- What is an honours project?
An honours project is a final project that must be completed by all B.C.S. Honours students. The honours project is a major project that demonstrates the student's ability to take a task (project) and complete the work from start to end. Therefore, all B.C.S. Honours Students must complete the Honours Project Course (COMP 4905) prior to graduation. Although you work on this project on your own, you will choose a supervisor who will oversee and grade your project.
- When do I register for the honours project?
Registration for the honours project course (COMP 4905) requires departmental approval. Normally, you register for it in the fall or winter term of your 4th year. See the honours project schedule for submission deadlines.
- What are the steps for completing an honours project?
First,determine a topic. Second, find a supervisor. Third, hand in your project proposal to your supervisor before the deadline. The proposal defines the scope and schedule of the project. It represents a commitment by you and the supervisor to the project. Next, officially register into COMP4905. Keep in contact with your supervisor during the term. Finally hand in your final project before the deadline. For more information regarding the proposal and report, consult the honours project guidelines. The completed Honours Project Proposal & Permission Form must appear as the cover page of your proposal.
- How do I find a project topic?
A project can be on any topic and must demonstrate computer science skills. In most cases, a project requires the development of a software system, implementation of an algorithm, or design of a new algorithm. Look back at courses that you liked and try to come up with some ideas such as augmenting existing systems, developing new ones, or implementing new algorithms.
- How do I find a supervisor?
If you know what you want to do for a project, (you already have a project in mind) then find a faculty member who may have similar research interests. To find out more information about each faculty member see School of Computer Science Faculty web page. Once you identified one or more faculty member(s) contact them, discuss the project with him/her and ask if he/she is willing to supervise you. If you do not know what to do then contact faculty members who conduct research in area of your interest, and see if they have a project that you can do. Some faculty members advertise available projects (see honours projects list).
- Who can be a supervisor?
A project supervisor must be a member of the School of Computer Science. In some cases it may be appropriate to have more than one, in which case, one external co-supervisor may be appropriate.
- How many copies of the proposal do I have to submit?
You have to submit two signed copies of the proposal. One copy will be given to your supervisor and one copy will be kept at the School of Computer Science. Note, both you and the supervisor must sign the proposal. If you have more than one supervisor then all supervisors must sign the proposal.
- What are the deadlines?
See the honours project schedule.
- What happens if I do not submit the project proposal on time?
If you have not submitted the proposal by the due date then you would not receive departmental permission to register in the honours project course (COMP 4905). You will have to submit the proposal in the following term.
- How many copies of the final project report do I have to submit?
You have to submit one copy of your final project to your supervisor (complete with any acompanying code on a CD or DVD). You will also be asked to submit a copy of your final report on-line to our honours project repository database. The repository is public domain and will be visible to anyone who browses the School of Computer Science web site. The information that will be displayed is your name (if you gave permission to display it), the term you completed your project, the title of your project, the name of your supervisor, a short text abstract of what your project was all about and an accompanying (800 x 600) PNG/JPG/GIF image that adequately depicts your project (e.g., a screen snapshot).
- What happens if I do not complete the honours project on time?
The honours project course (COMP 4905) is 0.5 credit course and must be completed within one term. If you do not complete the project, an IP (i.e., in progress) grade is given as an interim grade. Note, you must register in the immediately following term and complete the project. If you fail to complete the project within two consecutive terms a grade of F will be given. A failed project can be repeated and you will have to submit a new project proposal (i.e., a new project).
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