Overview
Graduate students who are taking the course-based route must write a research essay as part of the completion requirements for the Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems (MSc CIS) program. Each essay shall be in an area directly related to CIS and must have a research component. After completion of the research orientation (COMP 600), MSc CIS students will work with their supervisor to develop a research essay to integrate and synthesize what they have learned.
Outline
This is the final requirement for students choosing the course-based route. The essay provides a generalist rather than a specialist view and will be a comprehensive critical survey of aspects of integration (applications, CIS organization, and technology). Topics should show how disparate computer platforms and networks could be integrated to provide a flexible and efficient infrastructure for the organization. This course address both the what and how of integration. The essay should provide a comprehensive critical survey of a selected research topic and make recommendations for solutions to the identified research problems.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the master's essay, the student must obtain a PASS grade.
Materials
The course materials will be available in electronic format and include a Master's Essay Handbook, which provides guidelines and explains the essay stages, and the MSc CIS Style Guide.
Special Course Features
An essay supervisor is required, plus one additional reader. In addition to completing the essay, the student may be required to pass an oral examination on the contents of the essay, to be administered by the essay supervisor and reader.
Information on Athabasca University Graduate Research fund can be found on the Research Centre's website.