Guidelines for Graduate Projects

John W. Chinneck, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies

February 17, 1997

Introduction

This document is a brief summary of guidelines concerning graduate level projects.

The graduate project is expected to demonstrate a high level of scholarship. It is however exempted from the requirement to make an original contribution to knowledge; this is expected only of the graduate thesis. Sample project topics might be: (i) a thorough summary and analysis of the state of the art in a given area of research, (ii) the development of quality computer software demonstrating an understanding of proper design procedures, reporting, and problem solving, or (iii) a thorough modelling and analysis of a system, demonstrating skills in these areas, (iv) etc.

Project Requirements

Marking is based on a report, which is expected to be a polished scholarly document with the usual table of contents, problem statement, references, etc. While there are no exact expectations of length, somewhere in the range of 40-70 pages is probably the norm. There will be two markers: the project supervisor and a second reader from the department. The two markers jointly arrive at a mark.

Note that there are projects worth 0.5 courses and projects worth 1.0 courses. The differing course weights naturally lead to different expectations in terms of the extent of the contribution expected. Supervisors should check the requirements for project students; this information is in the student file.

Projects students are also expected to present a department seminar on their work. This is not a defence.

Projects can continue for longer than their nominal length (e.g. a 0.5 weight project could continue over 2 or 3 terms), just as theses can continue over numerous terms. However, every effort should be made to finish projects in a timely manner.

Supervision

Supervision of graduate project students should be similar to supervision of graduate thesis students. At their discretion, supervisors can make use of the usual devices of regular meetings, written schedules and plans, written progress reports, advance drafts of reports, etc.

Project students must fill out a "Supervised Study Form" (available in the main office) prior to registering in the project. This form requires the signature of the project supervisor.