IL11620 - FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION RETREIVAL SYSTEMS

Module Identifier

IL11620

Module Title

FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION RETREIVAL SYSTEMS

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Ms Pauline M Rafferty

Semester

Semester 2

Other staff

Mr John Nelson, Ms Tanya C Rogers

Course delivery

Lecture

Seminars / Tutorials

Practical

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Report	50%
Semester Exam	2 Hours Unseen examination	50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Explain what is meant by the term 'information sources' and describe the various formats in which information is published;

Describe some of the main ways in which information is organized to facilitate access.

Explain why information retrieval systems exist, and identify the specific user needs they are designed to meet.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of information search behaviour.

Evaluate specific information retrieval systems and their appropriateness for different users.

Develop an ability to create effective search strategies, and demonstrate their use in a variety of information retrieval systems

Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the database in retrieving information

Brief description

This module provides a foundation in some key principles and skills in the discipline of information studies, relating to the organization, classification and retrieval of information, and it will familiarize students with the structure, content and purpose of a range of information sources and formats. It introduces basic skills in interrogating such resources and the development of practical search strategies. An inherent part of this process is the development of an understanding of the ways in which information and information sources are organized and categorised in order to facilitate retrieval and access.

Content

Topic areas covered
1. What is an information source?
2. The range of information sources and their characteristics
3. Information users and information behavior
4. Defining an information need/generating queries
5. Organisation of information - why does information need a structure?
6. Structure of information: specific sources
7. Specific sources: indexing, abstracting services
8. Information retrieval systems
Lectures in each area are accompanied by relevant practical or seminar work

Module Skills

Problem solving	Developed in practical sessions and also forms part of assessment
Research skills	Via practical sessions (information searching of various internet applications and databases) and assignments (relating to similar issues)
Communication	Some lecture and practical sessions will require students to work together in small groups to discuss particular scenarios / work toward solving problems
Improving own Learning and Performance	Problem-based approach via practical sessions and some group work within lectures should encourage students to develop independent approaches to learning
Team work	See 3
Information Technology	One of the aims of the module is to development students IT skills specifically relating to information-searching skills
Application of Number	N/A
Personal Development and Career planning	As a core module in a professionally accredited degree scheme the module will equip student with basic information handling and search skills that can be developed throughout the degree and form a basis for job seeking in their field following graduation
Subject Specific Skills	Module specifically addresses foundational or key skills that are required within the subject area

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4