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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Data Exploration Using Graph Theory
Module Code CSC1051 (ITS: CA336)
Faculty Engineering & Computing School Computing
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module introduces graph theory, graph theoretic algorithms and graph databases. Students will be able to recognise data-analysis problems with an underlying graph-theoretic component, and design and build software solutions to those problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1DDF8D3B-056C-0001-7824-A17C1A9F1F99
2. Recognise graph theoretical components of real world data-analysis problems.
4. 7,6
5. 1
6. 1DDF8D3B-6BC3-0001-9D11-18EB13D6176F
7. State and prove core graph theoretical results.
9. 22,17,12,15,6,9
10. 2
11. 1DDF8D3B-1EC7-0001-BBDA-1B0064802E00
12. Choose appropriate graph algorithms for solving graph theoretical problems.
14. 22,17,7,12,15,6,8,21,9
15. 3
16. 1DDF8D3B-2936-0001-A0A7-173C15A11C2E
17. Appreciate the computational complexity of graph-theoretical solutions.
19. 20,7,12,6,19,21,11,9
20. 4
21. 1DDF8D3B-392F-0001-901A-1B30120318AC
22. Write computer programs to solve graph theoretical problems.
24. 22,20,7,12,16,15,6,13,8,19,21,14,11,9,10
25. 5
26. 1DDF8D3B-8CF6-0001-ED82-AB4019901E6F
27. Develop problem-solving skills which are applicable to graph theory and general areas of data science.
29. 7,6,8,11,9,10
30. 6


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Formal Lectures
Fieldwork36Independent work solving graph theoretic computational problems.
Fieldwork60Independent learning.
Total Workload: 120
Section Breakdown
CRN10233Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework25%Examination Weight75%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMark RoantreeModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestClass Presentation to: Identify an important challenge. How do we want the future in healthcare, climate, education, air/sea travel (also assesses FL1 & FL2).10%Week 3
AssignmentDesign and build a graph-based solution for a real-world case study. Choose a Futures Literacy concepts and reframe it as a research question you will answer in your project (FL3). Analyse your dataset using methods provided in text book to identify trends in your chosen challenge and explain how this information could shape future developments (FL4)30%Week 6
AssignmentDesign a series of machine learning models which individually or collectively test your hypothesis for implementing a changed future (FL5) Validation of your hypothesis is an important aspect to this.60%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Graph Analytics and Algorithms; Graph Processing, Databases, Queries, and Algorithms; Graph OLTP and OLAP.

Graph Theory and Concepts
Graph Structures; Types of Graphs; Types of Graph Algorithms; Pathfinding; Centrality

Basic Algorithms
Pathfinding and Graph Search Algorithms

Building a Graph Database Application
Nodes, Relationship Types, Facts as Nodes, Application Architecture, Clustering; Load Balancing; Testing; Performance Testing

Graphs and Real world Applications
Real world case studies

Predictive Analysis Using Graphs
Search; Path Finding; Predictive Modelling

Clustering Using Graphs
When to Use; Local clustering; Global clustering

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Mark Needham & Amy E. Hodler: 2019, Graph Algorithms: Practical Examples in Apache Spark & Neo4j, O'Reilly Publishaing, 978-1-492-057
  • Ian Robinson, Jim Webber & Emil Eifrem: 2013, Graph Databases, 2nd, 978-1-491-932
  • Rik Van Bruggen: 2014, Learning Neo4j, Packt Publishing, 978-1-84951-7


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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