Research Methods in Computer Science
Computer and Information Sciences - CISH-6960

Description
Course will review the major considerations and tasks involved in conducting scientific research, particularly in the area of computer science. It introduces the essential aspects of designing, supporting, and conducting a research project. Those who successfully complete the course will be able to: produce a well-developed research proposal: select an appropriate methodology with which to conduct the research and defend the methodology of their selection; understand the various tasks required to carry out the research; find the resources needed to guide them through the research process and the documentation of its findings.

Prerequisites
This course is available only to those MS CSCI students in good standing who will be presenting their seminar paper in Spring of 2008 and who intend to graduate in that year. It is assumed that the prospective student has already successfully completed the majority of the course requirements for the masters program.

Textbook(s)
Ordering Information

Format
Classes: 14 weeks, 14 sessions
Assignments: 2 Parts
Paper Evaluation: 1
Research Proposal: 1

Grading
Assignments: 50% (25% per part)  
Paper Evaluation: 25%
Research Proposal: 25%

Computing
Access to a spreadsheet is required to do data analysis. Microsoft Excel is highly preferred.

E-mail access is required for course communications.

Access to Blackboard, Rensselaer's course management tool, is required. Please refer to this page for instructions on how to set up your computer for Blackboard.

Who Should Enroll
This course may be used in your Plan of Study as follows:

Degree Programs
CSCI - required
CSYS - n/a
ELEC - n/a
EPOW - n/a
HCIN – n/a
ITEC - n/a
MBA - n/a
MGMT-MS - n/a
MGTE - n/a
TCOM - n/a

NOTE:

• This course may only be taken by CSCI students who are at the end of their program.

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