CS 4770 : Computer Science Capstone Experience

CS 4770: Computer Science Capstone Experience

Semester Hours:   3.0
Contact Hours:   3
Coordinator:   Rob Green
Text:   Head First Software Development
Author(s):   DAN PILONE AND RUSS MILES
Year:   2007

SPECIFIC COURSE INFORMATION

Catalog Description

A synthesis of classroom knowledge and skills in computer science, culminating in a comprehensive team project experience. Covers two or more areas of Computer Science. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 3350, and completed at least 15 credit hours of CS courses at 3000-level or higher. Credit can be earned for only one of these courses: CS 4770, SE 4770, CS 4540.

Course type: REQUIRED

SPECIFIC COURSE GOALS

  • Synthesis: develop the project scope and relationship to one or more CS or other domains(s), inputs and outputs.
  • Design: integrate a range of course learning and extra-curricular experience to design potential solutions/algorithms by compiling trade-offs, exploring patterns, and modularizing the problem.
  • Application: adapt computer science and/or other domain principles and practices to a meaningful problem - real or synthetic.
  • Collaboration: adapt skills to collaborate effectively as an individual in a team.
  • Communication: compose effective oral and written communication for a variety of audiences in different contexts.
  • Reflection: assess past experiences and successes and/or failures in the project when shaping their “future selves”.

COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT OUTCOMES ADDRESSED BY THIS COURSE

  • CS 1 Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
  • CS 5 Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING STUDENT OUTCOMES ADDRESSED BY THIS COURSE

  • SE 1 An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • SE 2 An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • SE 6 An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • SE 7 An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge, as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

LIST OF TOPICS COVERED

  1. Background (15%) Students may propose a project themselves or choose from a list of available projects. Discuss with the sponsor and/or faculty mentor and complete assigned readings, if any.
  2. Project Selection (10%). Project proposal presentations to the class/project sponsor; identify broad conceptual details and plan of action; project logistics - team members/leader and project milestone and schedule of deliverables.
  3. Project development (50%) Team meetings; milestones; short project progress presentations and reports; discussion with project sponsor/course instructor; constraints and trade-offs/resolution
  4. Project Report and Presentation Resources (10%)
  5. Presentation (15%)

Updated: 12/15/2025 05:13PM