StudyQA — Master: Computer Science — University of Lincoln

Description Contents Requirements More

The range of computing applications and their importance to our way of life have expanded rapidly and gained more importance in recent years. Developments in artificial life, computer vision, robotics, mobile devices and games applications have all become a normal part of our interactions with computing devices.

The MSc Computer Science is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions which the modern computing industry requires.

Working closely with academic staff, you will develop applications and solutions in innovative and ground breaking areas such as computer vision and surveillance, robotics, artificial intelligence and mobile devices.

Career and Personal Development
The MSc Computer Science will equip you to work in the rapidly developing world of computing and technology applications. In addition, you may wish to develop your interests and research skills further by moving into MPhil/PhD study.

The teaching and learning strategy adopted within MSc Computer Science derives from a methodology designed to develop knowledge and understanding in the domain of computing. In particular, students experience a blend of different approaches, from the acquisition of skills through practical workshops in the laboratory to the development of academic knowledge through debate, lectures, discussion and personal research. The programme is advanced in nature and relies upon students having an existing knowledge of computing and computer programming. The study modules assume a familiarity with programming concepts and the supporting mathematical framework, while presenting advanced concepts relating specifically to the computing domain.

Each module consists of one semester of intensive study and laboratory based work with the exception of the final research project module which is carried out over the last three months of the programme. Of the 120 M level points, a student takes 8 modules, contributing 15 M CATS each. Each module consists typically of 12 weeks study. This time includes a supporting lecture programme, a series of supported laboratory sessions and time for completion of assignment exercises and/or examinations.

The individual project is the final element of the Programme and represents 60 M level CATS points, and requires the student to undertake guided, independent study.

The programme is supported by online access to lecture material and related information.

MODULE DETAILS
* ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This module covers the theoretical fundamentals and practical applications of decision-making, problem-solving and learning abilities in software agents. Search is introduced as a unifying framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), followed by key topics including blind and informed search algorithms, planning and reasoning, both with certain and uncertain (e.g. probabilistic) knowledge. Practical exercises in AI programming will complement and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world problems.

* ADVANCED PROGRAMMING

This module will explore advanced topics using a contemporary object-oriented programming language. The objective is to prepare students for professional-level programming in scientific and commercial computing, and to support programming tasks in other modules of this award.

Students will explore a range of programming topics through a series of lectures and practical workshops, and will work on producing an individual programming assignment.

* ADVANCED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

This module provides students with advanced concepts of Software Engineering principles and practices. Students will explore up-to-date methodologies and their application to real-world products and services will be covered.

* COMPUTER VISION

This module will explore current methodologies in the field of computer vision, covering a range of aspects in capturing, processing, analysing and interpreting rich visual content. The aim is to offer students with a deep understanding and to allow an exposure to the latest developments in computer vision, equipping them with knowledge in practical depth. The module will also provide training in programming skills (e.g. Matlab), tools and methods that are necessary for the implementation of computer vision systems.

The module will also cover applications of computer vision in various fields, such as in object recognition/tracking, medical image analysis, multimedia indexing and retrieval and intelligent surveillance systems, allowing the students to establish a full awareness to the technology advance in this rapidly evolving field.

* INTERACTION DESIGN

This module provides students with advanced knowledge of the processes and principles of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Interaction Design. Students will become familiar with cutting-edge theory and practice in this field. The module will guide students through the process of User-Centred Design, which involves using established techniques to gather user requirements, conceptually design solutions to those requirements, prototype those solutions, and conduct valid user evaluations. This will be carried out with reference to recently published academic literature. The professional, ethical, social and legal issues in designing interactive technology will be considered throughout.

* MACHINE LEARNING

This module covers the theoretical fundamentals and practical application of machine learning algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and evolutionary learning. Practical programming exercises complement and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world problems such as data mining.

* MOBILE AND CONNECTED DEVICES

This module explores the cutting-edge computing concepts and in-the-field deployment of emerging Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and devices. The module will investigate, through practical implementation, the low-barrier capture, communication, and highly scalable consumption of data from geographically dispersed physical objects and sensors, with a view to creating novel end-user experiences. Physical objects can now be easily connected to the internet and other objects through small, low-power, and inexpensive lightweight computing devices; creating hugely scalable networks of things that can interoperate and stream data using simple web standards such as REST. IoT enabled objects and infrastructure can enable unforeseen opportunities for novel application scenarios, data collection and consumption, as well as create new markets around open data and third party applications. Additionally, the module will cover how emerging capability such as locative and context aware technology can be exploited in cloud-connected prototypes and mobile applications. In terms of practical development, special attention is given to: creating data stream assets from sensor boards and smartphones, building a cloud information hub to store sensor data, and developing cloud services for consumption by mobile and other third party applications. Students will be asked to design and prototype IoT enabled applications, based on themed societal issues, using a combination of development boards and sensors, cloud computing services, and mobile applications.

* RESEARCH METHODS

This module covers the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake research related to the title of the award being studied, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; selection of appropriate research methods; evaluation of research; presentation and reporting of research; and legal, social, ethical and professional considerations.

* RESEARCH PROJECT

This module presents students with the opportunity to carry out a significant project, focusing on an area of particular personal and professional interest, through the development of a dissertation and substantive software implementation.

The research project is an individual piece of work, which enables the students to apply and integrate elements of study from a range of modules, centred on a specific research question. The student will undertake work that is relevant to the ongoing research in one of the established research centres within the Lincoln School of Computer Science and will work closely under the supervision of a member of that research centre.

Students are required to undertake the development of a software artefact that is non-trivial in scale and goals, and is supported by best-practice application of appropriate theoretical frameworks. The work should also draw upon and enrich the students own experience.

How You Are Assessed
The module assessments are based on practical coursework developments and examinations for each module. The final stage research project provides the opportunity to specialise and to complete a piece of work of significant complexity.