CS553 Research Methodologies in Computer Science
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Feb 02, 2026
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Computer Sciences and Engineering
Amal Mersni
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
This course develops methodological skills needed for research in computing disciplines. It covers defining a research problem, reviewing and synthesising relevant literature, selecting an appropriate research design and approach, planning data collection and analysis, and applying research ethics and academic integrity. The course concludes with a structured research proposal that integrates these elements into a coherent study plan.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
TBD
Additional Literature
Selected books and peer-reviewed scientific papers provided by the instructorTeaching Methods
Lectures
Discussions
Critical reading sessions
And supervised research assignments.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research in computing and types of contributions | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 2 | Research problems, scope definition, objectives, research questions | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 3 | Refining a topic and narrowing a study focus | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 4 | Literature searching, screening logic, source evaluation | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 5 | Literature synthesis, gap statement, positioning the study | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 6 | Research design choices in computing and method selection | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 7 | Feasibility, limitations, and quality checks | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 8 | Midterm week, no lectures | |
| 9 | Data planning, sampling decisions, and instrumentation in computing studies | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 10 | Data Analysis – Qualitative and Quantitative | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 11 | Research ethics, integrity, and responsible academic practice | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 12 | Research proposal structure and how sections connect | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 13 | Proposal writing workshop and revision | Book and Scientific Papers |
| 14 | Final revision clinic and presentation preparation | |
| 15 | Final Presentations |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS553.1 | Course | - | - | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 14:00 - 16:00 | A F1.6 | |
| Thursday | 13:00 - 14:00 | A F1.6 | (Internship consultations , internship application forms) |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Literature Review Assignment
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2
Research Design, Data and Analysis Plan Report
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3 4
Research Paper
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Oral Presentation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 5
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lectures and presentations
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Home study (reading and preparation)
28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)
Assignments
60 hours ⏳ (10 week × 6 h)
Final proposal integration and presentation preparation
16 hours ⏳ (4 week × 4 h)
Individual consultations and feedback sessions
4 hours ⏳ (4 week × 1 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [CS553] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Feb 02, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| CS553 | Research Methodologies in Computer Science | 3 | 0 | 6 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | None | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Amal Mersni | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Tuesday: 14:00-16:00 Thursday: 9:00-11:00 , 13:00-14:00 (Internship consultations , internship application forms) |
|||||||
| amersni@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | This course develops methodological skills needed for research in computing disciplines. It covers defining a research problem, reviewing and synthesising relevant literature, selecting an appropriate research design and approach, planning data collection and analysis, and applying research ethics and academic integrity. The course concludes with a structured research proposal that integrates these elements into a coherent study plan. |
|||||||||
| Textbook | TBD | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Lectures, discussions, critical reading sessions, and supervised research assignments. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Research in computing and types of contributions | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Research problems, scope definition, objectives, research questions | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Refining a topic and narrowing a study focus | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Literature searching, screening logic, source evaluation | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Literature synthesis, gap statement, positioning the study | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Research design choices in computing and method selection | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Feasibility, limitations, and quality checks | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm week, no lectures | |||||||||
| Week 9 | Data planning, sampling decisions, and instrumentation in computing studies | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Data Analysis – Qualitative and Quantitative | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Research ethics, integrity, and responsible academic practice | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Research proposal structure and how sections connect | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Proposal writing workshop and revision | Book and Scientific Papers | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Final revision clinic and presentation preparation | |||||||||
| Week 15 | Final Presentations | |||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Literature Review Assignment | 1 | 30 | 1, 2 | Not Allowed | |
| Research Design, Data and Analysis Plan Report | 1 | 30 | 3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Research Paper | 1 | 30 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | Not Allowed | |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | 10 | 5 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lectures and presentations | 3 | 14 | 42 | Home study (reading and preparation) | 2 | 14 | 28 | |||
| Assignments | 6 | 10 | 60 | Final proposal integration and presentation preparation | 4 | 4 | 16 | |||
| Individual consultations and feedback sessions | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | ||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 17/02/2026 | |||||||||