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Critical Evaluation (PRCE) - Part-time - COM00205M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25 to Summer Semester 2024-25
B Semester 2 2024-25 to Summer Semester 2024-25

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:
- Allow students to conduct a review of the state of the art and the state of the praxis in a suitably scoped area of Safety-Critical Systems Engineering and engage critically with the work of others.
- Allow students to identify a gap in the current research or praxis which is sufficiently challenging for further investigation in the PRCP module. The defined area will involve some element of novelty or originality.
- Allow students to develop an outline proposal for the design and evaluation of an engineered solution to address the gap identified in the critical evaluation.
- Support synthesis and application of material from the taught degree course.

Module learning outcomes

P401 Carry out research, critically engaging with the research literature, and identify a clearly articulated line of enquiry. Examined in the literature and project proposal sections of the report.

P402 Prepare a written report on the work done, according to the defined criteria (supplied separately), aiming for a standard that would be acceptable for wider publication.

P403 Account for and reflect on appropriate legal, ethical, social, professional and commercial issues involved in the project. Document this in the project report.

P404 Express questions for investigation in the field of Safety-Critical Systems Engineering in a clear and concise way, providing information about the key motivations for investigating those questions and proposing an approach for doing so.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Individual written feedback is provided via the online feedback system. There will also be formative comments on the research proposal on which the final project for the programme will based.

Indicative reading

The key texts are specific to the subject matter chosen. However, three generic texts are recommended as background reading:
1. Creswell, J.W. (2017) Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th edn. SAGE Publications
2. Yin, R.K. (2013) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 6th edn. SAGE Publications
3. Zobel, J. (2015) Writing for Computer Science, 3rd edn. Springer


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.