GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE

COMMON COURSE OUTLINE

REVISION DATE:

COURSE ABBREVIATION CSCI 2800

CREDIT HOURS 1-3

COURSE TITLE Capstone Project

PREREQUISITES Sophomore standing, completion of two sequential programming courses with a grade of at least a C, and approval of project proposal by department head.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION This is a sophomore‑level capstone project applying the theories, tools, and techniques of computer science designed to provide the skills needed to find employment. A full-time faculty project advisor must approve the project proposal. The project will address three areas: analysis of an actual industry problem, proposed solution for the problem, and implementation of the solution. Collaboration with industry is required. Credit hours will be determined as follows: one hour for problem analysis, two hours for problem analysis and problem solution, and three hours for completion of all three areas of the project. A written technical report and oral presentation to faculty and students are required to complete the course.

EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate skills in the some specific aspect of the field of computing through one, two, or all of the following, depending on the amount of credit to be awarded:

a) analyzing a real-world technical problem,

b) developing a computer-based solution for this problem,

c) implementing the designed solution for this problem.

GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES

I This course addresses the general education outcome relating to communications as follows:

1. Students develop their reading comprehension skills by reading the text and handout materials.

2. Students develop their listening skills through lecture and small group problem solving. Lecture material is presented that is not included in the text or handout material and is included as part of the tests or assignments.

3. Students develop their reading and writing skills through the use of problems and activities, including but not limited to development of computer programs and documentation, developed specifically to enhance their understanding of computer science principles and programming language skills. Students provide written or oral solutions to these problems in either individual or group format. They must also answer short-answer type questions on course exams.

II This course addresses the general education outcome relating to problem-solving and critical thinking skills through assignments that take the student through the problem-solving process from understanding the problem all the way to finalizing a correct computer-based solution to the problem.

III This course addresses the general education outcomes relating to mathematical concept usage and scientific inquiry as follows:

1. Students apply mathematical concepts in the development of problem solutions by creating mathematically-based solutions to the assigned problems and communicating the results of those solutions to the program user.

2. Students apply the scientific method in the set-up and solution of the problems presented to illustrate computer science principles.

IV. This course addresses the general education outcome relating to organization and analysis of information using a computer by using up-to-date computer technologies in the solution of problems designed to illustrate the concepts and principles of computer science.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

It is assumed that students entering this course have competency in procedural and object-oriented programming skills at the level of CSCI 1302 or equivalent.

COURSE CONTENT

I Specific course content will be determined for each student in the course individually. Generally, this course content will involve problem analysis, solution development and implementation, testing, and documentation for the student’s chosen problem.

A. For one hour of credit, the student will produce a written technical analysis conforming to an outline provided by the project advisor. This report will contain sufficient detail to allow the formulation of a solution to the specified problem. The report will consist of the following parts:

a. Description of the current process

b. Identification and discussion of problem areas in current process

c. Customer concurrence with items a and b above.

B. For two hours of credit, the student will use the written technical analysis to develop a computer-based solution to the problem. The written solution will conform to an outline provided by the project advisor. The solution document will include hardware and software requirements, flowcharts, algorithms, and other requirements as specified by the customer.

C. For three hours of credit, the student will complete the written technical analysis, develop a computer-based solution to the specified problem, and implement the proposed solution. A demonstration of the solution implementation will be required.

ASSESSMENT OF EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

A. COURSE GRADE

A written technical report and oral presentation to faculty and students are required to complete the course and will determine the course grade.

B. DEPARTMENTAL ASSESSMENT

CSCI 2900 will be assessed every five years. The assessment instrument will consist of the written technical report and oral presentation used to determine the course grade.

C. USE OF ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

The CSCI Committee, or a special assessment committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the Mathematics Academic Group, will analyze the results of the assessment and determine implications for curriculum changes. The committee will prepare a report for the Academic Group summarizing its finding.