CSCI 6990 - Computer Science Project
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 44052,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Alina Lazar
Email: alazar@ysu.edu
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | None | ||
| Optional | Writing for Computer Science | Justin Zobel | ISBN-13 : 978-1447166382 |
| Optional | How to Read a Paper | S. Keshav |
The primary readings will be current peer-reviewed research papers, technical reports, standards, software documentation, and other sources directly relevant to the student's graduate project. Students are expected to move beyond introductory sources and engage critically with the research literature.
Readings may be adjusted to reflect project needs, research developments, and improved learning opportunities.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus; example CS project questions | Orientation; project topic and scope | Start research log; initial project idea |
| 8/31 | Keshav, How to Read a Paper | Reading research papers | Three-pass paper analysis |
| 9/7 | Topic-specific reading | Labor Day week - University closed Monday; independent research | Literature search progress; meeting rescheduled/asynchronous |
| 9/14 | Zobel selection; topic papers | Research question and project scope | Project abstract / research questio |
| 9/21 | Current peer-reviewed papers | Literature searching and synthesis | Annotated bibliography / literature map |
| 9/28 | Zobel selection on research planning | Project proposal and planning | Project proposal |
| 10/5 | Methods sections from exemplary papers | Experimental design; baselines; controls | Methods, datasets, baselines, metrics |
| 10/12 | Project-specific evaluation papers | Evaluation metrics and reproducibility | Repository / reproducibility checkpoint |
| 10/19 | Instructor-selected resources | Data analysis and basic statistics | Preliminary analysis |
| 10/26 | Examples of effective CS figures/tables | Visualization and evidence | Preliminary figures/tables |
| 11/2 | Topic-specific papers as needed | Research progress review | Mid-project progress checkpoint |
| 11/9 | Zobel selection on technical writing | Writing a research-style report; University closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 | Paper outline + draft sections |
| 11/16 | Exemplary discussion/limitations sections | Interpreting results; limitations; threats to validity | Results and discussion draft |
| 11/23 | No new reading | Thanksgiving week — no classes Nov. 25–27 | Asynchronous progress update; no regular meeting |
| 11/30 | Peer draft(s); presentation guidance | Peer/advisor review and presentation preparation | Complete paper draft; presentation draft |
| 12/7 | No new reading | Final examination period | Final paper, project materials, and technical presentation |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.