The University
of Queensland
School of Information
Semester 2, 2005
COMP4001- Special Topics in Computer Science 4B
Course Profile
Version
This is version 4.0 of the COMP4001 course profile, dated 8 July 2005.
Changes since the last version
Assessment has been modified to include an exam component worth 10% of total marks. Assignment 2 has been reduced from 60% to 50% of total marks.
Course Summary
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Course Code(s): |
COMP4001 , COMP7001 |
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Unit Value: |
#2 |
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Contact Hours: |
2 hours per week (2C) |
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Purpose: |
COMP4001 and COMP7001 is an Introduction to Complex Systems. The course brings complex systems science and engineering approaches to complex real life problems. It provides an introduction to complex systems methodologies, including computational and mathematical modelling. In addition, guest lecturers from industry and academia will describe complex systems challenges in fields as diverse as ecology, biology, economics and the internet |
Teaching Staff
Dr Jennifer Hallinan (Course Coordinator)
Office: IMB
Phone: 62615
Fax: (07) 3365-4999
Email: hallinan@itee.uq.edu.au
Consultation Time:
Note: If you are calling from outside the University follow the appropriate instructions for each location below.
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(07) 334 62615 |
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Tutors
See the lecturer
Course Goals
The course aims to provide the
opportunity for students to explore complex systems science and engineering
research. It is expected that upon successful completion of the course,
students will:
- Have been introduced to the principles of
complexity theory and the manner in which they can be applied to specific
areas of research
- Understand how networks are used as a
basic tool in complex systems models.
- Know a variety of simulation packages and
their strengths and weaknesses for exploring complex systems ideas.
- Be able to run simulation models and
understand the underlying issues in complex systems approaches to a broad
range of complex systems.
Graduate Attributes Developed
The
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A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY |
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Graduate
Attribute |
Specific
Competencies (What) & Learning Activities & Assessment (How) |
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A1. A comprehensive and well-founded
knowledge of the field of study. |
What: Understanding of key
terms, prototypic models and simulation methods. |
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How: Discussion in lectures
and tutorials and hands-on experience with modelling packages. |
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A2. An understanding of how other
disciplines relate to the field of study. |
What: Understanding of the interdisciplinary
nature of complex systems research |
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How:: Attendance at guest lectures
by researchers in other disciplines related to complex systems |
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B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION |
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Graduate
Attribute |
Specific
Competencies (What) & Learning Activities & Assessment (How) |
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B1. The ability to collect, analyse and
organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and
fluently, in both written and spoken forms. |
What: Skills in collecting, analysing and reporting
research results |
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How: Preparation of a full
report on the conduct and results of the major project |
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B4. The ability to engage effectively and
appropriately with information and communication technologies. |
What: Skills with the use
of software for computer simulation and modelling |
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How: Independent work and
tutorial sessions on appropriate software |
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C. |
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Graduate
Attribute |
Specific
Competencies (What) & Learning Activities & Assessment (How) |
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C1. The ability to work and learn
independently. |
What: Capacity for independent
research |
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How: Conduct of a major
research project in complex systems modelling |
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C2. The ability to generate ideas and adapt
innovatively to changing environments. |
What: Ability to generate
and assess a research project |
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How: Preparation for the
major project |
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D. CRITICAL JUDGMENT |
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Graduate
Attribute |
Specific
Competencies (What) & Learning Activities & Assessment (How) |
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D1. The ability to define and analyse
problems |
What: Ability to generate
and assess a research project |
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How: Preparation for the
major project |
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D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning
to issues through independent thought and informed judgment |
What: Skills in independent
reasoning |
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How: Conduct of research and
analysis of results as part of major project |
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Assumed Background
Students
are expected to have completed three years of a relevant undergraduate degree,
in an area such engineering, information technology, mathematics, economics or
bioinformatics. A GPA of 5.0 or above is recommended, and students should be
prepared for a challenging course that requires independent research.
Resources
Course Profile Copy http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4001/profile.html
In the first lecture (or class meeting) students will be directed to the web
address at which this course profile can be read. Students enrolled at
Textbook
There is no prescribed text book.
Reference Texts
For background reading, see Ricard Sole and Brian Goodwin
(2000) "How Complexity Pervades Biology" Perseus Books.
Many other popular texts on complex
systems are available. Background and further readings are linked to the course
web page and will be updated throughout the course.
Handouts
Handouts will be available from the course web page.
Facilities
Tutorials will be held in 78-109 (standard computer lab) and in 78-420.
