Computer Science Research Methods

Catalog description

What does it mean to conduct research in computer science, and how might we be most effective at it? To help begin a fruitful career in CS research, this class will cover the philosophy and practice of forming ideas, executing research, presenting outcomes, and understanding and contributing to our community. The aim is to kick-start your time at Brown CS by being the 'missing semester' on how to be a PhD student, and by peeling back the curtain on why CS academia works like this to help you make the most of your time. Discussions include: motivating, pitching, and funding research; finding, reading, and reviewing research; selecting research areas and forming hypotheses; designing, performing, and evaluating research; communicating research; research collaborations; and research ethics. We will learn together through presentations, activities, discussions, plus readings and assignments out of class.