Lecture 4 - Revision

Advanced Topics in Computer Science/Business Computing (CS3001/CS3606) Revision Notes

Introduction

  • Relevant course offered at Brunel University of London by David Bell.

  • Focus on advanced topics integral to computing and business computing.

News

  • Overview of revision at a high level, emphasizing the importance of organized study.

  • Breakdown of the revision process where detailed planning is crucial.

  • Announcement regarding the next revision session scheduled after the Easter break.

Course Topics

  • Topics common to both CS3001 and CS3606 include:

    • Topic 1: Advances in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

    • Topic 2: Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    • Topic 3: Advances in Database Systems

    • Topic 4: Advances in Software Engineering

  • Assessments include:

    • TASK 1: Pass/Fail (Badge Quiz, Discussion Posts)

    • TASK 2: Final Exam

Details of TASK 1

  • Badge: Completion awarded upon passing quizzes.

  • Quizzes: Four quizzes must be passed to earn the badge.

  • Discussion: Engagement through four posts required.

  • EXAM: Conducted via Brightspace, contributing to awards for satisfactory completion.

Revision Process for Each Topic

  • Steps for effective revision include:

    • Reading the topic guide and theory lecture slides.

    • Identifying key concepts and providing definitions for each.

    • Creating references and diagrams relevant to the concepts.

    • Comparing concepts to find related themes and explanations, incorporating examples.

    • Reviewing listed academic papers that highlight concepts and associated risks.

    • Revisiting problem-solving lectures and applying personal examples.

    • Retaking quizzes to monitor understanding and seeking additional discussions.

    • Compiling a risk register documenting over five risks related to planned topics.

Specific Skills by Topic

  • Advances in HCI:

    • Understand specifications of mixed reality (MR) head-mounted displays.

    • Learn the pipeline/process of MR technology.

    • Identify and describe interaction shortcomings between virtual elements and users.

  • Advances in Software Engineering:

    • Comprehend the software lifecycle and practical applications.

    • Develop skills for test case generation.

    • Utilize pseudocode to describe an agent or similar function.

  • Advances in AI:

    • Grasp differences between prompt engineering and fine-tuning.

    • Design a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system based on problem-solving concepts.

  • Advances in Database Systems:

    • Differentiate between SQL and NoSQL databases, assessing selection rationales.

    • Familiarize with challenges and guidelines for implementing new open-source databases.

Final Exam Structure

  • The final assessment spans three hours with a focus on CS3001 and CS3606.

  • Determines overall grading between an F and an A*.

  • Conducted using WISEflow lockdown browser, ensuring exam integrity.

  • Exam sections align with each of the four topics, allowing students to choose two to answer.

  • Required literature such as key papers will be integrated into the exam.

Examination Guidelines

  • Examination will consist of:

    • Choosing TWO topics to answer out of a total of FOUR, each worth 50 marks.

    • Students are advised to read through the entire exam paper and note marking allocations.

    • Diagrams should be submitted electronically on WISEflow; no paper copies accepted.

    • Allocating time to ensure completion and thorough review before submission is critical.

Question Structure

  • Each topic includes five questions, with some having sub-questions. Each question is 10 marks, structured as follows:

    • Question A: Focus on knowledge of key concepts defined in the topic guide, serving as a warm-up.

    • Question B: Design or architecture queries referencing case studies, applying topic knowledge with supporting diagrams or pseudocode.

    • Question C: Risk model production for technology scenarios, requiring a detailed risk register and mitigation strategies.

    • Question D: Topics related to the key concept paper from quizzes.

    • Question E: Extended questions based on topic discussion questions.

Risk Management Example

  • A structured risk management approach involves assessing:

    • Risk Definition: Clear description stating the potential risk.

    • Likelihood: Evaluated on a scale from 1-10 (high, medium, low).

    • Impact: Also rated on a scale from 1-10.

    • Risk Level: Calculated through function of likelihood and impact, referred to as fn(L,I)fn(L,I).

    • Responsibility: Assigned based on role and organizational unit.

    • Mitigation Strategies: Enumerate methods to reduce or control impacts of risks, documented in 1-2 sentences.

Vignette/Case Study for Application

  • AUTOEngine: UK company developing ImmerseAUTO, a mixed-reality driving simulator to enhance driver interfaces, leveraging virtual elements for user interactions.

    • Aim to combine real-world driving with virtual overlays to improve driver safety.

  • GP-TECH: Startup creating applications to improve medical professionals' productivity through technology.

    • Focus on LLMs to streamline the reading and documentation processes within healthcare.

Example Questions from Previous Exams

  • Discuss the role of collisions in mapping recognition during specific training sessions.

  • Name phases of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and enhance understanding of the development phase with respect to specific organizational needs.

  • Delve into challenges of building an open-source database for biological data during the pandemic.

  • Design a RAG model prototype, including diagrams of data flows and justifications for each element.

Recommended Exam Preparation Strategies

  • Prepare for THREE topics and select the TWO that are currently easiest based on retrieved questions.

  • Revisit problem-solving sessions and formulate using personal case studies.

  • Approach active engagement with the material to avoid rote memorization; incorporate analysis and original perspectives.

  • Keep necessary supplies like a pen/pencil handy for sketching diagrams.

  • Ensure WISEflow access is current and functional on your laptop prior to the examination.

Additional Resources and Revision Sessions

  • Further advice and resources will be provided post-Easter, with lectures recorded for on-demand access.

  • Attendance in revision sessions to solidify learning outcomes is encouraged.