UNADE · Information Technology
DOCTORATE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Program Overview
Doctorate in Computer Science
Graduates of the Doctorate in Computer Science program will be qualified to conduct research in higher education institutions or independent research centers. They will also acquire the skills and autonomy required to undertake innovative scientific or technological research projects, both in public and private research institutions.
The American University of Europe (UNADE) is authorized under RVOE Agreement No. 201838DI, granted by the Secretariat of Education of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This official recognition is essential for the delivery of this doctoral program.
The RVOE (Reconocimiento de Validez Oficial de Estudios) is the Official Recognition of Academic Validity of Studies granted by the Mexican educational authorities. Through this recognition, a study plan and academic programs offered by an institution are incorporated into the Mexican National Education System.
In particular, participants in the Doctorate in Computer Science program will receive training that enables them to:
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Demonstrate advanced and up-to-date knowledge in Computer Science, focusing on fundamental concepts in computer theory, algorithms, data structures, and at least one research area within the program.
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Lead and conduct research in an original and autonomous manner, contributing to the expansion of knowledge boundaries in Computer Science and Technology.
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Critically and independently evaluate scientific results and research outcomes while maintaining a commitment to ethical principles.
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Communicate research findings and results to the scientific and academic community.
The Doctorate in Computing is carried out within the framework of science, according to its methodology and principles. Therefore, it involves rigorous and systematic scientific research based on experimentation, conducted in controlled environments and focused on critical analysis. Students will formulate hypotheses about specific phenomena and examine them through observation in a process aimed at discovering solutions.
Study an Online Doctorate in Computer Science
Through the Doctorate in Computer Science, students will deepen their knowledge of the main elements of computer systems, emerging technologies, and their associated challenges. They will also study the theoretical foundations of relevant disciplines related to the analysis of technological phenomena.
The program explores all aspects related to technology and computer science, particularly from the perspective of organizations. Students will develop a high level of disciplinary knowledge while gaining insight into the main schools of thought and influential authors in the field.
It is essential that students enrolled in the Doctorate in Computing understand the methodologies that allow them to comprehend the fundamental approaches to research within the field of computer science. They will also acquire proficiency in basic and intermediate-complexity techniques for information collection and analysis.
After completing the Doctorate in Computer Science, students will be able to effectively organize time and manage the workload involved in professional or research projects.
They will also develop skills to establish professional networks with other specialists and collaborate with researchers. It is important that they obtain research support resources to address problems at both national and international levels.
Pursuing Teaching with a Doctorate in Computing
Through this Doctorate in Computing, students will be able to develop a solid body of knowledge suitable for educating undergraduate and master's degree students. They will be able to involve students in learning projects aimed at solving problems through scientific research.
Through this Doctorate in Computer Science, students will acquire critical understanding of theories within their field of knowledge. In addition, they will be capable of integrating new trends and discoveries related to the subjects they teach.
Furthermore, the program aims to enable students to connect applied research experience, professional practice, and educational experience in the classroom. In this way, they will be able to develop projects that provide solutions to organizational or regional challenges.
The Scientific Research Process
In this Doctorate in Computing, students will study the rigorous process involved in scientific research, which includes the following stages:
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Selection of the research topic: This involves clearly and precisely determining the subject matter and scope of the work to be presented.
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Objectives: Research objectives represent a clear and precise statement of the goals to be achieved. The researcher’s objective is to reach conclusions and develop theories that allow for generalization and the resolution of similar problems in the future.
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Definition of the research scope: It is preferable to select a topic that is appropriately limited in scope according to the researcher’s interests and preferences.
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Problem statement: This represents the starting point of the research process. It emerges when the researcher identifies a theoretical gap or unresolved issue.
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Theoretical framework: This integrates existing theory with the research process and establishes relationships between them.
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Methodology: This defines the procedures followed to determine the significance of facts and phenomena related to the purpose of the research.
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Research report: The structure of the research report is straightforward and follows the fundamental stages established in the research design.
The scientific research process seeks to provide answers to significant problems posed by humanity, while generating meaningful findings that expand human knowledge and contribute to scientific advancement.
However, for findings to be consistent and reliable, they must be obtained through a scientific process. This requires a logical and rigorous sequence of stages and tasks throughout the research process.
