Master of Science Graduate Seminar
Purpose: To engage the student in independent research studying a current topic that spans several areas in Computer Science. The hope is for the student to construct bridges between ideas and concepts learned in individual courses to see how they relate to a combined whole. This seminar will replace the MS comprehensive exam. Normally, students will enroll in the seminar during their final year before graduating.
Old requirement (from the Academic Register): Each candidate must successfully complete a masters comprehensive examination on the major areas of computer science. The questions will be based on courses numbered above 100.
New requirement: Each candidate must receive a passing grade in the graduate seminar.
Difference between the graduate seminar and the current project/thesis: The project/thesis requires in-depth programming and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. The student presents relevant conclusions in an oral presentation. The format of the graduate seminar is a regularly scheduled forum where all candidates participate in a discussion of a current topic in Computer Science. Each week a different candidate, or possibly a faculty member, will lead the discussion. The idea is to establish an environment where all current masters candidates can discuss, critique, and give feedback on current trends, ideas, and technologies that they might not otherwise be exposed to in their project/thesis research.
Description of Graduate Seminar:
Fall term. The candidate will choose and research a current topic of interest. The faculty will propose acceptable topics in various fields of Computer Science, with suggestions from candidates welcome. All topics must be approved by the graduate advisor. No official faculty supervisor is required though candidates are encouraged to seek out faculty advice during their course of study into the topic. A schedule will be set for Winter and Spring terms when all candidates can meet on a regular basis. The order of topics to be discussed will be determined at this time.
Winter and Spring terms. The graduate seminar will begin in the Winter term. Each session is 60 minutes long and will cover one topic. We will try to schedule the seminar to accommodate work schedules – possibly at lunch hour on Fridays. Candidates will each take a turn leading the seminar and discussion. Occasionally, faculty may also lead the seminar. A typical session consists of a candidate describing his/her topic and research findings for the first half hour with ensuing discussion taking up the second half hour. Based on an average of 5-10 candidates per year, seminar meetings can occur once every 2-3 weeks. Undergraduates are welcome at these seminars and will be encouraged to participate as audience members.
Requirements:
The candidate is required to be present for all seminar meetings and not just the one in which s/he is leading the discussion. In addition, the candidate will hand in a final written report (complete with references) describing all of the candidate's research findings about the chosen topic. The report will be given a pass/fail grade by a faculty member with expertise relevant to the topic. A failing grade may result in the candidate being required to lead another seminar session, pass a written comprehensive exam, or other such consequence as deemed suitable by the faculty.
This seminar is not a for-credit course nor will it appear on the candidate's transcript. No extra fees will be charged to the candidate for this seminar.