Course syllabus - Advanced project in computer science

Objectives

The course shall provide an insight into how to independently plan, carry out and present a project in computer science. During the work, the student is expected to apply and integrate previously acquired knowledge, experiences and skills, and thereby further deepen their understanding of the field. The objective of the course is also for the student to develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills consistent with a work in the field of computer science.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall be able to:
1. independently plan and carry out an advanced project within given constraints, and also identify and use appropriate methods for carrying out the work and verifying the solutions,
2. describe the purpose, reason, and goal of the work and account for a possible continuation of the project,
3. apply a critical approach and thereby be able to identify potential opportunities and difficulties of the project at an early stage,
4. analyse scientific problems and account for the "state-of-the-art" (and "state-of-practice" if applicable) in the field and evaluate the selected method and/or solution based on this,
5. describe the different parts of the project in a scientific report with appropriate content and structure (and thereby show that the above learning outcomes have been achieved), and
6. orally describe the purpose, execution, and results of the project.
 

Course content

The course consists of an independent project in computer science, in which students use previously acquired knowledge and experiences to solve a given problem. The problem is a research or development problem in the field of computer science, which shall have substantial theoretical depth that contributes to knowledge development. The work shall contain both practical and theoretical elements. It includes topic selection, problem definition, literature review, implementation, opposition, presentation and writing of the report. The problem underlying the work shall be thoroughly presented, and its relevance and proposed solutions shall be discussed and justified. The work shall address both relevant theory and previous research, i.e. there must be a connection to the "state-of-the-art" (and, when applicable, to the "state-of-practice"). 

Tuition

The project is conducted under supervision. A project plan shall be formulated in cooperation with the supervisor(s) and monitored throughout the project.

Specific requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits, and completed courses in computer science corresponding to 75 ECTS credits, of which at least 15 credits at advanced level.

Further requirements are Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6. If the course is given in English, there is no reguirement for Swedish 3.

Examination

Project (PRO1), Project planning and execution, 17 credits, examines the  learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5.
Project (PRO2), Written project report, 10 credits, examines the learning outcomes 1-5, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5.
Seminar (SEM1), Oral presentation of the finished project, 3 credits, examines the learning outcome 6, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with the following courses:

DVA430 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science 30.0 credits
DVA424 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering 30.0 credits
DVA504 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science 30.0 credits
DVA503 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Embedded Systems 30.0 credits
DVA501 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering 30.0 credits
 
The course also overlaps with 15 credits with:

DVA423 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering 15.0 credits
CDT412 Software Engineering Project 15.0 credits
DVA429 Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science 15.0 credits