Course description
This is the first course in a two-semester capstone sequence for Computing Science. Students formulate a well-defined software engineering or applied research problem in computing science, create a project management plan, and apply the software engineering design process to design and implement either a software or a software-integrated hardware prototype. Emphasis is placed on research, requirements gathering, systems design, project management, risk and resource planning, technical documentation, and iterative prototyping.
Course content
- Project scoping
- problem or applied research domain identification and industrial relevance assessment
- stakeholder analysis and user personas or research beneficiaries definition
- market, competitive landscape, or literature review
- assumptions, constraints, and success criteria documentation
- Problem definition and success criteria
- problem statement formulation
- defining measurable objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or research metrics
- acceptance criteria or research validation benchmarks
- Requirements gathering
- functional and non-functional requirements
- requirements specification or research protocol document
- research objectives or requirements validation with stakeholders
- Architecture and high-level design
- architectural diagrams or conceptual research models
- constraints and trade-offs analysis
- Project management plan
- work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Gantt chart
- risk registers and mitigation strategies
- quality assurance tests or research validation and verification methods
- Prototyping
- minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Riskiest Assumption Test (RAT)
- feasibility studies or pilot experiments
- Preliminary design review
- prototype or proof-of-concept presentation to peers, instructors, or mentors
- integrating feedback into the project plan
- Documentation and technical communication
- progress reports, technical notes, oral presentations, and client-facing updates
- effective version control, maintenance, and documentation methods
Learning activities
Most of the instruction will be on a one–to–group basis between students and the faculty advisor to guide the students through a self–managed work plan. Projects will be done individually or in small groups of up to four members in consultation with the instructor. Weekly communication with the instructor will be compulsory.
Criteria for Selection of Capstone Projects:
- Students must select a capstone project in consultation with the course instructor.
- The scope and technical depth of the project must be sufficient to sustain work over two academic semesters.
- Students are expected to develop an initial prototype or proof-of-concept that demonstrates feasibility and aligns with documented requirements.
- Students will carry out the approved project plan from this course through full implementation in the subsequent course, CMPT 4002 or CSIS 4495.
Means of assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. This is a letter-graded course.
Evaluation will be based on the following:
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Assignments
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0-10%
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Project proposal including timeline, schedule, and scope
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5-25%
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Project design specification
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5-25%
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Progress reports (minimum of two)
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5-25%
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Final project report
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15-35%
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Final presentation and prototype demonstration
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10-25%
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Total
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100%
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- analyze a real-world computing or applied research problem and justify its significance through a literature review or market and stakeholder analysis;
- formulate measurable objectives and design a comprehensive project plan, including requirements, architecture, and risk mitigation strategies;
- identify and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural protocols when defining project scope, requirements, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring respectful and ethical engagement with Indigenous communities or contexts;
- apply project management techniques to organize tasks, allocate resources, and monitor progress effectively;
- define team roles and responsibilities;
- evaluate technology options or methodological approaches and justify selections;
- prepare a usability or validation testing plan, as applicable;
- develop an initial prototype or proof of concept that demonstrates feasibility and aligns with documented requirements or research objectives;
- evaluate ethical considerations and comply with institutional research ethics policies when human participants are involved;
- communicate technical concepts and project status clearly through written reports and oral presentations.
Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.