Types of Research
In the Doctorate in Computer Science, students will explore different types of research, enabling them to select the approach that best suits their research objectives. According to the level of knowledge acquired, the following types of research are identified:
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Exploratory research: This is conducted on a subject or object that is unknown or has been insufficiently studied. Its results provide an approximate understanding of the object of study, representing an initial level of knowledge.
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Descriptive research: Also known as diagnostic research, this type of research represents a significant portion of studies conducted in the social sciences. It focuses primarily on describing a phenomenon or specific situation by identifying its most relevant and distinctive characteristics.
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Correlational research: This type of research is used to determine the extent to which two variables are related. In other words, it examines the degree to which changes in one factor correspond to changes in another. Variables may be strongly or partially related, or they may have no relationship at all.
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Explanatory research: This type of research seeks to determine the causes of events by establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
The Scientific Method
In this Doctorate in Computing, students will learn that scientific progress relies on the scientific method for its development. The scientific method uses techniques recognized by the scientific community, thereby validating their application within each scientific discipline.
The program demonstrates that there is no absolute consensus regarding the concept of the scientific method. Some scientists argue that there is only one scientific method, while others maintain that different methods exist, with an intermediate perspective recognizing a shared methodological foundation adapted to each discipline.
Through the scientific method, researchers can observe, describe, explain, and predict any phenomenon. This involves gathering information related to an observable phenomenon or event and then formulating conclusions based on the collected data. This methodology enables the validation of hypotheses, as explored throughout the Doctorate in Computer Science.
To provide a reasoned explanation that can be considered scientific, researchers must first describe the phenomenon being observed. From this description, scientific theories are formulated as systems of concepts. Subsequently, new phenomena can be deduced, leading to further observation and description of these phenomena, which may complement the original research findings.
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People interested in specialising in the field of computer science in order to contribute to scientific research.
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Professionals who wish to pursue a career in teaching in the field of computer science.
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People interested in conducting research into technology, robotics, computer science, and related fields in order to contribute to the advancement of society.
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To train doctoral graduates who can make a relevant contribution to the human, scientific and technological development of society, as well as to the specific field corresponding to their chosen research area.
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To educate individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility, capable of seeking sustainable solutions for people and organisations in all respects.
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To develop highly qualified professionals capable of conceiving, designing, evaluating and managing solutions that have a positive impact on the development and quality of life of individuals and society, while promoting economic development and growth.
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To train independent researchers with the capabilities, knowledge and skills required to identify opportunities and to develop and lead original research projects at the frontiers of knowledge.
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To disseminate the results of such research and apply the knowledge generated to the country’s technological development. To establish the programme as a highly influential Computer Science programme within the country’s productive, educational, academic and social sectors.
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To foster creativity and ingenuity among Computer Science students, enabling them to produce work of excellence that contributes to technological and computational advances in society and improves quality of life in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence, depending on the research areas selected and the developments arising from them.
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To train researchers capable of developing systems for energy saving, productive efficiency and increased reliability of technological products, while enabling them to reach their full potential and educate future generations in the current technological era.
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To demonstrate an in-depth and up-to-date command of Computer Science, with a focus on fundamental knowledge of computation theory, algorithms and data structures, as well as expertise in at least one of the programme’s research areas.
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To lead and conduct original and independent research, contributing to the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge in Computer Science and Technology.
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To critically and independently evaluate scientific results and outputs within a framework of ethical responsibility.
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To communicate research results and findings effectively to the scientific and academic community.
Admission & Graduate Profile
Entry Profile
The Doctorate in Computer Science is aimed at professionals with a background in computer science, technology, engineering, or related fields who wish to develop advanced research skills. Applicants should have analytical and critical-thinking abilities, an interest in scientific and technological innovation, and the capacity for independent learning and research.
Graduate Profile
Graduates will be able to conduct original and independent research in Computer Science, design and manage research projects, critically evaluate scientific results, and generate innovative technological solutions. They will also be prepared for university teaching, scientific dissemination, and participation in national and international research environments.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of this programme include, among others:
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Members of research teams working in different areas of Computer Science.
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Lecturers and educators in the field of Computer Science.
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Entrepreneurs.
Study Plan
The proposed Doctorate in Computer Science programme has a curriculum structure based on four training phases:
Phase 1. Tutoring
During this first phase, the programme is coordinated between the student and the assigned tutor. With the tutor’s support, the student will prepare a proposed outline for the doctoral thesis. The academic organisation of the doctoral programme requires the preparation of a work plan, which must be developed during this phase. This work plan must include a schedule of the activities to be carried out throughout the research process and must be aligned with the academic organisation of the programme’s curriculum.