Consultation
Consultation times for Jennifer Hallinan are 2-4pm Tuesdays in IMB 6.137 and by email appointment with other lecturers.
Distribution of Notices
Notices will be posted on the course web page or to the newsgroup uq.itee.comp4001
Web
The course web site is available at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4001. The course web site will contain the lecture schedule, links to the course profile, software, further deliverables, announcements etc.
Newsgroup
The course newsgroup is uq.itee.comp4001. This group is available on both the University and School news servers (news.uq.edu.au and news.itee.uq.edu.au).
Students are free to post questions (and answers!) to the newsgroup. Copies of announcements will also be posted to the newsgroup. The teaching staff will monitor the newsgroup.
Teaching Activities
Lectures
There is one lectures\ each week, Monday 3:00 – 3:50 in Building 39, Room 124A
Tutorials
Tutorials will be held in Building 78 Room 109 on Mondays from 4:00 – 4:50pm, starting from week 1.
Tutorials will be used to reinforce understanding of the course material.
Active student participation is expected.
Pracs
Prac sessions will be held during tutorial times in weeks 1 – 3. Active student participation is expected.
Attendance
You are not required to attend any of the teaching sessions (except those in which an assessment activity is taking place), however, you are strongly encouraged to do so. The lectures, tutorials and pracs have been specifically designed to aid your learning of the course material. Failure to attend a session may result in you being disadvantaged. It is up to you to find out what happened at any class session that you miss.
Teaching Plan
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Week Number |
Monday's Date |
Lecture Number |
Lecture Topic |
Prac Session |
Assessment |
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1 |
25 July |
1 |
Introduction to Complex Systems |
Tutorial – Software Packages |
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2 |
1 August |
2 |
Network Analysis |
Simulations - Pajek |
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3 |
8 August |
3 |
Agent Based Modelling |
Simulations - NetLogo |
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4 |
15 August (17 August is Exhibition Holiday) |
4 |
L-systems |
Tutorial – Projects |
Ass 1a – Index page |
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5 |
22 August |
5 |
Cellular Automata |
Tutorial – Assignment |
Ass 1b – Student presentations |
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6 |
29 August |
6 |
Evolutionary Computation I |
Tutorial – Projects |
Ass2 – Proposal & Literature Review |
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7 |
5 September |
7 |
Evolutionary Computation II |
Tutorial – Projects |
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8 |
12 September |
8 |
Systems Biology |
Tutorial – Projects |
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9 |
19 September |
9 |
Evolutionary Robotics |
Tutorial – Projects |
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26 September |
Mid-semester break (one week) |
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10 |
3 October |
10 |
Invited Lecture |
Tutorial – Projects |
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11 |
10 October |
11 |
Invited Lecture |
Tutorial – Projects |
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12 |
17 October |
12 |
Invited Lecture |
Tutorial – Projects |
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13 |
24 October |
13 |
Review |
Tutorial – projects |
Ass 2b – Project Report |
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31 October |
Revision Period |
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Exam Week 1 |
7 November |
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Final Exam |
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Exam Week 2 |
14 November |
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Assessment
COMP4001will be assessed by several methods as outlined below. Your final grade (on a 1 to 7 scale) will be determined by combining the marks from the various assessment components as described below. For each assessment item, reference is made to the specific learning objectives (from the list above) which the assessment item will address.
Assignments
Assignment 1:
review a simulation tool useful for complex systems analysis (20%)
The first assignment aims to develop understanding of the software tools
available via a detailed investigation of the strengths and weaknesses of one
simulation package and listening to presentations about other packages.
Task: Investigate a software package useful
for agent-based or mathematical modelling
of complex systems; produce a short report in html format (1000 words) and present a 15 minute talk (including a
demonstration). See the assignment specification for more
details.
The assignment specification will be available from the
course web page in week 1. The report is due week 4, and talks will be given in
week 5.
Assignment 2:
Model a complex system using mathematical or computational techniques
(50%)
The second assignment is aimed at developing research skills in complex systems
analysis or applying tools to a complex problem and gaining experience in
practical applications through ones own as well as class discussions of other
projects. See the assignment specification for more details and a detailed
breakdown of the marks assigned to stages of the project.
The assignment specification will be available from the course web page in week
1. Components of assessment are due in week 6(1 page proposal and critical
literature review, 10%), week 12 (project report 10-20 pages, 50%)
COMP7001 students have an additional component for the project (pass/fail), to
produce a short further work proposal to extend their work into a masters project (500-1000 words). This component provides
experience in writing research proposals and evaluating a project.
