Project Type: Theoretical Computer Science
Overview
A project may focus on a selected theoretical aspect of computer science. Such a project is likely to place most emphasis on the report/dissertation, although some form of artifact, such as a set of implementations of new algorithms, is still expected. Project elements may include one or more of:
- Survey discussing and comparing a range of major ideas in theoretical computer science.
- Survey of existing algorithms for solving a particular class of problems.
- Proofs of theoretical aspects such as correctness or time/space complexity of selected algorithms.
- Derivation, implementation and analysis of new algorithms.
Suggested report/dissertation content
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Title page | See general guidance. |
| Abstract | Ditto |
| Declaration | Ditto |
| Contents page | Ditto |
| Introduction | Ditto |
| Background | Ditto |
| Context survey | Ditto |
| Algorithm design | A presentation of the intuition behind, and formal definition of, the algorithms or methods discussed in the dissertation. |
| Theoretical analysis | An accessible presentation of the theoretical analysis of the algorithms and techniques discussed in the report, written for a general computer science audience. This may include theorem statements, and proofs. |
| Experiments | A description of the experimental setup used to compare algorithms or methods, and a presentation and interpretation of their results. |
| Evaluation and critical appraisal | See general guidance. |
| Conclusions and further work | Ditto |
| References | Ditto |
| Appendix: ethics | Ditto |
| Appendix: optional further material | Ditto |
This structure can be varied with supervisor approval.
Mark descriptors
- 1-3: Little evidence of any attempt to complete the project.
- 4-6: Little evidence of any acceptable attempt to complete the project, with no substantial relevant material submitted.
- 7: Evidence of an acceptable attempt at the project, with major problems.
- 8-10: Evidence of a reasonable attempt at the project, addressing some of the requirements.
- 11-13: A report which demonstrates some understanding of advanced theoretical ideas. The report may contain minor technical errors or show room for improvement in its presentation.
- 14-16: A good presentation of the topic, demonstrating understanding of complex theoretical ideas. The report presents existing methods clearly and accessibly, but with scope for improvement in terms of content, structure, or presentation.
- 17-18: A comprehensive and clear presentation of the topic, demonstrating an excellent understanding of advanced theoretical ideas.
- 19-20: An exceptional presentation of the topic, demonstrating an outstanding understanding of advanced theoretical ideas. The dissertation shows elements of novel insight.