6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Chief examiner(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit presents students with the theory and practice underlying computerised information retrieval. Topics covered include: history and context of information retrieval systems, retrieval models, Boolean, vector space and probabilistic, evaluation strategies, test collections, web search engines, indexing, content-based multimedia retrieval and relevance feedback.
Outcomes
At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- analyse critically the context and application of information retrieval systems;
- compare the different models of information retrieval and their comparative advantages and disadvantages;
- apply objective and subjective evaluation strategies in information retrieval systems;
- address the issues and challenges of managing very large collections of heterogeneous data for information retrieval;
- research how web search engines and search algorithms are constructed, utilised and deployed;
- do indexing for different media;
- implement information retrieval systems for the retrieval of audio-visual information;
- reflect on the theoretical and practical underpinnings of relevance feedback in information retrieval systems.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:
- Contact hours for on-campus students:
- Two hours of lectures
- One 2-hour laboratory
- Additional requirements (all students):
- A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.
See also Unit timetable information