Comp3302
Module Outline: COMP3302 Nature of Computing 2016-17
Contents
Things you need to know at the beginning
Assessment Items
Assessment grading matrix
If you have problems with assessments
Module Content
Page
1
3, 7, 10, 13
5, 9, 12, 15
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18
Things you need to know at the beginning
Occurrence A
Friday 13:15 – 16.15
Occurrence B
Wednesday 13.15 – 16.15
Room: CH1001
Room: CH1001
Teaching team
Dr. Colin Price, [email protected],
Room CHLG020, Phone 542024
MA in Natural Sciences (Cambridge), PhD Electronic
Engineering (University of Leuven – Belgium), Fellow of
the Higher Education Academy, National Teaching
Fellow. Over 60 research publications.
How this
This module builds on your experiences on the course so far. Starting from these experiences it
module fits into also introduces some new theoretical approaches (“ways of thinking”) such as the true nature of
your course
the computer, and what’s in your mind during programming as well as new content such as data
analysis.
How this
module
engages with
the external
environment
No trips or visits are planned for this module
How this
module will
enhance your
employability
This module will enable you to develop and enhance the following and evidence them on your
CV:
 You will develop your critical thinking skills helping analyse particular problems
 You will develop abstract thinking helping you to “step out of a problem” to understand it
 You will develop numerical skills, especially in data analysis
 You will develop inter-personal skills through working in informal groups
What you need
to know before
you start this
module
Learning will be centred around set tasks where students carry out a number of activities,
following input from the Tutor. Tasks will involve the use of simulation and professional software.
Tutor input will consist of working together with the class to explore concepts; there will be no
powerpoint presentations, but notes made during the sessions and voice recordings of the
sessions will be placed on the module web pages.
Feedback from the previous year shows that most students liked the assessment structure split
over four position papers. They suggested this helped them focus on the topics more easily.
Students also enjoyed the subject matter and the way it was taught, involving the whole class in
“lectures”. The module has been improved by shifting it to a more reasonable hour, and by
making individual assignment requirements clearer.
Higher education requires a lot of reading; this means you need to get used to using the library
resources (available from the Library website and add the link (www.worc.ac.uk/library) and in
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particular the Talis Aspire Resource List (https://worc.rl.talis.com/index.html) which is a list of all
the things you need to read for each module.
If you have further questions please contact Stephanie Allen the Academic Liaison Librarian for
the Business School [email protected] or go to Business LibGuide
www.worc.ac.uk/library/business or ComputingLibGuide www.worc.ac.uk/library/computing
Your
responsibility
You must do all the required reading – or you will struggle with the classes and ultimately the
assessments.
You must attend all sessions and undertake any and all of the required pre-reading, since failure
to do so will affect your performance. If you cannot attend for any reason you must notify the
module leader as soon as possible.
It is your responsibility to actively engage positively with sessions for example contributing to
group discussions, asking questions and taking responsibility for your learning. This way you’ll get
the most out of the lessons.
If there is anything which is unclear or you do not understand you must ask a member of the
module team.
What help is
there if you
have a
disability or a
particular
learning need?
The University of Worcester is committed to ensuring diversity and equality within its teaching
practice. If you have a registered disability or particular learning need and you wish this to be
taken into account please speak to your Personal Academic Tutor or let the module leader know.
You will find additional useful information on the Disability and Dyslexia webpages at
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia.htm
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/documents/StudentFeedbackCharter.pdf
Assessment(s)
There is formally a single item of assessment, however this is split into four “position papers” each
carrying equal weight. The final grade is based on the best 3 of the papers you submit. The first
three position papers will be submitted on paper in module sessions, the dates are indicated
below. The final paper will be submitted electronically via SOLE. The first three papers will be
marked within one week of hand-in providing you with detailed feedback. You may opt to hand in
all four position papers together electronically via SOLE.
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Position Paper 1
Word Limit or equivalent (e.g. time)
Weighting
Learning Outcomes Assessed
Submission date
Feedback date
Module Leader
Verified by
You may achieve the maximum grade for 750 words, however there is no
word limit
33 1/3 %
LO4 Critically analyse important contemporary applications of computing
and future promises.
w/c 17th October. Paper submission during the session.
w/c 24th October
Colin Price
Pete Moody
If anything about this assignment is not clear to you, please contact the module leader.
