CSIS 3790 - Undergraduate Research
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 44301,
Credit hours: 3
Instructor
Alina Lazar
Email: alazar@ysu.edu
Course Description
3790. Undergraduate Research. A research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Course may be repeated for a total of up to 6 semester hours. Faculty approval required. Prereq.: A grade of C or better in both CSIS 2605 and CSIS 2605L, or in both CSIS 2610 and CSIS 2610L. 1-3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | None | ||
| Optional | Writing for Computer Science | Justin Zobel | ISBN-10 : 1447166388 ISBN-13 : 978-1447166382 |
| Optional | How to Read a Paper | S. Keshav |
Current peer-reviewed papers selected for each student's research topic
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
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.