FIT5166 - Information retrieval systems - 2019

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

Information Technology

Not offered in 2019

Prerequisites

(FIT9131 or FIT9133 or FIT5131 or FIT9017) and (FIT9132 or FIT5132 or FIT9003 or FIT9019)) or equivalent

For students enrolled in E3001, E3002, E3005, E3010, E3011, E3007 completing the Software Engineering specialisation: FIT2099 and FIT3171

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:

  1. analyse critically the context and application of information retrieval systems;
  2. compare the different models of information retrieval and their comparative advantages and disadvantages;
  3. apply objective and subjective evaluation strategies in information retrieval systems;
  4. address the issues and challenges of managing very large collections of heterogeneous data for information retrieval;
  5. research how web search engines and search algorithms are constructed, utilised and deployed;
  6. do indexing for different media;
  7. implement information retrieval systems for the retrieval of audio-visual information;
  8. 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:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • Two hours of lectures
    • One 2-hour laboratory
  2. 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