Computing and Information Sciences Ph.D. - Curriculum

This course provides students with the theoretical background and practical experience with a variety of research techniques and methods. The course provides an overview of the research process along with opportunities for hands-on projects. Major topics for the course include: formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, selecting appropriate methodologies, data sampling, analyzing statistics, qualitative techniques, technical writing research papers, and presentation skills. (Knowledge in probability and statistics, or permission of instructor) (This course is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course provides an introduction in the fundamentals of working with quantitative information. Topics include matrix algebra (matrices, vectors, direct and indirect methods for solving linear systems, eigenvectors, singular value decomposition, least-squares systems) optimization (convex analysis, gradient descent, Newton's method, interior-point methods), statistics (random variables, p-values, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals) and data exploration (clustering, dimensionality reduction, curve fitting). Note: Knowledge in probability and statistics calculus, and computer programming or permission of instructor is required. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

Cyberinfrastructure integrates all parts of large-scale computing including a set of software, services, and tools in order to solve large-scale computing problems. This course will give an overview of the problems and solutions of large-scale computing, e.g., Large Hydron Collider. Students will design and develop new tools for cyberinfrastructure. Presentations and written reports are required. Note: Knowledge in data structure and object-oriented design, or permission of instructor is required. (This class is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Students will perform use-inspired original research in the interaction, informatics, and infrastructure areas of computing and information sciences applied to specific domain(s). Students will receive guidance from their advisor(s) in choosing an appropriate topic and activity. Note: Permission of the Ph.D. Director is required. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course develops the student's knowledge and understanding of various contemporary research issues, especially in the interdisciplinary areas of computing and information sciences. The student will get involved by attending a number of research presentations and discussions. The choice of topics considered may vary and will be determined by the instructor. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture (Fall, Spring).

Teaching is a valuable and desirable skill for PhD students. This workshop course provides an introduction to the concepts and skills needed for quality teaching in higher education. Students will be provided with lecture, reading, and class activities centered on building skills in educational analysis, design, and assessment. Prerequisites: Limited to students in the Ph.D. program. Class 2, Credit 2 (F) (This course is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

Students will perform use-inspired original research in the interaction, informatics, and infrastructure areas of computing and information sciences applied to specific domain(s). Students will receive guidance from their advisor(s) in choosing an appropriate topic and activity. Note: Permission of the Ph.D. Director is required. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course develops the student's knowledge and understanding of various contemporary research issues, especially in the interdisciplinary areas of computing and information sciences. The student will get involved by attending a number of research presentations and discussions. The choice of topics considered may vary and will be determined by the instructor. (This course is restricted to students in the COMPIS-PHD program.) Lecture (Fall, Spring).

Students will perform use-inspired original research in the interaction, informatics, and infrastructure areas of computing and information sciences applied to specific domain(s). Students will receive guidance from their advisor(s) in choosing an appropriate topic and activity. Note: Permission of the Ph.D. Director is required. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).