Fall 2025: CS 7930 Intro to Computing PhD

General Information:

Course Content:

This course serves all incoming Ph.D. students in the Kahlert School of Computing. Earning a Ph.D. is difficult - and at times even demoralizing - but conducting and communicating research can be an incredible joy in life. We will examine the process of getting a Ph.D. and develop skills to improve your chances of success at research, while, hopefully, making your studies a healthy and fun experience. Each week we will have discussions to improve the skills needed for Ph.D. success. We will examine common pitfalls in Ph.D. studies and demystify some of the more obscure elements of getting your degree. Our weekly meetings will give you a stress- and judgment-free venue to express any concerns and ask any questions you may have about your studies. Finally, this course will give you an opportunity to meet and bond with other students in your cohort, who will likely be some of your closest friends and supporters during the 5+ years of your studies. You will also interact with senior Ph.D. students in a panel discussion. A key element of the class will be to help each student formulate their first research project -- the process of finding a research problem, identifying new contributions, and articulating a research plan. Students will practice the art of compelling writing and presentation. The class will have small weekly assignments, many focusing on developing a strong proposal for your first research project. Your grade will be based on performance in these weekly assignments.

School of Computing Graduate Handbook

Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name as well as "Preferred first name" (if previously entered by you in the Student Profile section of your CIS account). While CIS refers to this as merely a preference, I will honor you by referring to you with the name and pronoun that feels best for you in class, on papers, exams, etc. Please advise me of any name or pronoun changes (and please update CIS) so I can help create a learning environment in which you, your name, and your pronoun will be respected.

College Guidelines

SafeU Information

The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, call campus police at 801-585-COPS (801-585-2677). You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more information regarding safety and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit SAFEU.

Special Needs:

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.

Grading:

Students are expected to attend the weekly lecture/discussion, read the assigned materials, engage in classroom discussions, and upload weekly assignments on Canvas. Many of these assignments will focus on crafting a novel research proposal. Performance in the assignments will determine your grade. There is no final exam. Only in exceptional circumstances will late submissions be accepted (email the instructor before the assignment deadline for approval).

Cheating policy:

Working with others on assignments is a good way to learn the material and appreciate other perspectives. Discussions and brainstorming with others is therefore encouraged. However, there are limits to the degree of cooperation that is permitted. Any written portion of an assignment has to be done strictly on an individual basis, without referring to materials produced by other students or by generative AI (like ChatGPT). Note the School of Computing's Academic Misconduct Policy. BOTTOM LINE: You may not copy from another student or from any other source, and you may not allow another student to copy your work!! Any violation of the above is considered to be cheating and will result in a reduced or a failing grade in the class.

Tentative 2024 Class Schedule

Date Lecture Topic
Wed, Aug 20 Logistics and Introduction.
Wed, Aug 27 How to Find an Advisor, The Mechanics of a PhD, Goal-Setting.
Wed, Sep 3 Topic Brainstorming.
Wed, Sep 10 Writing 1: The Intro.
Wed, Sep 17 Writing 2: Outlines and Structure.
Wed, Sep 24 Writing: Other Tips.
Wed, Oct 1 Graduate Student Panel.
Wed, Oct 8 Fall Break
Wed, Oct 15 Writing: Peer Review.
Wed, Oct 22 Reading and Reviewing Papers.
Wed, Oct 29 Conferences and Presentations.
Wed, Nov 5 Lightning Talks 1.
Wed, Nov 12 Lightning Talks 2.
Wed, Nov 19 Research Patterns.
Wed, Nov 26 Research Patterns, Ethical Issues.
Wed, Dec 3 Wrap-Up.