Learn to critically evaluate research papers, conduct literature reviews, implement large projects, run experimental studies, present research findings, familiarity with tools and software used in the research fields. Prerequisite: CS 514 and CS 545.


Instructor: Alark Joshi

Email: apjoshi@usfca.edu

Office: HR 415

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2pm or by appointment

Teaching Assistant: Allison Wong

Email: azwong@usfca.edu

Office Hours: Mondays 1:30-2:30pm, Wednesdays 1:30-2:30pm, and Fridays 2-5pm or by appointment

Prerequisites

CS 514 and CS 545 or permission of instructor.

Objectives:



  • An introduction to research in specific fields of computer science - Data Visualization
  • Conduct a literature review on a topic of interest
  • Gain a familiarity with basic statistical tools and techniques used in computer science research
  • Implement large software projects based on research topics and papers
  • Conduct experimental studies to evaluate systems/techniques/algorithms
  • Learn how to present research findings verbally as well as through the writing of a manuscript

Textbooks

In addition to the handouts and relevant readings assigned, we will refer to the following texts for programming assignments. These books are available at the bookstore.

Grading

The course will be graded on a A-F basis. The grade distribution will be as follows:

  • D3 Programming Assignments: 15%
  • Literature Survey: 10%
  • Projects: 55%
  • Written exercises: 10%
  • Class attendance and participation: 10%
Grades will be assigned as follows.

100.0-93.0A
92.9-90.0A-
89.9-87.0B+
86.9-83.0B
82.9-80.0B-
79.9-77.0C+
76.9-73.0C
72.9-70.0C-
69.9-67.0D+
66.9-63.0D
62.9-60.0D-
59.9-0F

Programming Assignments



Assignments are due at 11:59pm on the due date. Submission is through Canvas. Email submissions will not be accepted. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Attendance Policy



Attendance is mandatory. Absences are only excused in cases of verified family or medical emergency. Topics that are discussed in class but are not available online will be part of quizzes, assignments and projects.

Students with Disabilities



If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may have a disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) at (415) 422-2613 within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a disability specialist. If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please provide me with your SDS Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations (VISA) form, and we will discus your needs for this course. For more information, please visit: http://www.usfca.edu/sds or call (415) 422-2613.

Academic Dishonesty

Students are required to follow the University's Honor Code: "As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis- the care and education of the whole person- USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. USF upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the academic community. All students are expected to know and adhere to the University’s Honor Code. " You can find the full text of the code online at www.usfca.edu/fogcutter.

This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • ALL assignments are to be completed individually unless specified, in writing, on the assignment. Academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated. This is your warning! Students are encouraged to meet with me if they have questions regarding assignments or this policy. Students caught cheating will face severe penalty.

Students may:

  • receive help from the professor and the TA.
  • discuss the requirements of the assignments, the meaning of programs, or high-level algorithms with other students or outside sources. If you have any doubt with respect to what is acceptable to discuss, speak with the professor first.
Students may NOT:

  • look at another student's code.
  • look at another student's solutions to homework problems.
  • receive unapproved help from an outside source including a tutor or a family member.
  • submit code which has, in whole or in part, been copied from any other source (including another student, a web page, or another text).
  • submit solutions to problems which have, in whole or in part, been copied from any other source (including another student, a web page, or another text).
Requirements

  • Any help from a source other than the professor, the lab assistant, or a TA must be acknowledged. Example sources that must be cited are a parent, a family friend, and an outside tutor.
  • If you wish to get a tutor in the course, speak with the professor.
  • Any code submitted by a student must be completely original. No portion of a student's code may be copied from any other source (including, but not limited to, another student, a web page, or another text).
Penalties

  • Students caught violating the academic honesty policy will face severe penalty. A first offense will result in a zero on the assignment and a report to the Dean's office. A second offense will result in the student failing the course.