You are expected to plan your time and work to manage your overall assessment workload.
What you need
to do
You should critically assess the use of a “Story-Writing-Coding” engine to produce stories with
associated animations.
How you
should present
your work
A cover sheet will be provided.
Your position paper should contain the following components. All will be assessed.
1(a) Your complete story written on the template provided,
1(b) Your computer code.
Place both of these in an appendix
1(c) Mapping of your story clauses onto lines of code showing which lines of code correspond to
each clause in your story.
2 A critical assessment of the process you used in coding a story. Detailed guidance will be
discussed on class and uploaded to the module web-pages.
You do not have to cite references to journals to support this position paper
How we’ll give
you guidance
Information about this position paper will be given in class at the start of the sessions associated
with the paper.
How and when
to hand the
assessment in
Work must be word-processed/typed and should clearly show your student number. You are
required to keep a copy of work handed in. You should submit your work during the session
during w/c 17th October
How the
assessment will
be marked
Specific criteria is in the Grading Matrix for this assignment, which can be found on page 6
How you will
You will receive feedback on this paper one week following submission
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get feedback
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Grading Matrix
This matrix captures the assessment criteria for this part of the coursework.
Student Number:
Academic Year and Semester:
2016-17 S1
Learning Outcomes: ILO 4 “Critically analyse important
contemporary applications of computing and future promises”
GRADE
Module Code:
COMP3302
Module Title:
Nature of Computing
Assessment Criteria
Criteria
Assignment No:
1
Assignment Weighting:
33 1/3%
Occurrence:
A/B
Assignment Description:
Position Paper 1
A
Sophisticated story with valid mapping onto computer code and a detailed critical assessment of the process of coding a story. The story will contain a
range of clause types and evidence of a range of clause-complexes.
B
Story with valid mapping onto computer code and a critical assessment of the process of coding a story. The story will contain several types of both clause
and clause-complex.
C
Story with valid mapping onto computer code. Attempt at critical assessment of the process of coding a story. The story will contain several types of both
clause and clause-complex.
D
Short story with an attempt at mapping onto computer code, though there may be errors. No attempt at critical assessment of the process of coding a story.
The story is limited in its use of clause and clause-complex types.
Fail (E-G)
No evidence of mapping a story onto computer code, or a totally incorrect mapping.
General Comment:
What you can do better in future assignments:
How successful completion of this assignment helps your employability: Application of knowledge, Critical analysis, Logical and Abstract Thinking.
Assignment Grade:
Marker: Colin Price
Moderator*: Pete Moody
* This person is responsible for moderating a sample of student work for this module. Your work may, or may not, have been included in this sample
RESULTS ARE PROVISIONAL UNTIL AGREED BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
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Position Paper 2
Word Limit or equivalent (e.g. time)
Weighting
Learning Outcomes Assessed
Submission date
Feedback date
Module Leader
Verified by
You may achieve the maximum grade for 750 words, however there is no
word limit
33 1/3 %
LO3 Reflect critically on the nature of abstraction, as applied to networks,
computer programs, data and hardware
w/c 14th November 2016
w/c 21st November 2016
Colin Price
Pete Moody
If anything about this assignment is not clear to you, please contact the module leader.
You are expected to plan your time and work to manage your overall assessment workload.
What you need
to do
You should reflect critically on the nature of abstraction either (i) in relation to networks, (ii) in
relation to data. There are two choices for this paper detailed below:
How you
should present
your work
A cover sheet will be provided.
Report
Template
Your position paper should be written in the style of an “essay”, and you may add figures and
tables in the body of your text.
Your position paper should contain a discussion of Either 1 or 2 below:
Either 1: This is based on our abstract discussion of Networks. You should discuss one or more
abstractions of networks (random, scale-free, small-world) and how these are useful in helping us
understand the behaviour of real computer networks (Internet, WWW).
Or 2: This is based on our data analysis discussions, especially distribution laws. Using examples
of data sets seen in the sessions, discuss how distribution law fit is a useful abstract technique
which can provide us with understanding of data sets.
You do not have to cite references to journals to support this position paper
How we’ll give
you guidance
Information about this position paper will be given in class at the start of the sessions associated
with the paper.
How and when
to hand the
assessment in
Work must be word-processed/typed and should clearly show your student number. You are
required to keep a copy of work handed in. You should submit your work during the session
during w/c 14th November 2016
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Comp3302
How the
assessment will
be marked
Specific criteria is in the Grading Matrix for this assignment, which can be found on page 9
How you will
get feedback
You will receive feedback on this paper one week following submission
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Comp3302
Grading Matrix Template
This matrix captures the assessment criteria for this part of the coursework.
Student Number:
Academic Year and
Semester: 2016-17 S1
ILO 3 Reflect critically on the nature of abstraction, as
applied to networks, computer programs, data and
hardware.
GRADE
A
B
C
D
Fail (EG)
Module Code:
COMP3302
Module Title:
Nature of Computing
Assignment No:
1
Assignment Weighting:
33 1/3%
Occurrence:
A/B
Assignment Description:
Position Paper 2
Assessment Criteria
Criteria Option 1
Criteria Option 2
Demonstration of a critical understanding of both the random and the scaleThorough demonstration of an understanding of distribution fit algorithms
free networks and their application to real computer networks using data
with an attempt to discuss the underlying mathematics. Application to data
collected in the session.
sets provided with a thorough interpretation of the results.
Demonstration of an understanding of both the random and the scale-free
Demonstration of a good understanding of distribution-fit algorithms without
networks and their application to real computer networks using data collected
any reference to mathematical approaches. Application to data sets
in the session.
provided with a reasonable interpretation of the results.
Demonstration of an understanding of either the random or the scale-free
Demonstration of a basic understanding of distribution-fit algorithms without
network and its application to real computer networks using data collected in
any reference to mathematical approaches. Application to one data set
the session.
provided and an attempt to analyse the results.
Demonstration of a partial understanding of either, the random or scale-free
Attempt to demonstrate understanding of data-fit algorithms without any
network and an attempt to apply this to real computer networks. No use of data reference to mathematical approaches. Attempt to apply to a data set
collected in the session
provided with an attempt to analyse results.
Little or no understanding of random and scale-free networks. Little or no
Little or no understanding of clustering or data-fit algorithms and weak or no
attempt to apply this to real computer networks.
attempt to apply to the data set provided.
General Comment:
What you can do better in future assignments:
How successful completion of this assignment helps your employability: Application of knowledge, Critical analysis, Logical and Abstract Thinking.
Assignment Grade:
Marker:
Moderator*:
* This person is responsible for moderating a sample of student work for this module. Your work may, or may not, have been included in this sample
RESULTS ARE PROVISIONAL UNTIL AGREED BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
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Comp3302
Position Paper 3
Word Limit or equivalent (e.g. time)
Weighting
Learning Outcomes Assessed
Submission date
Feedback date
Module Leader
Verified by
You may achieve the maximum grade for 750 words, however there is no
word limit
33 1/3 %
LO1 Critically reflect on the historical development of the notion of
computing, culminating in an abstract “computing machine” leading to
contemporary hardware and software technologies
w/c 5th December 2016
w/c 12th December 2016
Colin Price
Pete Moody
If anything about this assignment is not clear to you, please contact the module leader.
You are expected to plan your time and work to manage your overall assessment workload.
What you need
to do
You should reflect critically on historical development of the “notion of computing”, i.e. where the
programmable digital electronic computer has come from.
How you
should present
your work
A cover sheet will be provided.
Your position paper should be written in the style of an “essay”.
Your position paper should contain the following discussion.
There are two approaches to writing this paper; both refer to specific “founding fathers” of
computing, people like Boole, Shannon, Turing and others.
Approach 1: You could focus on the contribution of a single founding father and discuss their
specific contribution to the development of the notion of computing in detail.
Approach 2: You could discuss how the contributions of several founding fathers came together
to develop the notion of computing.
You are required to cite references to journal articles (not “web-sources”) in this paper, and this
will be assessed. You may choose to make use of material covered in class and/or the results of
individual research.
