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Final Project: Safety Critical Systems - COM00033M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Simon Foster
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25
B Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:
allow students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Safety-Critical Systems Engineering.
provide a culmination of taught material, in a substantial ISM
support synthesis and application of material from the taught degree course
demonstrate an appreciation of engineering and/or scientific methods and techniques, through coverage, as appropriate, of requirements, specification, design, implementation and evaluation (an engineering "lifecycle") for an implementation-oriented project, or a scientific lifecycle (hypothesis generation, experimental design, implementation and evaluation etc.) for a more experimentally-oriented project, or other appropriate systematic and rigorous approach depending on the problem.

Module learning outcomes

P401 Acquire specialisation in a particular part of the subject area, including enhanced or new technical skills that build on taught theory. Examined in the overall project report.

P402 Conduct an investigation in an area that involves some element of novelty or originality, and critically evaluate the results of the work. Examined in the development and evaluation sections of the project report.

P403 Carry out research, critically engaging with research literature, and identify a clearly articulated line of enquiry. Examined in the literature review and evaluation sections of the project report.

P404 Contribute to an established area of research or development, demonstrating understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge. Examined in the overall project report.

P405 Recognise alternative approaches, selecting and justifying the approach taken at each point in the report, identifying parts of the project area that are feasible within the time constraints of the project. Analyse limitations of work undertaken, and identify potential directions for future study.

P406 Prepare a written report on the work done, according to the defined criteria (supplied separately), aiming for a standard that would be acceptable for wider publication.

P407 Account for and reflect on appropriate legal, ethical, social, professional and commercial issues involved in the project. Document this in the project report.

P408 Express questions for investigation in the field of Safety-Critical Systems Engineering in a clear and concise way, providing information about the key motivations for investigating those questions.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Project Report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Individual written feedback is provided via the online feedback system. There will also be formative comments on the research proposal on which the final project for the programme will based.

Indicative reading

The key texts are specific to the subject matter chosen. However, three generic texts are recommended as background reading:
1. Creswell, J.W. (2017) Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th edn. SAGE Publications
2. Yin, R.K. (2013) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 6th edn. SAGE Publications
3. Zobel, J. (2015) Writing for Computer Science, 3rd edn. Springer


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.