Computer Science 590RM - Research/Empirical CompSci

This course introduces concepts, practices, and tools for conducting effective research. You will learn how to read technical papers, interpret published research, assess the research frontier, select research topics, devise research questions and hypotheses, propose and plan research activities, analyze experimental results, and report those results. The course is structured around four activities: (1) Synchronous and asynchronous lectures on basic research strategies and techniques; (2) Synchronous activities that apply course concepts; (3) Reading and discussions of technical papers in computer science; and (4) An individual semester-long project that replicates an existing published study in computer science. The course requires significant reading, reviewing, and writing. Students are expected to participate actively in class activities. This course is intended for MS and advanced undergraduate students. It provides a grounding in research methods that will aid your entry into research-oriented industrial positions and PhD studies. For undergraduates considering graduate studies, this course will help inform and accelerate that direction. Does not count as a CS elective for the CS major (BA or BS).

Open to graduate Computer Science students only. Meets with COMPSCI 602. Department consent required for LEC 01: Undergraduate CHC CS and INFORM majors with HPD and instructor permission. For undergraduates, this course can be used to satisfy the 499y requirement for departmental honors (HN-DH). For general study & multidisciplinary honors (HN-GSMH), students whose theses or projects have a substantial empirical component, need to obtain CHC permission to satisfy the 499y requirement before submitting override request. Does not count as a CS elective for the CS major (BA or BS). Students needing special permission must request overrides via the on-line form: https://www.cics.umass.edu/academics/course-overrides.