How we’ll give
you guidance
Information about this position paper will be given in class at the start of the sessions associated
with the paper.
How and when
to hand the
assessment in
Work must be word-processed/typed and should clearly show your student number. You are
required to keep a copy of work handed in. You should submit your work during the session
during w/c 5th December 2016
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How the
assessment will
be marked
Specific criteria is in the Grading Matrix for this assignment, which can be found on page 12
How you will
get feedback
You will receive feedback on this paper one week following submission
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Comp3302
Grading Matrix Template
This matrix captures the assessment criteria for this part of the coursework.
Student Number:
Academic Year and
Semester: 2015-16 S1
ILO 1 Critically reflect on the historical development of
the notion of computing, culminating in an abstract
“computing machine” leading to contemporary hardware
and software technologies
GRADE
Module Code:
COMP3302
Module Title:
Nature of Computing
Assignment No:
1
Assignment Weighting:
33 1/3%
Occurrence:
A/B
Assignment Description:
Position Paper 3
Assessment Criteria
A
Coherent and critical discussion of the development of computing. References to journal articles woven into your discussion which clearly support it.
B
Critical discussion of the development of computing with citation of journal articles supporting your discussion.
C
Discussion of the development of computing with citation of journal articles.
D
Attempt to discuss the development of computing, though the discussion is too descriptive. Journal articles cited but may have limited relevance to the
discussion.
Fail (E-G)
Little or no evidence of discussion of relevant material. Journal articles cited have no relevance to the discussion, or there are no citations.
General Comment:
What you can do better in future assignments:
How successful completion of this assignment helps your employability: Application of knowledge, Critical analysis, Logical and Abstract Thinking.
Assignment Grade:
Marker:
Moderator*:
* This person is responsible for moderating a sample of student work for this module. Your work may, or may not, have been included in this sample
RESULTS ARE PROVISIONAL UNTIL AGREED BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
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Position Paper 4
Word Limit or equivalent (e.g. time)
Weighting
Learning Outcomes Assessed
Submission date
Feedback date
Module Leader
Verified by
You may achieve the maximum grade for 750 words, however there is no
word limit
33 1/3 %
LO2 Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of programming
paradigms and languages, and appreciate the nature and limitations of
computer programs
Electronic Submission via SOLE: 15:00 16th January 2017
23rd January 2017
Colin Price
Pete Moody
If anything about this assignment is not clear to you, please contact the module leader.
You are expected to plan your time and work to manage your overall assessment workload.
What you need
to do
You are required to consider two programming paradigms from a “psychology of programming”
perspective.
How you
should present
your work
A cover sheet will be provided.
Your position paper should be written in the style of an “essay”.
You should discuss two programming paradigms and the associated mental models and or
“notional machine”. The first paradigm is procedural programming (assembler). You may choose
the second paradigm from the list of (i) object-oriented programming, (ii) functional
programming, (iii) programming for the web. You must develop your own mental model and/or
“notional machine” for the second paradigm of your choice.
You do not have to cite references to journals to support this position paper
How we’ll give
you guidance
Information about this position paper will be given in class at the start of the sessions associated
with the paper.
How and when
to hand the
assessment in
Work must be word-processed/typed and should clearly show your student number. You are
required to keep a copy of work handed in. You should submit your electronically via SOLE by
15:00 16th January 2017
See the University’s guide to uploading and submitting assessment items at the University of
Worcester via SOLE in under 60 seconds on You Tube http://youtu.be/yAEnTkVchMg.
If you have issues uploading your assessment to sole you will need to contact
[email protected], if you have issues with Blackboard, Turnitin or PebblePad you will need to
contact [email protected]
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How the
assessment will
be marked
Specific criteria is in the Grading Matrix for this assignment, which can be found on page 15
How you will
get feedback
You will receive feedback on this paper January 23rd 2017
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Comp3302
Grading Matrix Template
This matrix captures the assessment criteria for this part of the coursework.
