HP Research Community and Practice

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/X_HP010

Course Objective

By taking this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the research process, including research methods and practical aspects. (Knowledge and understanding)
- Develop your own research project, including a selection of research methods and approaches relevant to your project. (Knowledge and understanding, Applying knowledge and understanding, Communication, Making judgements, Lifelong learning skills)
- Be able to present your own research project, in writing and through an oral presentation. (Communication)

Course Content

The VU BSc Honours Programme promises to provide students with a deeper understanding and experience in the curricular aspects of their Bachelor. One of the most important topics, which currently is included only implicitly in the study programme, is the research process---the philosophy, theories, methods, and body of knowledge associated with the scientific method of our field. This course aims to introduce the principles and practice of the research process in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence.

Teaching Methods

Lectures with Socratic engagement in online sessions, self-study and self-reflection, guided report-writing. There are 16 sessions spread over the entire academic year, with about 2x meetings per month. Exact timings to be announced at the start of the course. Students and course professors meet at mid-term to discuss progress and draft of the research portfolio. Students and course professors meet at the end, for a one-day seminar where all students present and discuss the research process.

Method of Assessment

Students formulate one research proposal, preferably linked with the HP research project. The formulation delivers one report, for which we offer a template students can use.Students formulate a research portfolio, by self-reflecting on the main topics of the course. The portfolio must cover at least 60% of the topics, each addressed in a short overview (suggested: 1-page recto and verso).Students formulate a final report, which also includes the preliminary reports from points 1 and 2. This report is due at the end of thecourse. The portfolio should be delivered at mid-term (the first part, for feedback) and at the end (the final version).Students prepare a presentation of their research proposal and final report. Relatively to point 1, which presents the start of the research project, this report also includes a reflection on the entire duration and final results of the research project. Relatively to point 2, this report also includes an analysis and self-reflection about how the entire course helped with the research project. The final report cannot add more than 6 pages of new material, excluding references and the title page. Mandatory parts: Students have to complete the detailed requirements for each of the assessment points 1, 2, and 3. All assignments, as well as the course, are graded as pass or fail.

Literature

No textbook. The course provides: slide decks via Canvas. There is a list of recommended readings, including several books.

Target Audience

This course is only open for students enrolled in the BSc Honours Programme AI/CS of the Beta Faculty.

Custom Course Registration

To register for this course, contact the HP Coordinator, Selma Zaghow, at [email protected].

Explanation Canvas

This course uses Canvas to form a knowledge community between students.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor