McMaster University
Computer Science - Capstone Project

COMP SCI 4ZP6, Term 3 202021


Lectures

Term 3: Wednesday 14:30-16:20 and Friday 15:30-16:20. Will be virtual both terms.

Instructor

Dr. J. Carette, ITB-168 , ext 26869, email: carette at mcmaster dot ca.

Teaching Assistant

Ethan Chan (chaneh)

Brendan Fallon (fallonb)

Course Objectives

The calendar description says: Students, in teams of two to four students, undertake a substantial project in an area of computer science by performing each step of the software life cycle. The lecture component presents an introduction to software management and project management.

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV of an Honours Computer Science program, Honours Business Informatics or Honours Computer Science as a Second Degree (B.A.Sc.)

The project will be broken into pieces (requirements, design, prototype and final implementation), each of which will be graded separately, and may also themselves be sub-divided.

Preconditions

  1. Students should know and understand:
    1. Rudiments of software specifications, design, architecture, implementation and testing.
    2. Need to be able to put software together using frameworks and libraries.
    3. Experience working on a team.
  2. Students should be able to
    1. write software requirements
    2. write tests and test plans
    3. pick up a new programming language
    4. use revision control, issue tracker, wiki

Learning Objectives

  1. Students should know and understand
    1. Basic project managament concepts.
  2. Students should be able to
    1. Gather requirements from an advisor
    2. Put these requirements together into a coherent proposal that captures the problem which needs to be solved, as well as a plan of attack.
    3. Design a solution to this problem, and document it.
    4. Implement a solution to the problem, and document it.
    5. Plan, perform and document validation and verification of their implementation with respect to their requirements.
    6. Explain (orally) the problem, the solution, and the adequacy of the solution. If the solution is software, demo it.
    7. Produce a set of precise, consistent and usable documents for the resulting project.

Electronic Materials

The latest version of this outline and the most "up-to date" information as well as hand-outs can be found on the course web page. http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/~carette/CS4ZP6/2020_21/index.html. (Or go to my home page and then to the course page).

Every group will be assigned a gitlab repository (shared with the TAs and the professor) for all of their work. Optionally, you may use a public github repo for the same purpose.

The issue tracker will be used for some communication. Other means (like Discord) will be used as well.

Project

There are 3 kinds of projects that you may embark on

  1. Industry/community proposed
  2. Faculty-member proposed
  3. Self proposed
Generally, it is easiest to satisfy an external customer, second-easiest for a McMaster faculty member as client, and hardest when you are "recruiting" a faculty member to supervise a project they are only somewhat interested in. There is a list of proposed projects.

Note that in all cases, it is possible to do a software development project (the most common) but also a 'research project' whose end result is a research paper.

Grading

The deliverable schedule is below. Dates in the future are approximate, but will not be changed without advance warning. Associated grade in parentheses. These may be (slightly) adjusted in the future. 0% grades will not ever change.

  1. Form groups: Sep. 18 (0%)
  2. Select project with a supervisor: Sept. 25 (0%)
  3. 2 page project summary and problem to be solved description. Oct. 2 (5%)
  4. Self-Reflection (see below for details) (3%)
    1. At start. Sep. 30th. (1%)
    2. Middle (early Jan) (1%)
    3. End (April 8) (1%)
  5. Requirements specification, Oct 9 (11%)
  6. Ongoing: summary of meetings with 'client', every 2 weeks. (5%)
  7. Prototype 1.0, Oct 28 (7%)
  8. Design, Nov 18 (9%)
  9. Prototype 2.0 (10%)
  10. Internal and external testing (10%)
  11. Final version (10%)
  12. Internal Demo (5%)
  13. Faculty of Engineering Capstone Day (materials due April 5th, showcase on April 8th) (25%)

Each deliverable will be graded. There will be individual grades too in that some of the deliverables above will have pieces that are individually done pieces.

Self-Reflection

Learning does not happen through experience alone but rather as a result of thinking about what you learned through reflecting on it.

"The role of reflection is to generate learning through connecting theory to practice; deepen learning by challenging students’ thinking; document learning by producing tangible expressions of new understanding gained through integrating experience and disciplinary knowledge -Ash & Clayton, 2009

In this course, you are asked to reflect on your experience of applying your disciplinary knowledge to your Capstone project. Specifically, the reflection assignments ask you to articulate your learning through the process of applying your specialized engineering-based knowledge to your Capstone project. Your ability to articulate your process and your learning will help you to better communicate your skills and competencies to future employers.

