Academic

This page looks at the main academic qualifications I currently hold and some of the interesting work I have undertaken along the way.

Degrees:
2007 Lancaster University MSc in Advanced Computer Science Distinction
The above degree was undertaken on a part-time basis over a 3-year period.  I undertook 3 taught modules in the first two years and completed my dissertation in my final year.  The course breakdown was as follows:

Part A - Taught Modules

Module Description Mark (%)
CSM001 Systems Engineering 79
CSM003 Advanced Interactive Systems Design 67
CSM004 Mobile Computing 77
CSM005 Systems Dependability 73
CSM006 Network and System Security 50
CSM013 Aspect-Oriented Software Development 84

Part B - Dissertation & Project Performance

Dissertation Title: Extending Query-by-Browsing (QbB) by using Drill-Down for Joins
Dissertation Mark: 71%

Final Weighted Mark: 72% (Distinction)
2003 Lancaster University BSc (Hons) in Computing 1st Class
Dissertation Title:
A Training Aid to Assist the Computing Undergraduate Better Understand the AVL Tree (Abstract)

2002 Blackpool & the Fylde BSc (Ord) in Computing Distinction
Dissertation Title:
A Comparison of the Efficiency of the Binary Tree and AVL Tree Data Structures in Carrying Out Insertions, Deletions and Searches.

2001 Blackpool & the Fylde HNC in Computing Distinction

The modules I studied for the HNC along with the grades I received are listed below:

Module Description Grade
Computer Platforms DISTINCTION
Systems Analysis DISTINCTION
Computer Software Constructs & Tools DISTINCTION
Computing Solutions DISTINCTION
Computer Implementation Project DISTINCTION
Networking DISTINCTION
Data Analysis & Database Design DISTINCTION
3GL Programming DISTINCTION
Website Design DISTINCTION
Object-Oriented Programming MERIT

Papers:

Dix A., Oram D., Query-through-Drilldown Data-Oriented Extensional Queries, International Working Conference of Advanced Visual Interfaces (AVI 2008), 2007
I have recently co-authored a computing paper with Professor Alan Dix at Lancaster University which looks at a new method for query formulation namely, Query-Through-Drilldown.  QtD, enables join formulation in a data-oriented paradigm. Instead of formulating joins at the level of schemas, the user drills down through tables of data and the query is implicitly created based on the user's actions.  The paper has been submitted for inclusion in the AVI 2008 Conference which takes place in Naples, Italy in Spring 2008. 

Citations:

Störzer M., Impact Analysis for AspectJ: A Critical Analysis and Tool-Based Approach to AOP, pg 221, May 2007
An auction system I developed using Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) was studied by Maximilian Störzer in the course of undertaking his Doctorate.  I was proud that my work was deemed worthy of inclusion.