Jinka University
College of Natural and Computational Science
Department of Computer Science
Course title: Research Methods in Computer Science
Course code: COSC4123
Credit hours: 2 ECTS: 3 Contact hrs: 2 Lab hrs: 0 Tutorial hrs: 0
Prerequisite: None
Course category: Compulsory
Year: IV Semester: I
Course Instructor: Mengistu Estifanos (MSc in Computer Science) Contact: +251902926737
Course Description
The course focuses on the study of current methods and techniques in computer science research. The major topics includes
research in computing, proposal preparation, using resources to conduct research, writing research papers and making
presentations, ethical issues. The instructional methods and techniques include traditional lectures with some assignments,
student presentations and group problem solving.
Course objectives
Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:
Describe computing research methods
Develop effective research proposal
Conduct research effectively in computer related fields
Appropriately use resources to conduct research
Organize and prepare technical papers, thesis and presentations
Work and cooperate effectively with other research workers on a computing research
Aware of the research ethics and other related issues
Course outline 2.4.3. Quality Assurance of Initial Ideas
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Research 2.4.4. Write Research Proposal
1.1. What is Research and not Research? 2.4.5. Sample and More Acceptable Research Proposal Structure
1.2. Scientific Research 2.4.6. Research Proposal Check-list
1.3. Objectives, Motivations and Significance of Research 2.5. Literature Reviews
1.4. Requirements and Characteristics of Research 2.5.1. Importance and Roles of Literature Review
1.5. Types and Approaches of Research 2.5.2. Skills and Keys to Effective Literature Review
1.6. Research Methods and Problem Solving 2.5.3. Literature Sources (Journals, Conference Proceedings, Book)
1.7. Report Writing Principles and Criteria for Good Research 2.5.4. Literature Review Writing
1.8. Evaluating and Reviewing Research Results 2.6. Assessment Criteria
1.9. What is Research in Computing? Chapter 3: Resources to Conduct Research
Chapter 2: Processes in Conducting Research 3.1. Digital Libraries (IEEE, ACM, Science Direct, Springer, etc.)
2.1. Overview of Current State of Techniques in Computing 3.2. Documentation Tools (Ex: Latex) and Language Skill
2.2. Actors, Roles and Relationship 3.3. Team Work
2.2.1. The Student 3.4. Datasets
2.2.2. The Supervisor 3.5. Simulation, Experimental or Visualization Tools
2.2.3. The Examiner/Evaluator Chapter 4: Writing Research Papers and Making Presentations
2.3. The Process 4.1. Structure of Good Quality Papers, Citations and References
2.3.1. Developing Research Proposal 4.2. Making Excellent Presentation
2.3.2. Developing Problem Description 4.3. How to Write Quality Thesis (Journal and Conferences)
2.3.3. Following the Objectives Chapter 5: Research Ethics
2.3.4. Presenting and Analyzing the Data 5.1. Ethical Issues in Research
2.3.5. Drawing Conclusion and Identifying Future Work 5.2. Plagiarism, Falsification, Fabrication
2.3.6. Presenting and Defending Orally 5.3. Academic Honesty Related Issues – Ex. Misleading Authorship
2.3.7. Preparing Final Research Documentation (Thesis) 5.4. Other Ethical Issues in Computing
2.4. Proposal Preparation Chapter 6: Data Collection and Analysis
2.4.1. Choosing a Subject Area 6.1 Data Collection (primary and secondary data)
2.4.2. Choosing a Problem within the Subject Area 6.2 Analysis of Data with case studies
Assessment methods
Assignment/quizzes 20 %
Research report 20
Mid semester examination 20%
Final examination 40%
Text books and References
General textbooks are not suitable for this course, but there are a growing number of research papers research published in
quality journals such as IEEE and ACM that explore models, frameworks as well as contents in Computing Research
Methods to help students to become an expert in computing.
