Computer Science 691DD - S-Res Methods in Empirical CS

This course introduces graduate students to basic ideas about conducting a personal research program. Students will learn basic methods for activities such as reading technical papers, selecting research topics, devising research questions, planning research, analyzing experimental results, modeling and simulating computational phenomena, and synthesizing broader theories. The course will be structured around three activities: lectures on basic concepts of research strategy and techniques, discussions of technical papers, and preparation and review of written assignments. Significant reading, reviewing, and writing will be required, and students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions.

This course can be used to satisfy the 499Y requirement for Departmental and Multidisciplinary Honors students whose theses or projects have a substantial empirical component. Approval of the Computer Science Honors Program Director is required prior to registering.

Open to COMPSCI graduate students only. FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDENTS WISHING TO TAKE THIS COURSE SHOULD CONTACT INSTRUCTOR. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cs.umass.edu/overrides.