Module manager: Dr Mark Walkley
Email: M.A.Walkley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
COMP3931
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This individual project is the culmination of three years of computer science studies and provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate a mastery of the subject. Students engage in a comprehensive exploration of engineering analysis and design, honing their skills in problem formulation, solution development, and critical evaluation. The module emphasizes the practical application of computer science theories and skills to solve complex, contemporary issues, fostering creativity and independent thinking. This advanced module encourages students to focus on a chosen problem, employing rigorous research methodologies, and leveraging engineering techniques to propose innovative solutions.
This module aims to enable students to consolidate and extend three years of computer science study through the independent design, development, and evaluation of a substantial project. Students will apply appropriate theories, tools, and methodologies to a well-defined problem, demonstrating technical competence, critical analysis, and professional-level problem-solving within an applied computing context.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
define and analyse a complex real-world problem to design and implement a solution applying appropriate engineering design principles and engineering management processes to ensure quality and manage risk. (C1, M1, C2, M2, M3, M3, C5, M5, C6, M6, C9, M9, C14, M14, C15, M15)
identify and discuss legal, ethical, social, professional and sustainability issues relating to the project. (C8, M8)
select and interpret sources of information to solve complex real-world problems. (C4, M4)
apply industrial best-practice, in the development of a solution considering security, sustainability and engineering design lifecycle. (C7, M7, C10, M10, C15, M15)
select and use tools to design, implement, test, analyse and evaluate project artefacts and identify limitations (C12, M12, C13, M13)
communicate effectively complex topics concerning computer systems to technical and non-technical audiences. (C17, M17)
reflect on their level of mastery of subject knowledge and skills and plan for personal development. (C18, M18)
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Formulate and scope a complex computer science problem, translating real-world requirements into clear technical objectives and measurable success criteria.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution using appropriate tools, technologies, and methodologies, applying systematic testing and performance evaluation.
Critically analyse and justify design decisions through the comparison of alternative approaches, evaluation of results, and engagement with relevant academic and technical literature.
Communicate effectively the project aims, methodology, outcomes, and limitations through a professional technical report and an oral or visual presentation, suitable for both academic and non-academic audiences.
Students will conduct an individual project, supervised by an academic member of staff, allowing them to pull together the knowledge and skills gained during their programme of study focusing on the application of knowledge and understanding relating to a relevant topic in computer science.
Projects will require students to undertake practical work resulting in the creation of an artefact and will require all aspects of the implementation lifecycle.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 388 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Students will receive regular supervision where feedback on the progression towards the learning outcomes will be provided.
Students will submit an Outline and Plan in the early stages of their project and receive feedback from an assigned assessor.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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