CSCI-Y 790 Graduate Independent Study
1-6 credits
- Prerequisite(s): Permission from a faculty mentor and department approval.
- Delivery: On-Campus
Description
This course engages graduate students in focused, independent study and research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The course is intended for students who wish to explore specialized topics not covered in existing courses or conduct original research. The course culminates in a written report or project demonstrating the student’s understanding and contributions to the chosen topic.
Topics
Introduction to independent study
- Importance of independent research
- Scope and objectives
Identifying research interests
- Areas of specialization in computer science
- Gap analysis
Research proposal development
- Components of a research proposal
- Timeline planning
Literature review
- Importance of literature review
- Tools and databases for literature search
Research methodologies
- Quantitative and qualitative methods
- Experimental design
Data collection and analysis
- Data gathering techniques
- Statistical and data analysis tools
Progress monitoring and reporting
- Importance of regular updates
Writing progress reports
Peer review and collaboration
- Peer review process
- Collaborative research opportunities
Drafting and refinement
- Structuring the written report or project
- Revisions and iterations
Conclusions and implications
- Drawing valid conclusions
- Future research opportunities
Oral presentation skills
- Presentation structure
- Audience engagement techniques
Final submission and evaluation
- Formatting and submission guidelines
- Course assessment and grading
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze complex problems in a specialized area of computer science to identify gaps or challenges that require further research. CS 7
- Synthesize existing research literature to construct a framework for the independent study project. CS 7
- Evaluate multiple methodologies and tools to select the most appropriate for addressing the research problem. CS 1
- Design and implement a research project or computational solution that addresses a significant issue in the field. CS 2
- Critically assess research findings to draw valid conclusions and discuss implications. CS 7
- Articulate research findings and their significance in written and oral formats, suitable for academic and professional audiences. CS 6
Policies and Procedures
Please be aware of the following linked policies and procedures. Note that in individual courses instructors will have stipulations specific to their course.