Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IAT 805 G100

Research Colloquium

Class Number: 6425

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Enrollment in the SIAT graduate program.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Through an interdisciplinary speaker series, presents research topics relevant to the SIAT graduate program. Engages students in discussion and debate on the utility, results and methods of research. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Graduate Research Colloquium aims to be a forum for the building of community, for exposure to diversity of research work and method, for fostering understanding of disciplinary commonalities and differences. SIAT is a strongly interdisciplinary program and the Research Colloquium aims to reflect this by exposing students to a broad range of approaches to methods and research in the areas of Interactive Arts, Design, Science, and Technologies. Through this colloquium series, presentations by SIAT faculty, SFU non-SIAT faculty and outside visitors will be scheduled alongside presentations by students. Where possible, presentations by international visiting researchers will be integrated into the program. The emphasis is on a community of research which includes students. The Colloquium is seen as an important counterpoint to the introduction to the research methods course. Topics depend on the scheduling of presentations. A presentation schedule will be determined closer to the beginning of the semester. At times, the sequence may shift to accommodate visitors.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By particiating in this course, students will:

  • Be introduced to their graduate cohort and SIAT faculty
  • Learn more about the different areas of research and faculty interests, allowing you a better basis on which to choose committee members and your own research direction.
  • Be exposed to the work of researchers and industry folks beyond the University, drawn from regional and international venues, to keep you informed about related research to the SIAT program.
  • Receive a platform for presentation of your own research, at whatever stage you may find yourself.
  • Be aware of the diversity of research areas, methodologies and practices relevant to the intersecting areas that make up SIAT locally and internationally.
  • Learn skills and knowledge to help you succeed as a SIAT grad student

Grading

NOTES:

Students will be evaluated on their participation in this course. Additionally, students might be required to make a presentation based on their own research and/or introduce a guest speaker. This course will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Failure to attend regularly will lead to course failure.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.