Course Syllabus

Overview

The Research Forum is a one-hour-per-week, seminar-based class that features weekly speakers, typically chosen from among the School of Computing Faculty, who present the background and current topics related to their research programs.  The learning objectives for this class are as follows:

• Create a better understanding of advanced, research-related topics in computer science.
• Aide students in making informed choices about undergraduate research and/or graduate school.
• Introduce students to the terminology, challenges, and ideas across a wide range of computer science topics.
• Help students develop skills, through practice, for listening and understanding advanced topics and communicating about those topics.

Grading

The grading in the class will be based on attendance and written assignments.   The grading will be as follows:

• To pass the class, every student must attend 3/4 of the scheduled lectures.
• Students receive 5 points for every attended lecture.
• Students receive either 0 (non submission), 5 (less than ideal submission), or 10 points for every written assignment.
• Total points will be normalized to 100 and then grades assigned on the typical 10-points per grade scale.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken at every class and recorded by a student signing a form with the class list.   Miss-signing the form (signing for someone other than your self) will be considered a conduct violation.

Written Assignments

Written assignments are due within one week of the lecture to which they pertain.  Each written assignment should be approximately 1/2 to 1 page in length and should consist of two paragraphs:

1. The first paragraph describes, very briefly, at a high level the topic and main points of the lecture.
2. The second paragraph describes the students own thoughts, opinions, or observations about the subject of the lecture (not on the style or quality of presentation).  E.g. students can discuss what they found interesting or uninteresting about the area of research.  Students could add what they think is important or challenging about an area or how well suited it would be for their own interests and skills.   There are no correct answers to these questions, but the student's own thoughts and observations. 

Written assignments should consist of the student's own writing, from scratch.  Any outside outside resources used or quoted text should be explicitly acknowledged.   Submission of the something other than the students own written words (without proper citation) will be considered a violation of conduct. 

Conduct Violations

Students who are found to have violated the conduct of this class, as above, will be given a failing grade.

Class Schedule

The following lectures are scheduled.   More will be added as necessary.  Each lecture/presentation has an associated written assignment that is due within one week after the lecture.  

Safety and Personal Conduct

The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, call campus police at 801-585-COPS (801-585-2677). You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more information regarding safety and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit safeu.utah.edu.

Students are expected to behave in a manner that respects other students, the staff, and the faculty.   Furthermore, violence and/or harassment based on sex and gender (which Includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression), as well as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status or genetic information is a civil rights offense and may be subject to University honor/conduct violations and legal prosecution.  If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 135 Park Building, 801-581-8365, or the Office of the Dean of Students, 270 Union Building, 801-581-7066.