Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CMPT 700 G100

Technical Writing and Research Communication (3)

Class Number: 4909

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 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

Department Graduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.

  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a D or higher.

 

  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

 

  • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

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.