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  Studiegidsen 2012-2013
Radboud UniversiteitStudiegidsenFaculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica > Master Computing Science

Research A 

(Vakcode)
Course ID
NWI-IMC031
(Studiepunten)
Credits
8
(Periode)
Scheduled
eerste semester
Introduction (Inleiding)

The course Research A is all about doing research.

The main goal of this course is to learn scientific working. This goal is built around the ideas of formulating a good research question, embedding it in known research, using proper methods and using valid deduction techniques to draw conclusions.

Objectives (Leerdoelen)
After the course the student is able to:
  • Come up with a subject inside a given framework
  • Formulate adequate research questions
  • Plan their research activities leading to the final deliverable i.e. the research paper
  • Write a research proposal that embeds the topic in a suitable context
  • Present their proposal
  • Know how a research question is split into sub-questions, tasks and deliverables
  • Know how to find scientific literature via the library or online
  • Perform a literature study
  • Formulate the results obtained into a paper with a good structure
  • Present their results to a suitably expert audience
Subjects (Onderwerpen)
The topic of the research itself is limited to some framework that might
be different from year to year. Some of the topics that have been used in the past:
  • XML
  • Exotic algorithms
  • Successful applications of formal methods
  • Computer architecture
Within a framework the choice of topic is basically free.

Some explicit topics of the course itself:
  • How can you find scientific literature?
  • What are good research questions?
  • What are scientific methods for doing research?
  • What is a good review report?
  • How do you present research effectively?
Study investment (Studielastverdeling)
  • 12 hrs lecture
  • 24 hrs personal study counseling
  • 132 hrs individual study period
Teaching methods (Toelichting werkvormen)
During the course there are several general lectures where some basic theory is given. For example, lectures on research methodology, presenting, writing a proposal/paper etc. are given.

Furthermore, there will be regular individual progress meetings where students explain to the teachers the status of their research project.

NB: most of the time students work by themselves on their project (in pairs). They have to write a proposal and actually perform the described tasks. Both the research proposal and the research results are presented to the rest of the group.
Examination (Toetsvorm)

The final grade is a weighted average of all assignments during the course with the following weight factors:

  • Research proposal (15%)
  • Presentation of the proposal (10%)
  • Draft paper (35%)
  • Presentation of research results (15%)
  • Final paper (25%)
Activity and/or absence during obligatory presentation session can have effect on rounding the grades,as can the late submission of work.
Pre-requisites (Vereiste voorkennis)
No specific knowledge is required, but the normal rules for following a master's course apply. Students should be ready to familiarize themselves with literature resources in both library and on-line.
Literature (Literatuur)
No specific literature is required, students have to come up with their own reading list for their particular research projects.