Each of the three self-reflection assignments are individual assignments. Each reflection assignment will be posted on Avenue. These are required course elements that must be satisfactorily completed to pass the course. You will be provided with a rubric that will be used to mark each reflection assignment so that you are aware of the criteria that must be met. All reflections should be written in Times New Roman Font, 12 pt, with 1in margins, single space. You are encouraged to do a free write/first draft that includes all your ideas. Edit your writing so that you are sure to succinctly address the reflection prompt within the word limit prior to submitting your assignment on Avenue.

Notes:

Schedule Changes

At certain points in the course it may make good sense to modify the schedule. The instructor may modify elements of the course and will notify students accordingly (using the standard communication mechanisms used for the class).

Discrimination

The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned individuals are reminded that they should contact their Chair, the Sexual Harassment Office or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at https://secretariat.mcmaster.ca/university-policies-procedures- guidelines/

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

AUTHENTICITY / PLAGIARISM DETECTION

Some courses may use a web-based service (Turnitin.com) to reveal authenticity and ownership of student submitted work. For courses using such software, students will be expected to submit their work electronically either directly to Turnitin.com or via an online learning platform (e.g. A2L, etc.) using plagiarism detection (a service supported by Turnitin.com) so it can be checked for academic dishonesty. Students who do not wish their work to be submitted through the plagiarism detection software must inform the Instructor before the assignment is due. No penalty will be assigned to a student who does not submit work to the plagiarism detection software. All submitted work is subject to normal verification that standards of academic integrity have been upheld (e.g., on-line search, other software, etc.). For more details about McMaster’s use of Turnitin.com please go to www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity.

COURSES WITH AN ON-LINE ELEMENT

Some courses may use on-line elements (e.g. e-mail, Avenue to Learn (A2L), LearnLink, web pages, capa, Moodle, ThinkingCap, etc.). Students should be aware that, when they access the electronic components of a course using these elements, private information such as first and last names, user names for the McMaster e-mail accounts, and program affiliation may become apparent to all other students in the same course. The available information is dependent on the technology used. Continuation in a course that uses on-line elements will be deemed consent to this disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about such disclosure please discuss this with the course instructor.

ONLINE PROCTORING

Some courses may use online proctoring software for tests and exams. This software may require students to turn on their video camera, present identification, monitor and record their computer activities, and/or lock/restrict their browser or other applications/software during tests or exams. This software may be required to be installed before the test/exam begins.

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

As a McMaster student, you have the right to experience, and the responsibility to demonstrate, respectful and dignified interactions within all of our living, learning and working communities. These expectations are described in the Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities (the "Code"). All students share the responsibility of maintaining a positive environment for the academic and personal growth of all McMaster community members, whether in person or online. It is essential that students be mindful of their interactions online, as the Code remains in effect in virtual learning environments. The Code applies to any interactions that adversely affect, disrupt, or interfere with reasonable participation in University activities. Student disruptions or behaviours that interfere with university functions on online platforms (e.g. use of Avenue 2 Learn, WebEx or Zoom for delivery), will be taken very seriously and will be investigated. Outcomes may include restriction or removal of the involved students’ access to these platforms.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities who require academic accommodation must contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 905-525-9140 ext. 28652 or mailto:sas@mcmaster.ca to make arrangements with a Program Coordinator. For further information, consult McMaster University’s Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities policy.

REQUESTS FOR RELIEF FOR MISSED ACADEMIC TERM WORK

McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF): In the event of an absence for medical or other reasons, students should review and follow the Academic Regulation in the Undergraduate Calendar "Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work".

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION FOR RELIGIOUS, INDIGENOUS OR SPIRITUAL OBSERVANCES (RISO)

Students requiring academic accommodation based on religious, indigenous or spiritual observances should follow the procedures set out in the RISO policy. Students should submit their request to their Faculty Office normally within 10 working days of the beginning of term in which they anticipate a need for accommodation or to the Registrar's Office prior to their examinations. Students should also contact their instructors as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements for classes, assignments, and tests.

COPYRIGHT AND RECORDING

Students are advised that lectures, demonstrations, performances, and any other course material provided by an instructor include copyright protected works. The Copyright Act and copyright law protect every original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, including lectures by University instructors. The recording of lectures, tutorials, or other methods of instruction may occur during a course. Recording may be done by either the instructor for the purpose of authorized distribution, or by a student for the purpose of personal study. Students should be aware that their voice and/or image may be recorded by others during the class. Please speak with the instructor if this is a concern for you.

EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

The University reserves the right to change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances (e.g., severe weather, labour disruptions, etc.). Changes will be communicated through regular McMaster communication channels, such as McMaster Daily News, A2L and/or McMaster email.

September 2020