-economic contexts that motivate research, and the implications of research outcomes;
8. plan, design and execute a simple research study.

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This unit equips students to be effective innovators and researchers in Computer Science. It introduces students to the issues, concepts, methods and techniques associated with IT research in general, but focuses on those most commonly used for research in Computer Science. It introduces students to professional practice and research ethics, the principles of research design, research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to Computer Science. It covers oral and written communication skills.

Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct and to communicate their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable consumers of others' research.

There is no required prescribed textbook for this unit. Students are expected to read notes and references provided for each module prior to the start of each week's classes.

Recommended resources Lists of recommended readings will be associated with individual weeks. See Moodle for further details.

Technological requirements

On-campus

Workshops The teaching and learning approach provides an opportunity for all students to engage in practical exploration of research methods and will be enhanced through peer learning. An emphasis on class discussion and shared experiences in approaches to research plays a key role in successful completion of this unit. All students and academic staff will participate in these open sessions to ensure an inclusive, constructive but nevertheless critical approach to learning.

In-semester assessment: 100%.

1. Task 1a) Propose a research question: - 10% - ULO: 7, 8
2. Task 1b) Motivate/justify a research question: - 10% - ULO: 1, 6, 7, 8
3. Task 2a) & 2b) Propose a research method and design a study: - 10% - ULO: 4, 5, 6, 8
4. Task 3) Pitch: - 10% - ULO: 2, 5, 7, 8
5. Task 4) Complete a research study, write, edit and submit your paper for review: - 20% - ULO: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
6. Task 5a) Review a research study and 5b) Refine a research paper: - 30% - ULO: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8
7. Task 6a) & 6b) Present your work at a conference, and promote it: - 10% - ULO: 2, 3, 6, 7, 8
8. Task 0) What is research? Home exercise: - 0% - ULO: 1, 2, 3, 7

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

FIT

One of MAT1841, MTH1030 or MTH1035 or equivalent.