Senior Capstone Project
CSCI 4712 / CENG 4712 / AIST 4820
I am usually in my office or in the lab (GCC 2500) on weekdays, so feel free to knock.
Course Description
A group project in the application of computer science. Emphasis is on the production of real-world software systems and may be conducted in cooperation with an external organization such as a commercial company or public agency.
Sections: Three meetings per week (two per new schedule).
Prerequisite for CSCI 4712: CSCI 4711 with a grade of C or better.
Textbook: None. A textbook is optional and not required.
Class Attendance
Class will be conducted in face-to-face mode. Whether a given class is provided face-to-face in a traditional classroom environment or online via WebEx or Teams, you are expected to attend. Class attendance is a significant indicator of course success and will be required for days on which you make presentations or have graded discussions. I expect you to be in class. I recognize the need to miss classes due to unforeseen circumstances; however, missing presentations or client meetings will likely affect your grade.
Note: Course delivery methodology may change during the semester based on CDC or Georgia Department of Health guidelines. We may be forced to go temporarily or completely online to satisfy health and safety requirements. If this occurs, syllabus procedures will be adjusted as necessary.
Grading
Points are allotted for the following activities. Point determination is discussed in the activity rubrics. For most software deliverables, half of the points are awarded for the team submission and half are based on each member’s individual contribution.
Course Grade Scale
| Total points earned | Final grade |
|---|---|
| 900 or more | A |
| 800–899 | B |
| 700–799 | C |
| 600–699 | D |
| Below 600 | F |
Category Point Breakdown
| Category | Components | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Design documents and materials | Text summary, diagrams/mockups, client communication, and client validation | 100 |
| Software deliverables | Design, prototype, and initial code | 150 |
| Core implementation | 150 | |
| Refinement and final scoping | 150 | |
| Release version | 150 | |
| Documentation | 100 | |
| Communication | Weekly in-class reports | 100 |
| Midterm and final presentations | 100 |
Client approval and team scorecards are required for credit on documentation and release deliverables.
Tentative Semester Schedule
| Week | Topic or assignment |
|---|---|
| 0 | Class introduction and project Q&A; project selections due in D2L |
| 1 | Finalize project selections; design, planning, and scheduling |
| 2 | Client approval of project design, plan, and deliverables; design documents due |
| 3 | Design, prototyping, code skeleton, vaporware, and in-class reviews |
| 4 | Design, prototyping, and code skeleton; prototype assets due |
| 5 | Client review of initial prototype and in-class reviews |
| 6 | Core implementation and in-class reviews |
| 7 | Core implementation, midterm presentations, and team scorecards due |
| 8 | Core implementation and in-class reviews; functional assets due |
| 9 | Client review of functionality and in-class presentations |
| 10 | Solidify scope, refactoring, and in-class reviews |
| 11 | Solidify scope, refactoring, and in-class reviews |
| 12 | Refinement, user testing, and bug fixes; refined assets due |
| 13 | Bug fixes and in-class reviews |
| 14 | Release version and documentation due |
| 15 | Exam week: client presentations and approval of functional software |
Computer Requirements
You will need access to a reliable Internet connection and a personal computer from the first day of class. It may be a Windows PC or Mac; both are capable for the class, although a PC is easier to configure. The computer must have a webcam, microphone, and video-conferencing capability.
Project-specific lab hardware may be used as available, including a Windows PC capable of running machine-learning or AR/VR software, Microsoft Azure, and the Cyber Range.
If you do not own a computer, Augusta University has a limited number available on a first-come loan basis. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students for support. For software questions and troubleshooting, contact the AU IT Helpdesk at 706-721-4000.
Course Assignments
Your work will include software development, writing and design, client communication, and presentations. Together, these form the basis for your final course grade.
Teamwork and Mutual Respect
This course predominantly employs team-based projects in which students work together toward a common goal. Discussion, debate, and some friction are natural, but students must be kind and respectful. Communication is graded, and significant points may be deducted from team or individual grades for disrespectful conduct, including profane language, demeaning team members or clients, sabotage, or other behavior that harms a safe and productive environment.
Use of Generative AI
Students may use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot in capstone projects provided all use is clearly documented. Identify the tool and prompts when outputs are incorporated into the project. Documentation may appear in code comments, the project report, or an appendix.
Students must understand all AI-generated code or content they use and may be tested on that knowledge. AI should complement—not replace—student effort and creativity. All work must comply with ethical guidelines and the university’s academic-integrity policy.
For team projects, all members are collectively responsible for documenting AI use and understanding AI-generated contributions. Over-reliance on AI or failure to document its use will result in grade penalties.
Announcements and Late Work
Announcements
Important class information will be posted through D2L announcements. Edit your notifications so you receive an email when an announcement is posted.
Late Policy
Assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the assigned date. Late assignments will not be accepted. Plan ahead for illness and other circumstances. Extensions are available only for approved and documented extenuating circumstances such as severe illness. Power outages, equipment failures, car malfunctions, and undocumented illness are not acceptable reasons. The schedule posted to D2L contains the latest information and takes precedence.
Academic Accommodations
Augusta University will make reasonable academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students should contact Testing and Disability Services at Galloway Hall, 706-737-1469, or augusta.edu/tds as early as possible.
Students requiring accommodations must register with Testing and Disability Services and submit appropriate documentation. Accommodations are not retroactive. Contact tds@augusta.edu or 706-737-1469. All accommodations are confidential.
Conduct and Academic Honesty
Distracting Behavior
Uninvited casual talk, cell-phone use, sleeping, or inappropriate behavior toward students or faculty will not be tolerated. Students who persist may be asked to leave and counted absent. Persistent disruption may result in forced withdrawal.
Academic Honesty
Honesty and integrity are essential to an academic community. Violations include cheating, plagiarism, research misconduct, collusion, and false statements made to avoid negative academic consequences. Sanctions may include a zero on an assignment, an F or WF in the course, withdrawal, or expulsion.
See the Augusta University Catalog, the AU Policy Library, and the AU Student Manual for current standards and procedures.
Sharing Instructor-Generated Materials
Students may not sell, share, publish, present, or distribute instructor-prepared notes, videos, audio recordings, or other course materials for commercial purposes without explicit written permission. This includes posting materials to services such as Chegg, Course Hero, Discord, OneClass, Stuvia, or StuDocu.
Additional Resources and Policies
Library Resources
Augusta University is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Students and faculty have no-additional-fee access to subscription-based cyber-defense journals, books, and publications through the Library’s Cyber Resource Center.
Campus Carry Law
House Bill 280, commonly known as campus-carry legislation, took effect July 1, 2017. Follow the University System of Georgia implementation guidelines.
Course Schedule
The current course schedule is posted separately on D2L. All deliverables are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Submissions after the deadline are late and will not be accepted.