COMP7700B Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)

2016

4.5

8 x 60-minute supervised studies per semester

1 ^ COMP4700A - Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
1a ^ COMP7700A - Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a))

1 of COMP4700B, COMP4710A, COMP4710B, COMP4730A, COMP4730B, COMP4730C, COMP4730D, COMP7001, COMP7001A, COMP7002, COMP7002A has been successfully completed

Skills such as acquired in the first three years of an undergraduate computing award.

The Honours Thesis topics are taught and assessed as a continuum.

The honours thesis is intended to promote the development of research including communication and technical skills through an in-depth investigation of a particular area under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis is not merely a large system-building exercise. Rather, the principle objective is for students to show initiative, acquire new knowledge, develop basic research skills, and develop insight in assimilating and critically evaluating ideas. The nature of the investigation will depend on the project itself but is likely to include: a literature search; the identification (in collaboration with the supervisor) of a suitable project; the planning and management of the project; the execution of the plan resulting indefensible results; the development and presentation of seminar(s); and, the production of a thesis embodying the methods and results of the project. Other aspects which may be included in some projects include: liaison with other researchers, industry practitioners and/or the community, either working on similar projects or with expertise required for the project, as may be appropriate; and, external presentation of results.

On completion of this topic, students will be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of the open research issues in a given area of investigation
2. Further develop analytical and critical thinking skills appropriate to research
3. Further develop technical skills relevant to the given area of investigation
4. Further develop high level writing and communication skills through the writing of reports including a final thesis and the delivery of presentations related to the thesis
5. Develop project management skills appropriate to research-oriented investigation

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of discipline fundamentals and research principles, together with a deep understanding of specialist knowledge and familiarity with the research agenda for a particular area
2. Critically review and consolidate existing knowledge, analyse alternatives, and synthesise established approaches to develop new understanding in a particular research domain
3. Develop and effectively deliver clear and coherent presentations to a diverse audience
4. Write a research thesis that presents complex arguments with rigour and conviction
5. Exercise initiative and critical thinking in developing and executing a research program with a degree of intellectual independence