Final Examination
A two hour final examination will be held during the final examination period. This exam will be closed-book and will contain both short-answer and essay questions. You may bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam.
Assessment variation is possible for students with a disability (see HUPP 3.30.3 Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability).
Use of dictionaries in exams: Students may request the use of dictionaries, including bilingual dictionaries, supplied by Examinations Section. If an examiner intends to request that dictionaries not be made available to students undertaking a particular examination because the use of dictionaries would compromise the results of the examination (e.g., a paper using definitional questions), include advice that no dictionaries will be available (see HUPP 3.30.5 Examinations).
Other Requirements
In relation to collaboration,
- All assessment must be solely the work of the student,
- Group work is acceptable during the researching and preparation of assessable items, but every individual must prepare and submit their own material, the product of individual work,
Determination of Final Grade
Grade
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Minimum Total Mark
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Additional Criteria
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7
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85%
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A grade of 7 will be awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in all components of assessment (minimum 38/50 in the project) |
6
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75%
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A
grade of 6 will be awarded to a student who demonstrates at least sound level
of achievement/understanding in all assessment areas (minimum 35/50 in the project).
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5
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65%
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A
grade of 5 will be awarded to a student who demonstrates at least sound work
in all assessment areas. Alternatively, a grade of 5 will be awarded to a
student who demonstrates excellent knowledge/skill in the project and one
other area (minimum 30/50 in the project).
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4
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50%
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A
grade of 4 will be awarded to a student who demonstrates at least basic
skills in all areas of assessment, or at least sound skills and sound
knowledge levels in the majority of the assessed work (minimum 25/50 in the
project).
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3
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45%
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A
grade of three will be awarded to a student who submits a minimal project (20/50).
Otherwise, a failing grade will be awarded .
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2
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20%
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A
grade of two will be assigned to a student who demonstrates basic skills in
half the assessed work
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1
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A
grade of one will be assigned to work without academic merit.
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Assessment Policies
Submission
Assignments should be submitted be via the ITEE submissions procedure (see the course web page for details). http://submit.itee.uq.edu.au/select.php?coursecode=COMP4001. A hard copy of the project report should also be submitted to the COMP4001 assignment box on level 1 of GP-South. Your assignment submission must be accompanied by a signed coversheet declaring that the submission is your original work. Late Submission
Late Submission
Many completing demands are placed
on students, however, in this course, time management is considered a critical
skill to be practised.
Research projects require ongoing progress reports at set times. One of the
research skills discussed in the tutorial component of the course is managing
an open ended project.
Extensions may be requested at any
time by email to the course coordinator up to 24 hours before the due dates and
will be assessed on merit. Late submissions without an agreed extension or
medical certificate will be penalised
20% per working day and assignments more than 5 days late will not be accepted.
Late submissions should be submitted directly to the course coordinator's
office.
Return of Assignments
Assignments will be returned during the tutorials.
Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations
The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.
The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.
In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.
Academic Merit, Plagiarism, Proper Referencing, Collusion and Other Misconduct
The School and the wider academic community in general takes academic integrity and respect for other persons and property very seriously. In particular, the following behaviour is unacceptable:
- Submission of plagiarised work, i.e. work that contains content copied from an unacknowledged source.
- Submission of work without academic merit, i.e. work that adds little or nothing to material available from reference sources such as textbooks, websites, etc., even where this is appropriately acknowledged.
- Engaging in collusive behaviour, i.e. inappropriate working together with other students where individual work is required, or working with people outside your team where team work is required.
- Copying work done by other students.
- Failing to adhere to the School's regulations concerning behaviour in laboratories, in particular occupational health and safety regulations.
Penalties for engaging in unacceptable behaviour can range from cash fines
or loss of grades in a course, through to expulsion from the University.
You are required to read and understand the School Statement on Misconduct,
available on the ITEE website at: http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html.
This Statement includes advice and links to other sites on how to properly cite
references and other sources in your submissions and on acceptable levels of
collaboration.
If you have any questions concerning this statement, please contact your
lecturer in the first instance.
Assessment Feedback
Timely feedback on all progressive assessment in this course will be available in accordance with University policy (HUPP 3.30.6 Student Access to Feedback on Assessment). Feedback will be given during tutorials and may be requested in addition during the course coordinator's office hours.
Students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers
should consult with the School office (Room 217,
It is a student’s responsibility to incorporate feedback into their learning; making use of the assessment criteria that they are given; being aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and providing teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.
Support for Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements in the course is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services.