Student Number:
Academic Year and
Semester: 2016-17 S1
ILO 2 Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of
programming paradigms and languages, and appreciate
the nature and limitations of computer programs
GRADE
Module Code:
COMP3302
Module Title:
Nature of Computing
Assignment No:
1
Assignment Weighting:
33 1/3%
Occurrence:
A/B
Assignment Description:
Position Paper 4
Assessment Criteria
A
Full discussion of the imperative paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”. Full discussion of your chosen second paradigm and
associated mental model and/or “notional machine”. In addition you should provide a critical comparison between the mental models and/or “notional
machines”
B
Full discussion of the imperative paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”. Full discussion of your chosen second paradigm and
associated mental model and/or “notional machine”.
C
Full discussion of the imperative paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”. Partial discussion of your chosen second paradigm
and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”.
D
Attempt at a discussion of the imperative paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”. No or little attempt at a discussion of your
chosen second paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”.
Fail (E-G)
Little or no evidence of any relevant discussion of a paradigm and associated mental model and/or “notional machine”.
General Comment:
What you can do better in future assignments:
How successful completion of this assignment helps your employability: Application of knowledge, Critical analysis, Logical and Abstract Thinking.
Assignment Grade:
Marker:
Moderator*:
* This person is responsible for moderating a sample of student work for this module. Your work may, or may not, have been included in this sample
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Comp3302
RESULTS ARE PROVISIONAL UNTIL AGREED BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
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If you have
problems
submitting
work or
submitting
work on time:
Firstly, contact someone, your Module Leader or personal Academic Tutor.
It is essential that you submit your work, in order to be able to pass the module. Work which is
submitted late will be subject to grade penalties as below.
 Students who submit course work late but within 5 days of the due date will have
work marked, but the grade will be capped at the minimum pass grade unless an
application for mitigating circumstances is accepted.
 Students who submit work later than 5 days but within 14 days of the due date will
not have work marked unless they have submitted a valid claim of mitigating
circumstances.
For full details of submission regulations see Undergraduate Regulatory Framework at
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/documents/UndergraduateRegulatoryFramework20
07entry.pdf
If you are ill or
have personal
problems
The University has a system for applying for mitigating circumstances where things happen,
beyond your control, which affect your assessments. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your Module
Leader, your Personal Academic Tutor or a Programme Advisor.
Full details of Procedures for Dealing with Exceptional Mitigating Circumstances are available at
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/679.htm
If you engage in
academic
misconduct
(cheating)
Do not use material from sources without acknowledging them using a recognised referencing
system. Do not copy another student’s work. If you do you will be referred to the School’s
Academic Integrity Tutor and may face further penalties. Details in your Course Handbook
accessible via SOLE and at
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/documents/Proceduresforinvestigationofallegedche
ating.pdf
If you don’t
pass at the first
attempt
DON’T PANIC. In the event you are required to take reassessment you will receive formal
notification of this via a letter from Registry Services posted on the SOLE page after the meeting of
the Board of Examiners. The letter will normally include a copy of the reassessment task(s).
Deadlines for re-assessment can be found in the University Calendar at
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/655.htm
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COMP3302
Work
Introduction to the “Story-Writing-Coding” engine
Introduction to Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG)
Workshop
Abstract Networks
Curve Fitting
4
4
4
3
3
1
1
1
2
2
Curve Fitting
Logic In Languages
Turing Machines
From Turing Machines to Computer Programs
Programming Paradigms, Psychology of Programming
3
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
4
Functional Programming Workshop
Roundup Workshop
2
2
4
4
Sub
LO
1
2 Read SFG handout
3 Read Story Structure Handout
4 Review computer networks
5 Read maths handout
Future Week
6
7
Revise Logic Gates
8
9
10
Read suggested articles
Christmas
Christmas
Christmas
11
Read about Lisp/Scheme
12
Assessment Week
Topic
26 Sept
3 Oct
10 Oct
17 Oct
24 Oct
31 Oct
7 Nov
14 Nov
21 Nov
28 Nov
5 Dec
12 Dec
19 Dec
26 Dec
2 Jan
9 Jan
16 Jan
Prep
W/C
Module Content
1
2
3
4
Notes:
1. The rightmost columns refer to the position papers: “Work” refers to the session where we shall work on the
papers and “Sub” refers to the week where submission of each paper is due. “LO” indicates the module learning
outcome addressed in each session.
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