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CSOC30030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Advanced Computational Social Science (CSOC30030)

Subject:
Computational Social Science
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Sociology
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr David Anzola
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores the essential non-technical skills and knowledge involved in the practice of computational social science through experiential learning. Students will engage in a semester-long group project in which they will develop a conceptual model for an agent-based social simulation on a topic of their choosing. The module is designed to take students through the main stages of the simulation life cycle, with most sessions featuring hands-on workshops that support the model development process. Emphasising active participation, the course enables students to critically assess existing models and empowers them to make their own design decisions. The assessment strategy covers both the project process and its final output.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Understand the main stages of the simulation life cycle.
• Compare design choices in computational modelling.
• Reflect on the skills and knowledge involved in computational social science projects.
• Assess factors influencing performance in complex collaborative work.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

45

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

139


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures
- Task-based learning
- Project-based learning
- Group work
- Student presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group project centred on the collaborative design of an agent-based model. This assessment includes written reports and an oral presentation. Week 7, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No
Participation in Learning Activities: Continuous assessment including in- and out-of-class activities centred on: (i) the manipulation and interpretation of computer simulations and (ii) the collaborative design of a model. Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 15:00 - 16:50