CSS 499: Computer Science Capstone

Course Description

In this capstone contract course, students demonstrate fulfillment of the various outcomes of their concentration courses. Each student will complete the capstone project to demonstrate that the student understands clearly his or her concentration, has mastered the content of the selected field(s) of study, and can synthesize and apply what he or she has learned. The capstone project may take one of several formats: a research paper, scholarly essay, portfolio, presentation of creative work, business plan, case study, or any other mode appropriate to the student’s interest and experience. A minimum grade of “C” must be earned to meet the requirements of the concentration. (3 credits)

Computer Science Studies Concentration

The goal of the Computer Science Studies (CSS) concentration is to produce graduates whose strong, balanced and general preparation in computer science prepares them for positions in the workplace or for graduate study. Graduates of the CSS concentration will have the analytical, experimental and professional skills needed to identify, formulate and solve scientific and technical problems throughout their careers; able to address technical, societal and ethical dimensions of computing; and have an awareness of the importance of professional and personal integrity, cultural awareness and ethical behavior in their careers.

 

Prerequisites

  • Students must have completed most of their concentration courses and take this course in their last semester. Academic Counselor approval is required to register.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who graduate with a concentration in Computer Science Studies will be able to:

  1. solve problems based on the application of logic and mathematics to developing, adapting and understanding algorithms and data;
  2. describe the interdependence of hardware and software;
  3. develop software programs in a contemporary, high-level language from design through implementation;
  4. explain the theoretical bases of operating systems and networks;
  5. work independently in research or development and as a member of a development team;
  6. explain the history of computing, current technology and its limitations and future directions;
  7. communicate technical information accurately;
  8. design and implement database systems;
  9. apply principles of ethics; and
  10. explain how workforce diversity, including differences in communication styles, impacts the workplace.

 

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsPointsWeight

3 Assignments @ 10 points each (Weeks 2, 4 & 6)

30

30%

Capstone Project (Final project) (Week 8)

70

70%

Total

100

100%

Required Textbooks

  • There are no required textbooks to purchase, however, students may find it helpful to refer to materials from previous courses.

Course Schedule

Week

Assignments

1

  • Review course policies found in current Course Schedule at http://www.charteroak.edu
  • Review learning outcomes of the concentration
  • Consider topics and format for project
  • Engage in discussion with Mentor about project 
  • Begin project work

2

  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with Mentor about project
  • Submit Initial Draft of project proposal to Mentor: Assignment worth 10 points

3

  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with Mentor about project (as needed)
  • Review Mentor comments regarding proposal

4

  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with Mentor about project (as needed)
  • Submit Project Draft # 1 to Mentor: Assignment worth 10 points

5

  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with Mentor about project

6

  • Submit Project Draft #2 to Mentor: Assignment worth 10 points
  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with instructor about project (as needed)

7

  • Submit Project Draft #3 to Mentor if required or if requested by student
  • Continue project work
  • Engage in discussion with instructor about project (as needed)

8

  • Submit Final Project to Mentor for grading: Assignment worth 70 points.
  • Complete the Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.