Module: Mechanics of Search

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanics of Search
Module Code	CSC1121 (ITS: CA6005)
Faculty	Computing	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

In this module, students will learn major technical concepts, methods and technologies that make possible the end-user functionality generally termed as ‘search’, i.e. to retrieve a wanted piece of information from a large digital collection where manual indexing is not feasible. Topics addressed include history and introduction of Information Retrieval (IR), text and web retrieval with major text processing techniques and classical retrieval models including Boolean Model, Vector Space Model and Probabilistic Model, evaluation methodologies for IR, ranking algorithms including PageRank for web, social media search, and multimedia content retrieval including the principles of image and video content analysis in the context of search. Many application scenarios and usages will be exposed to students along with end-user issue, usability and user experiences required for successful search interaction. The module consists of a series of assignments throughout the semester and a semester-long project that requires incorporating knowledge learned from the module. Concepts, algorithms and techniques for retrieving the information are such an important components now indispensable in any digital systems dealing with large amount of information, and the module will equip the students with clear foundational understanding of how they work in practice and what future improvements are coming.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain major Information Retrieval concepts, methods and technologies used in state-of-the-art search systems today
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply search concepts and algorithms in novel information retrieval contexts, devices and usage scenarios
3. Demonstrate their understanding of end-user interaction and experiences in supporting search technologies in such a way that improves and enhances psychological health and well-being through the usage
4. Design end-user search interaction that is easy-to-learn, easy-to-use and supports high level of usability
5. Evaluate search systems in terms of their effectiveness and usability

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Synchronous online lecture with live discussions and breakout activities
Fieldwork	60	Bi-weekly assignment to work individually and the completion and submission of 1 design project
Independent Study	96	No Description
Total Workload: 180

Section Breakdown
CRN	20403	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Cathal Gurrin	Module Teacher	Annalina Caputo, Hyowon Lee

Section Breakdown
CRN	21150	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Cathal Gurrin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Bi-weekly submission to apply what was learned into concrete usage context by designing and describing an application with back-end and front-end	50%	Every Second Week
Project	The semester-long project that incorporates all aspects of topics learned, by designing a search system with major back-end and front-end components. Presentation and report submission.	50%	Sem 2 End

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

Synchronous online lectures will include a number of collaborative discussions and breakout activities to maximally engage the students during the class hours.