Module Structure
- Three structured lectures covering key development phases
- Practical, hands-on guidance applicable to any project type
- Real-world tools and methodologies used in industry
- Interactive tasks to apply learning to your own project
- Self-directed learning and independent development expected
Dissertation Lecture Series
Each session includes 25-30 slides with practical examples, interactive activities, and a final task to apply concepts to your own dissertation project.
Week 5: Beginning Your Development
Learn how to effectively start your project development. Covers project setup, initial architecture decisions, development environment configuration, and establishing good coding practices from day one.
Week 6: Using GitHub & Project Management Tools
Master version control with GitHub and explore project management tools including Trello, Jira, and others. Learn collaboration workflows, issue tracking, and how to maintain project momentum.
Week 7: Doing Design Diagrams
Create professional design documentation including UML diagrams, ERDs, wireframes, and system architecture diagrams. Learn when and how to use different diagram types effectively.
Assessment Information
- Final Project: Complete implementation of your chosen dissertation topic
- Documentation: Comprehensive technical documentation and user guides
- Written Report: 8,000-10,000 word dissertation document
- Presentation: Viva voce examination and project demonstration
- Regular Progress: Consistent development work throughout the year
Further Reading & Resources
Explore essential resources for dissertation project development. These materials cover project management, version control, design methodologies, and professional development practices.
GitHub Official Documentation
Comprehensive guide to Git and GitHub, including repositories, branches, pull requests, and collaboration workflows.
Visit GitHub DocsTrello Guide
Learn Kanban-style project management with Trello boards, cards, and automation for tracking dissertation progress.
Visit Trello GuideUML Diagram Tutorial
Complete guide to UML diagrams including class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and use case diagrams for software design.
Visit UML DiagramsLucidchart Documentation
Professional diagramming tool for creating flowcharts, UML diagrams, ERDs, and system architecture diagrams.
Visit LucidchartFigma Design Guide
Modern design tool for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes with collaborative features.
Visit Figma HelpDatabase Design Tutorial
Learn entity-relationship diagrams (ERD), normalization, and database schema design principles.
Visit Database TutorialAgile Alliance Resources
Understand agile development methodologies, sprints, and iterative development for dissertation projects.
Visit Agile AllianceTechnical Writing Guide
Best practices for writing clear, comprehensive technical documentation and README files.
Visit Write The DocsClean Code Principles
Learn professional coding standards, refactoring techniques, and maintainable code practices.
Visit Clean CodeSoftware Testing Guide
Comprehensive guide to unit testing, integration testing, and test-driven development methodologies.
Visit Testing GuideDeployment Best Practices
Learn continuous integration, deployment strategies, and hosting options for your dissertation project.
Visit DigitalOcean TutorialsComputer Science Research
Academic guidance for conducting research, evaluating your project, and writing the dissertation report.
Visit Research GuideRecommended Tools
- Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
- Project Management: Trello, Jira, Asana, Monday.com
- Diagramming: Lucidchart, Draw.io, PlantUML, Mermaid
- Wireframing: Figma, Adobe XD, Balsamiq, Sketch
- Documentation: Markdown, LaTeX, Google Docs, Notion
- Code Editors: Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA
- Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord
- Time Tracking: Toggl, Clockify, RescueTime