CSCI 490:  Directed Programming Experience

Prerequisites

CSCI 311, Algorithms and Data Structures

Description

This course consists of a special topic programming experience offered as 490A-C, for 1-3 units, respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Directed experience in programming systems and applications, weekly conferences, limited to a maximum of 4 units during degree program. Projects may consist of from one to three students working on software development teams.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

1. provide the student the opportunity to experience a directed programming project that requires an application of concepts learned in their (core) computer science classes;
2. familiarize the student with a client-programmer relationship; in this arrangement, a client needs a particular software product from the student programmer by an agreed delivery date; and
3. develop a fundamental understanding of how to integrate and transcend concepts learned from their (core) computer science classes in order to solve a particular problem.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student shall be able to:

1. independently and successfully apply concepts learned in their (core) computer science classes;
2. professionally conduct themselves in a client-programmer relationship where a client needs a particular software product from the (student) programmer by an agreed delivery date; and
3. exhibit a fundamental understanding of how to integrate and transcend concepts learned from their (core) computer science classes in order to solve a particular problem.

Relationship of Course to Program Objectives

This course supports the achievement of the following program objectives:

• Problem Analysis and Solution Design: Significant
• Oral and Written Communication: Significant
• Social and Ethical Issues: Minimal
• Applicability to Future Endeavors: Significant

Relationship of Course to Program Objectives

This course supports the achievement of the following program outcomes:

• Outcome A: An ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering.
• Outcome B: An ability to design and implement programs as well as to analyze and interpret code and data.
• Outcome C: An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
• Outcome E: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve computing problems.
• Outcome F: An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.
• Outcome G: An ability to communicate effectively.
• Outcome H: The broad education necessary to understand the impact of computing solutions in a global and societal context.
• Outcome K: An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern computing tools necessary for computing practice.

Grade Evaluation

Graded Components
	85%		Formal write-up of project (Includes proposal, draft, re-writes, and final version.)
	15%		Oral presentation of project (In conference with professor)

A formal write-up of the agreed-upon project is required. This document will be graded based on completeness, correctness (spelling and grammer), accuracy, etc. Additionally, the student will present their final project in conference with Dr. J prior to the end of finals week. Failure to complete either (or both) of these requirements will result in a grade of F for the course.

Suggested Topics

You may choose from the following topics or check out Dr. J's research interests for additional information ...

Topics	Comments
Web-based projects (HTML, Java, etc.)	database connectivity   dynamic support pages   graphical display of algorithms and tools   content organization and distribution
C++ projects	simulation and queueing theory     various research tools/libraries

Other topics negotiable after consultation with Dr. J ...