CS 3123: Computer Science Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CS-CURE)

Fall 2026

(to be offered again in Fall semesters thereafter)

Course Description:

In this course-based research experience in Computer Science, students will learn about how scientific research works as well as gain first research experience in Computer Science by working on an authentic research project. Specifically, students will learn how to understand scientific articles, how to develop subject-matter expertise, how to design a scientific research project, how to analyze and interpret data, and how to present their results to other scientists. 

This course prepares students for:

• REU/URE experiences in research labs

• Independent Study / Directed Research courses

• Graduate school

Fall 2025 Syllabus (link to SimpleSyllabus)

FAQs:

• Is this an Independent Study? No! It is a regular CS course, with in-person class meetings on Tues/Thurs this semester.

• Will there be a group project? No, students will complete an individual research project in the course, however support groups will be formed so that students in similar fields can share resources & discuss research throughout the semester.

• Do I need to know what I want to research? No, the course will help you to decide on field, investigate existing work, and formulate your own research questions. It must however be in the general field of Computer Science.

• What is the schedule for the course? The class meetings are Tuesdays & Thursdays, where Tuesdays will be content/lecture and Thursdays will consist of in-class activities. Details of these are available in the syllabus.

• Can I just do an Independent Study with you? No, I will not be offering independent study during the semester(s) which I offer this course.

Sample course schedule from prior semesters: