CS 178H Introduction to Computer Science Research

Raymond J. Mooney Vitaly Shmatikov

University of Texas at Austin 1

Course Goal • Prepare undergraduate students for eventually doing an honors thesis.

• Need to start planning now – Learn about areas of CS in which you might work.

– Choose a (tentative) area in which you are interested.

– Plan your course schedule so you take the necessary courses in time to start research in your junior year.

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Discussion Topics • • • • • Why do an honors thesis? What is research and what is an honors thesis? Critical reading of research literature The road to an honors thesis The nature of academia and research professors 3

Guest Lectures • Research professors summarize their research area • Panel of existing honors students present their perspective.

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Department Research Areas • First choice is to pick an area of computer science.

• Must be represented by research faculty in the department.

• Review department research web pages.

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