CS 494 - Senior Project Seminar

Spring 2008 - Syllabus

Goal

As preparation for CS 495 and CS 497 (Senior Design Project), this course explores topics of current interest in computers science available for design projects. Students will select projects and make presentations preparatory for the design project series.

Requirements

Each student will expected to do the following:

1. attend all scheduled class sessions
2. select a project
3. prepare a written ``mini-proposal'' outlining their project
4. give a short oral presentation

In addition, students are strongly encouraged to attend CS 497 project presentations on Friday, April 18.

The ``mini-proposal'' is expected to be 1-2 pages (not including the title page) in length and should contain the following information:

1. A filled-out title page (attached to this syllabus) with the signatures of the sponsor and project advisor for the project. The sponsor is the person or organization who determines the specifications of the project (i.e., what the project is suppose to accomplish). The project advisor is a member of the EE/CS faculty who can help with any technical questions regarding the project and determines the technical merit of your project. Generally, they are not the same person, but in some cases they may be.
2. A problem statement describing what the project is to accomplish. This should include the motivation behind wanting to solve the problem. (I.e., why is this project interesting?)
3. Any preliminary descriptions of an approach that could used to solve the problem.
4. A preliminary schedule for the design and implementation of the project, including division of work if it is to be a group project, and any dependencies on existing hardware or software.

   Note that CS 495 requires that the design phase of the project be completed by the end of the Fall 2008 term.

The presentation is expected to be about 5 minutes in length and should consist of briefly describing the problem and any possible approaches to solving the problem. Visual aids are not necessary, though allowed.

Schedule

Due to the small number of students in this class, we will not be meeting on a regular basis.
If you have some idea of the kinds of projects you are interested in, let Dr. Hwang know. Projects are being solicited continually, and we can try to match you up with one that matches your interests.

When you have decided on a project, you should make an appointment to talk to Dr. Hwang (KC-264, x2193, hwang@evansville.edu). Project selections should be made no later than March 31, 2008. If you already have a project or you want to propose a project, you should make an appointment sooner rather than later.

Presentations will be on the last day for this class, April 24, 2008. The written ``mini-proposal'' is also due at this time.