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Saint Louis University

Computer Science 491
Capstone Project

Michael Goldwasser

Spring 2011

Dept. of Math & Computer Science

If you wish, you may download a printable version of the syllabus, containing the same information that is on this web page.



Overview

Instructor: Dr. Michael Goldwasser
Email: goldwamh at our university domain
Office: Ritter Hall 108
Phone: (314) 977-7039
Office Hours:    
  • Tuesdays:
    • 10:00-11:00am
  • Wednesdays:
    • 2:00-3:00pm
  • Fridays:
    • 10:00-11:00am
  • or by appointment
Web: http://cs.slu.edu/~goldwasser/491/

The Capstone Project is a substantial, semester-long endeavor allowing students to apply the knowledge they have gained within the Computer Science curriculum. Each project is to be completed by an individual or a team of students; we henceforth use the terminology ``team'' even when referring to a team of one.

Topics for projects can be based on the interests of the students, chosen from ideas submitted by CS faculty, or coordinated with needs of other departments or units outside the university. Students should be involved in the project selection, but the instructor has final authority on what is considered a suitable project. There will be greater expectations for teams of two or more students.

Each project will have a faculty member (the ``supervisor'') who will advise the team on the project; the supervisor may or may not be the instructor-of-record for the course. Each team must sign a contract, together with the supervisor and instructor, indicating what the project entails and requirements for successful completion. The supervisor and the instructor will be responsible for assigning grades for the course.


Grading

The components of the grade are:

Weekly reports: 10% (the 10 highest scores will be considered)
Design document: 20%
Midterm presentations: 15%
Alpha version review: 10%
Complete product review:    30%
Final presentation: 15%

A detailed description of the components, and the required timeline for progress, follow.


Deadlines

Project contract: Wednesday, January 26
Design document: Friday, Februrary 25
Midterm presentations:     Week of March 7-12 (TBD)
Alpha version review: Friday, April 15
Product review: Wednesday, May 4
Final presentations: May 9-10 (TBD)

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to have read and abide by the University statement on Academic Integrity available on page 58 of the Saint Louis University's Undergraduate Catalog. A more detailed policy statement is given by the College of Arts & Science, also applying to this course.


Students with Special Needs - Disability Services

Any student who feels that he/she may need academic accommodations in order to meet the requirements of this course—as outlined in the syllabus, due to presence of a disability, should contact the Office of Disabilities Services. Please telephone the office at 314-977-8885, or visit Suite 331 in the Busch Student Center. Confidentiality will be observed in all inquiries.


Michael Goldwasser
CSCI 491, Spring 2011
Last modified: Friday, 14 January 2011
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