“Real-world” experience is a great way to reinforce classroom material. It brings to life the things you learn and gives them a chance to breathe with real-world applications. It also gives you a chance to appreciate both the importance and the limitation of theory ... not everything works out as neatly as it says in the book! But with a solid scientific foundation, you are better able to evaluate and adapt, gaining greater insight into the process of software and systems development.
Student Projects
The projects are very much student-driven. You work with clients from industry, government, and education. Other than a gentle nudge from faculty to keep things on track, the projects are the pride and joy of our students. For many, they have been the highlight of their Trent experience.
The Department of Computer Science offers two project courses, one each for our two programs:
- COIS 4000 – Software Engineering Project is a full-year required course in the Software Engineering specialization, but is also available to all students with a major or joint major in Computer Science. Working with a real-world client, your team exercises all phases of the software development life cycle and produces a well-documented and well-tested software application.
- COIS 4850H – Information Systems Project is a half-year course which is available to students in Information Systems. Working with a real-world client, your team completes the analysis and design phases of the systems development life cycle and recommends an information system for competitive advantage.
In both courses, you gain invaluable experience working within the dynamics of a group and dealing with the technical and managerial challenges that any specialist in computing and information systems would face each day. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s rewarding.
Undergraduate Research Thesis
Computer Science students in their upper years have the option of pursuing an undergraduate Research Thesis, wherein students investigate a specific field of interest under the guidance of a faculty member. If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate research thesis, think about the courses you have taken that you have enjoyed, look at the research interests and papers published by your professors, and talk to current thesis students.
Speak with the professor you hope to work with as soon as possible as there are a limited number of places with each professor and they fill up quickly. If the professor agrees to be your supervisor, ask for suggestions for background reading material to start to familiarize yourself with the material.