Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CMPT 700 G100

Technical Writing and Research Communication (3)

Class Number: 5473

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers technical writing and communication skills for research in computing science. Introduces students to scholarly publication procedures, research collaboration norms, ethics and intellectual property issues, as well as broadly useful tools for writing about and presenting research. Includes research seminar attendance and practicing constructive critique and feedback for ongoing research. The objective is to train well-rounded graduate students, to advance their ability to communicate and review scientific research, to introduce broadly used research software tools, and to become knowledgeable about issues surrounding computing science research.

COURSE DETAILS:

Covers technical writing and communication skills for research in computing science. Introduces students to scholarly publication procedures, research collaboration norms, ethics and intellectual property issues, as well as broadly useful tools for writing about and presenting research. Includes research seminar attendance and practicing constructive critique and feedback for ongoing research. The objective of this course is to train well-rounded graduate students, to advance their ability to communicate and review scientific research, and become knowledgeable about issues surrounding computing science research.

Topics

  • Technical writing and communication
  • Experimentation, statistical principles, and data visualization
  • Ethics in computer science
  • Research collaboration, scholarly publication process
  • Intellectual property and entrepreneurship

Grading

NOTES:

Grading will be based on written assignments, oral presentations, peer feedback, participation for in-class discussion, and attendance at research seminars. Detailed grading will be discussed during the first week of class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books:
Writing for Computer Science, Justin Zobel, Springer, 9781447166382

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

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.