CSC 298 - Introduction to Computer Science Research Methods
Catalog Description:Introduction to computer science research methods for first or second year Computer Science undergraduate students. Topics include creating research problems, reading research papers, conducting a literature review, designing research studies, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, communication of research findings, teamwork, and research directions. Students will work on teams to complete a mentored research proposal.
Contact Hours:
- Lecture: 3 hours
Co-requisites: None
Restrictions: None
Coordinator: Dr. Sarah Heckman
Textbook: None
Course Outcomes:
At the end of the course, students will be able to
- Identify and formulate computer science research questions that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Read a research paper and identify the research question/goal, methods used, and key results
- Search databases to identify papers related to a research question
- Design a study to answer a research question
- Identify appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis techniques to answer a given research question
- Communicate effectively about computing research through delivering an audience-sensitive oral presentation and writing an audience-sensitive research proposal
- Plan and monitor the progress of developing a research proposal through goal setting and activity logging
- Discuss potential computer science research areas and career pathways
- Contribute as an effective member on a team
Topics:
- Overview and Expectations
- CS Research Areas
- Teamwork and Team Building
- Reading Research Papers
- Defining Problems
- Learning on Your Own
- Literature Searches and Review
- Research Proposal Topics & Work Time
- Research Ethics / Responsible Conduct of Research
- Research Methods
- Data Visualization and Analysis
- Data Presentation
- Peer Review
- Grad School and Research Careers
- Oral Communication
- Proposal Presentations
See Course Listings