CSC 399
RESEARCH SEMINAR
MARYVILLE COLLEGE, FALL 2012
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Dan Ross
Office: SSC 206
Office Phone: 981-8275
Email:
dan.ross@maryvillecollege.edu
COURSE INFORMATION
Class Time and Location: Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, SSC 231
Course Prerequisite: Junior Standing.
Required Text: J. Zobel, Writing for Computer Science, Springer, London,
2004. ISBN: 1852338024
Course Description: This one-hour course is a prerequisite for CSC 351 and
should be completed at least one semester prior to enrollment in that course. It
is a seminar focusing on the development of research skills and methods in
mathematics to prepare students for the Senior Study experience. Topics include
literature search strategies, mathematical and computer science writing, poster
and report preparation, and techniques for oral presentations. Students will be
introduced to discipline-specific software used in Senior Study. The course
culminates with each student presenting a Senior Study proposal to the faculty of
the division of Mathematics and Computer Science. Additional professional
topics covered will include resume writing, internships, careers and graduate
school.
Course Goals: Students will
 read and summarize scholarly articles in mathematics or computer
science.
 find and evaluate sources suitable for mathematics or computer
science research through the use of appropriate databases.
 develop technical writing skills, including a writing style appropriate for
Senior Study and other publishable works.
 become skilled at using Scientific Workplace and the Senior Study
template for Mathematics and Computer Science.
 develop oral presentation skills
 research and develop possible proposals for a Senior Study topic.
 learn about career options and how to prepare for them
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
Your final grade in this course will be based on the work listed below.
Weekly Assignments and Attendance (25% of final grade): You will complete
an assignment each week worth 20 points. These may include take-home
quizzes over readings or other out-of-class assignments. You receive 5
additional points for being present and on time for class, for a maximum total of
25 points per week.
Writing Assignments: You will complete three writing assignments during the
semester
 (20%) A short paper on an assigned mathematical or computer
science topic. Through this assignment you will develop your
ability to research the mathematical or computer science literature,
write in an appropriate style, and correctly use Scientific
Workplace.
 (10%) Professional Documents: Developing a resume, cover
letter, letter of recommendation
 (25%) Senior Study Proposal. This portion of your grade will be
based on your progress in developing your own thesis proposal,
including adequate research, collection of sources, gathering input
from relevant faculty members, review of the literature and
development of a thorough written proposal.
Proposal Presentation (20% of final grade): During the last week of the
semester (Date TBA), you will give a presentation to the Mathematics and
Computer Science faculty outlining your proposed Senior Study project. Use of
PowerPoint is strongly encouraged. Details about the presentations will be
discussed later in the semester. Part of this grade will be based on a “practice”
presentation you will give in class one week prior.
Grading Policy: The following grading policy will be used in converting final
percentages to final letter grades:
90 or above At least A80 or above At least B70 or above At least C60 or above At least D59 and below
F
ATTENDANCE & OTHER INFORMATION
Attendance and Tardiness: This class meets only one hour per week,
therefore it is absolutely essential that you attend each class meeting and that
you are on time and prepared. Absences from class will affect your weekly
assignment grade (see description above).
Plagiarism and Cheating: You are expected to do your own work. Never submit
work of others, never give unauthorized assistance to others, and do not ask for
help from other faculty members without the approval of your professor.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses that will not be tolerated. Offenses
will result in a score of 0 on the relevant assignment, and a letter of censure will
be placed in your college file. Repeat offenses will result in further disciplinary
action.
Students with disabilities: Any student who feels s/he may need an
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Services for
Students with Disabilities to discuss your specific needs. Please contact Lori
Hunter at 981-8124 to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with
documented disabilities.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Aug. 30: Introduction to research and writing in the Mathematical Sciences
Sept. 6: Mathematical Writing & organizational structure
Sept. 13: Intro to Scientific Workplace – Guest presenter: Dr. Jen Bruce
Sept. 20: Research in the Mathematical Sciences
Sept. 27: Search Strategies
Oct. 4: Scientific Workplace & Mathematical Writing (part 2)
Oct. 11: Careers in the Mathematical Sciences
Oct. 18: Trip to ORNL
Oct. 25: No class – individual conferences on proposals
Nov. 1: Graduate school, internships, summer programs & beefing up your
resume
Nov. 8: Practice proposal presentations
Nov. 15: Practice proposal presentations
Nov. 29 and Dec. 1: Proposal presentations
Dec ???: MTH/CSC 352 presentations (attendance required)
Dec. 8: Final Proposal Presentations (this week)