2nd Year Computing Group Project

Module aims

In this module you will have the opportunity to apply the software engineering techniques taught throughout the year to the implementation of a large web-based or mobile-based application that solves a real-world problem. This application will be designed following the principles and practices of Human Centred Design (HCD), which will be taught as part of the module. Additionally, you will learn, and will be expected to adhere to, the core aspects of Computer Law which must be taken into account when developing computing applications of this type.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• describe and discuss the concepts involved in Human-Centred Design (HCD) and agile software development
• conduct research into a real-world problem following HCD principles
• design, engineer and deploy a web-based or mobile-based application to solve a real-world problem
• work effectively as part of a small group to deliver software iteratively using modern agile software development methods
• report, present and demonstrate a solution and its value proposition to an interdisciplinary audience
• recall relevant Computer Laws and act in a manner that demonstrates awareness and conformity with those laws   

Module syllabus

• Human-Centred Design
• Agile software development
• Design and implementation of a multi-user application that solves a real world problem
• Copyright and Data Protection law

 

Teaching methods

You will be able to work on a project of your choosing from either a list of proposed topics, many of which come from industrial partners, or based upon an own proposal. The material on HCD, agile software development and project/ product management, will be introduced via traditional lectures given by discipline experts, but the objective is for you to apply the methods taught as part of your chosen project. The project itself is self-driven, although input and guidance will be provided by the course support staff during weekly milestone assessments.        

An online service will be used as a discussion forum for the module. 

Assessments

The module comprises mostly practical project-work that will be assessed through weekly milestone review sessions run by interdisciplinary assessment teams. The project will culminate with a presentation and demonstration to showcase the final state of your application. This will be assessed by the same interdisciplinary team responsible for the weekly milestone review sessions, which ensures some continuity of assessment. In addition there are assessed written courseworks, one being a short report documenting your application and the other involving the evaluation of a case study in computer-related law.                                   

The project review panel will consist of an interdisciplinary team who will provide tailored face-to-face feedback on each project milestone as it is delivered. This feedback will then be converted into an electronic format, including a numerical mark and letter grade, with comments justifying the marking decisions and key points to improve on for future milestones.    

Module leaders

Dr Mark Wheelhouse
Mr Ivan Procaccini