Computer Science

Advice on choosing a topic in Computer Science

1. It is important that the chosen topic and its treatment reflect a firm emphasis on computing science and explores beneath the surface of this subject.

2. Often, the ethical and social effects of the topic chosen will be important and may well have a part within the essay, for example in the conclusion. However, an essay that makes these considerations a major focus is not appropriate and would be better submitted as an information technology in a global society (ITGS) essay.

3. An in-depth analysis of trends and advances in computing should include aspects of the theory of computer science, which would necessarily demonstrate a high degree of technical knowledge and understanding.

Advice for research in Computer Science

1. Data for analysis may be generated from a program written by the student. This is often an appropriate method of investigation, but the code itself, and its development, will not be rewarded under the assessment criteria unless the specific techniques employed are of particular relevance to the research question.

2. Use reputable sources to find papers or information (google scholar, textbooks, JSTOR on the school library intranet, Institute of Physics, Perimeter Institute, etc…)

Advice for write-up in Computer Science

1. Frequent reference to the assessment criteria by both the supervisor and the student will help keep a sharper focus on the project.

2. Students are expected to both critically evaluate the resources consulted during the process of writing the essay and to expand on the material gathered from these sources in order to make any technical information understandable to a reader who might not be a specialist in the subject.