Module: CCO6000-20 Applied Computing

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ron Herrema

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.herrema@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description of module

Applied Computing is a compressed research module where the output is a creative artefact and a contextualising report. You form a research question, identify practice-led methods of addressing the question, undertake the research and then defend your work.

This module is self-directed however you are allocated a supervisor to help manage your studies. The cohort comes together at several points across the semester to pitch ideas and share insights, and support sessions on report writing, source analysis and critical evaluation are provided to anticipate key development milestones.

2. Outline syllabus:

The structure of Applied Computing is as follows:

• Prep work: You identify two topics of interest and attempt to form a research question. These ideas are submitted to the Creative Computing academic team.

• Week 1: A research supervisor is allocated to you. The initial research questions and creative ideas are reviewed with your supervisor and a topic is agreed.

• Week 2: You conduct research around your agreed topic, resulting in a compressed literature review.

• Week 3: You pitch your idea to your peers and the Creative Computing team and refine your idea based on feedback.

• Weeks 4 - 10: You develop your artefact. Mentoring is provided by your allocated supervisor as well as other members of the Creative Computing academic team with relevant specialisms.

• Week 11: Peers and supervisors examine your artefact in a review event.

• Week 12: You supply a fully formatted version of your contextualising report for supervisor review. Your supervisor provides comments and you make corrections.

• Week 13: The final contextualising report and artefact are submitted. During the same week you undergo a viva.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

A series of critical thinking and writing sessions are offered to Applied Computing students. These sessions focus on key aspects of project delivery and report writing that include planning, testing, source analysis, critical evaluation and idea defence.

Independent Learning

Applied Computing is independently led. You are invited to study sessions and receive support from an allocate supervisor, but ultimately successful negotiation of the module is down to you. You should allocate time across your week to Applied Computing to ensure progress is made steadily. Successful research projects are built from continual critique. We encourage you to meet your supervisor regularly and audition your ideas to colleagues to improve the quality and relevance of your work.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Artefact supported by a 2000 word research report

• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Viva (20 minutes)

• % Weighting: 20%