Duration: 720 hours.
Purpose: To provide guidance in defining the thesis topic, objectives, hypotheses and methodology.
Phase 2. Coursework
During the second phase, students complete a series of distance-learning subjects defined according to their previous studies and the subject matter of their thesis. The doctoral candidate must complete subjects appropriate to the chosen thesis topic. The first subjects are compulsory, while two elective subjects must be selected according to the student’s chosen research area. The academic research activities are described below.
Duration: 880 hours.
Purpose: To acquire the knowledge and competencies required to provide solutions that contribute to human, scientific and technological development within the doctoral candidate’s research area.
The compulsory subjects are as follows:
Subject 1.Software Engineering and Technology (compulsory / 240 hours).
Subject 2.Industrial Informatics and Electronic Technology (compulsory / 160 hours).
Subject 3. Elective I.
Subject 4. Elective II.
To be selected from the following:
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Basic Cognitive Processes, Creativity and Motivation (160 hours).
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Mentoring and Empowerment: Organisational Development (160 hours).
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Motivation in the Workplace: Advanced Concepts and Mindfulness (160 hours).
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Other Complementary Concepts: Strategy and Management (160 hours).
Phase 3. Research
During this third phase, with the support of the Thesis Supervisor, the student will carry out research leading to the development of the doctoral project. The tutor will support the student in academic activities related to the research work and in the preparation, review and development of the doctoral thesis and, where applicable, the subsequent publication of a research article. The tutor will monitor the student’s academic progress and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the minimum requirements established for completing the doctoral thesis within the required timeframe and in the appropriate form.
Duration: 720 hours.
Purpose: To develop the doctoral thesis project.
Phase 4. Doctoral Thesis
During this final phase, under the supervision of the Thesis Supervisor, the student will write up the completed research, including the analysis and results obtained.
Duration: 960 hours.
Purpose: To write the doctoral thesis.
Academic Itinerary
Semester 1
- Advising Phase I
- Scientific Research Methodology
Semester 2
-Advising Phase II
-Introduction to Research Methods
Semester 3
-Software Engineering and Technology
-Industrial Informatics and Electronic Technology
-Elective I
-Elective II
Choose from:
Basic Cognitive Processes Creativity and Motivation
Mentoring and Empowerment: Organisational Development
Motivation in the Workplace: Advanced Concepts and Mindfulness
Other Complementary Concepts: Strategy and Management
Semester 4
-Research Phase I
-Findings and Actions of the Research
Semester 5
-Research Phase II
-Doctoral Dissertation Initiation Phase
Semester 6
-Doctoral Dissertation Development
-Doctoral Dissertation Project
Research Lines
Research Area 1:
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Requirements Engineering, Auditing and Software Engineering: the use of Requirements Engineering and Model Engineering techniques and systematic approaches.
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Integration of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) with other technologies.
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Reuse and evolution of Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs).
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Model-based testing.
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MDE solutions and tools.
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Evolution of MDE solutions.
Research Area 2:
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Artificial Intelligence: Foundations and Applications: this research area aims to explore in depth specific technologies related to intelligent data analysis, particularly temporal data mining, case-based reasoning systems and knowledge-based systems. It also addresses the most relevant theoretical problems concerning pure temporal and spatial reasoning, both in terms of constraint solving and logical reasoning, including issues of decidability, undecidability and computational complexity.
Research Area 3:
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Improving the Performance, Reliability, Energy Consumption and Cost of Multicore Processing Nodes and the Secondary Storage Subsystem of a Cluster: multicore processors and the microarchitecture of each core. This research area also examines the design of efficient file systems for clusters.
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High-performance computing.
Research Area 4:
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Future Internet Networks: Infrastructure and Security: research into the design and implementation of new network architectures, enhancement of security properties, cybercrime, cybersecurity, native support for heterogeneous access and seamless mobility support for nodes and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as security management at the communications, infrastructure and service levels.
Research Area 5:
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Industrial Computing and Robotics.
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Control of Non-linear Systems and Hybrid Systems: automation of equipment and systems.
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Automation of production process management across multiple levels, including monitoring and control systems.
