Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Methods for Computer Science
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SET11131
Module leader: Peter Chapman
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Computer Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

Acquiring robust research skills is key for postgraduate students, both as preparation for your dissertation and your future work and study. In this module, you will acquire the foundations of these skills. In particular, you will be guided through the following stages:• producing a systematic appraisal of the literature, identifying strengths and weaknesses of published research, as well as identifying gaps in the knowledge base;• developing a research methodology to address a gap in the knowledge base; and• producing a sound analysis of a dataset to determine whether you have adequately addressed the gap.Throughout, ethical research skills will be embedded, so that others will have confidence in the research you propose, and, ultimately, undertake.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Utilise principles of responsible research to articulate a gap in the research literature in an appropriate format.

LO2: Critically evaluate the validity of methods used in a piece of novel research.

LO3: Analyse quantitative research data using appropriate inferential statistical tests.

LO4: Plan an appropriate approach to answering a research question.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Peter Chapman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 160 You will be guided towards appropriate reading, and will be encouraged to continue the processes you have been taught in the lectures and practicals. In particular, you will search the literature around a problem which interests you, building up a body of knowledge around the methods used and their appropriateness.
Face To Face Lecture 20 In the lectures, you will be provided with the necessary theoretical underpinnings. In particular, you will learn how to critically search the literature, identifying appropriate methods used; how to identify the most appropriate statistical methods for a dataset; and how to plan the methodology for some proposed research.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 In the practical sessions, you will gain practical experience in applying the theoretical content from the lectures. In particular, you will have the opportunity to perform statistical tests on datasets, whilst critiquing your choice of tests; undertake literature searches in new fields, and critically analyse the methods used in existing research publications; and formulate a plan for a methodology to answer a research question. All of these tasks will prepare you for the final assessments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 25 3 Week 13 HOURS= 1h (1h15) You will be presented with some datasets and some research questions, and will be required to perform appropriate inferential tests to answer the research questions. You will also critique the short-comings of your approach.
Essay 75 1~2~4 Week 14 , WORDS= 10 pages You will be required to survey the literature on a given topic, identifying key results, critiquing the methods used, and presenting these findings in a scholarly manner. After identifying a gap in the literature, you will propose some research questions and methodology to potentially address this gap.
Component 1 subtotal: 25
Component 2 subtotal: 75
Module subtotal: 100
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Peter Chapman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 In the lectures, you will be provided with the necessary theoretical underpinnings. In particular, you will learn how to critically search the literature, identifying appropriate methods used; how to identify the most appropriate statistical methods for a dataset; and how to plan the methodology for some proposed research.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 In the practical sessions, you will gain practical experience in applying the theoretical content from the lectures. In particular, you will have the opportunity to perform statistical tests on datasets, whilst critiquing your choice of tests; undertake literature searches in new fields, and critically analyse the methods used in existing research publications; and formulate a plan for a methodology to answer a research question. All of these tasks will prepare you for the final assessments.
Online Guided independent study 160 You will be guided towards appropriate reading, and will be encouraged to continue the processes you have been taught in the lectures and practicals. In particular, you will search the literature around a problem which interests you, building up a body of knowledge around the methods used and their appropriateness.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 25 3 Week 13 HOURS= 1h (1h15) You will be presented with some datasets and some research questions, and will be required to perform appropriate inferential tests to answer the research questions. You will also critique the short-comings of your approach.
Essay 75 1~2~4 Week 14 , WORDS= 10 pages You will be required to survey the literature on a given topic, identifying key results, critiquing the methods used, and presenting these findings in a scholarly manner. After identifying a gap in the literature, you will propose some research questions and methodology to potentially address this gap.
Component 1 subtotal: 25
Component 2 subtotal: 75
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Research Methods for Computer Science
 

Related information