Introductory description

The 3rd year project is an extended, individual piece of work which forms a core element of the Data Science degree. Students choose a topic and find a supervisor in the summer term of their 2nd year.

This module is not available to students from other departments.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students select a project during Term 3 of the second year by submitting an outline of the proposed project and finding an academic member of staff to supervise it. A detailed project specification is submitted during the first term. A written progress report on the current state of the project is submitted later in the first term for 5% credit (combined with the specification). A presentation of the final results of the project is given to the assessors during the second term for 15% credit. A detailed written report of the project is submitted early in the third term for 80% credit. The project is not a taught module but a major design and development exercise for the student carried out under supervision.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• - Plan and manage a significant individual project, including detailed considerations of resources, timetabling and professional issues.
• - Build a substantial software system from design to documentation; to perform a substantial analysis of data from initial hypotheses to well-supported inferences; or to carry out a substantial research project from methodology to conclusions.
• - Present their work orally, with appropriate use of audio-visual aids and interactive demonstrations, and respond to questions effectively.
• - Produce a substantial technical report and reflective writing.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The entire project is based around undertaking a significant research exercise from conception through to design, execution and delivery

Subject specific skills

The individual project involves consolidating, combining and applying a wide variety of subject specific skills gained in the rest of the degree course so far.

Transferable skills

• Technical - Technological competence and staying current with knowledge
• Communication - Verbal, listening, writing, technical communication skills, using different medium for communicating
• Critical Thinking - Problem-solving, analysis of possible solutions etc
• Multitasking - Soft skills such as time management, organization skills etc
• Creativity - Ability to harness creative ideas and turn them into tangible and strategic products/solutions