Research

We have a number of research-active staff working in a range of computer science related fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life, Emergent Systems, eLearning, Agile Development, Mobile Computing, eMarketing and Digital Media, as well as improving student employability through integrated work experience.

The CSIS Department has developed a strong research ethos among its staff and postgraduate students.

To provide a good-level of support we restrict to about 6-8 the number of MPhil and PhD full time and part time students conducting their research projects in the Department. Suitable projects, sometimes tackled jointly with the support of CSIS and other departments, may be awarded a Gladstone Scholarship.

Research activities feed directly into the teaching and assessment of modules taught within the MSc programmes. They also influence the design and delivery of the Department's undergraduate programmes. The CSIS Department is keen to exploit all available opportunities for research which complement and enhance its excellence in teaching.

For further information on research, contact Dr Mohammed Saeed (m.saeed@chester.ac.uk), the Research Director.

Links between Research and Teaching

The integration of learning and research is an important aspect of quality enhancement but it is important to distinguish between 'pure' and 'applied' research:

Pure research is concerned with advancing knowledge within a particular field rather than finding answers to practical problems. It asks broader questions at a higher level of generalisation than applied research.
Applied research asks more specific questions, about practical problems affecting specific situations.

The goals of the CSIS programmes are such that they derive most benefit from applied research and so the Department encourages the academic members of the department to actively contribute to the development and understanding of how information and communication technology can be exploited. This is achieved by some members of staff undertaking PhDs and/or publishing papers and being actively involved in research networks, while others provide consultancy and guidance to employers on ICT related issues.

Because it is fallacious to assume that students automatically benefit from their tutors' research and consultancy, the Department's Research Strategy directs researchers to be involved in dissemination and student-researcher interaction. Thus, seminars are held regularly to discuss research outcomes and share ideas on research, curriculum and teaching. Students are encouraged to attend and contribute.