Undergraduate Research (UResearch) in Computing Programme
What is the objective of the programme?
The programme offers an opportunity for undergraduate students in the BSc (Computer Science), BSc (Computing & Law), BSc (Information Systems) and BSc (Software Engineering) degree programmes to experience academic research in Computing, as well as prepare them for graduate studies.
It allows students to experience first-hand the challenges and exhilaration of research, discovery and innovation, and enriches their academic learning by working at the frontiers of computing research.
Who are eligible?
Third/fourth-year students in the BSc (Computer Science), BSc (Information Systems) and BSc (Software Engineering) degree programmes with GPA >= 3.4 and passion for research. Students must be able to complete the UResearch Programme requirements before they graduate.
Strongly motivated students in these degree programmes with a lower GPA may self-recommend by demonstrating their ability and passion for research through other means (e.g., research experience and strong recommendation of a faculty member).
Programme Coordinator
SUN Jun
Professor of Computer Science; Co-Director, Centre for Research for Intelligent Software Engineering; Lead Principal Investigator
Email: junsun@smu.edu.sg
If you are interested in UResearch or have questions about projects or eligibility, please email the programme coordinator.
Why should I join the programme?
Students enrolled in the programme will gain cutting-edge knowledge as well as experience on how research is conducted.
This experience will prepare them well for technology R&D jobs as well as graduate studies.
In particular, the following are put in place to motivate and support students in undertaking this programme:
- Students may apply to work as research interns for up to 3 months during Summer (May - Aug).
This can be used to fulfil the internship requirement. - A research excellence award will be given to students with excellent performance.
- Students will receive a certificate from the school upon completing the UResearch Programme (IS 470, IS 472 and 1 PhD Course, or CS 470, CS 472 and 1 PhD Course).
- Financial support for one conference trip if a research paper is published (at a tier-2 or above conference) as the result of the programme.
What are the requirements for the UResearch programme?
Students will need to complete the following courses:
- IS470/IS471 : Guided Research in Computing
[ SMU INTRANET ONLY ] - IS472 : Guided Advanced Research in Computing
[ SMU INTRANET ONLY ] - 1 PhD Course
or
- CS470/CS471 : Guided Research in Computer Science
[ SMU INTRANET ONLY ] - CS472 : Guided Advanced Research in Computer Science
[ SMU INTRANET ONLY ] - 1 PhD Course
These courses can be mapped to students’ degree requirements as below:
| BSc (Computer Science) Students | BSc (IS) : Information Systems Students | BSc (Computing & Law) Students | BSc (Software Engineering) Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CS Electives | IS Depth Electives | Computing Electives | Free Elective | |
IS470/CS470 | ||||
IS472/CS472 | CS Project Experience | IS Project Experience | C & L Project Experience | Free Elective |
IS471/CS471 | CS Elective | IS Depth Elective | Computing Elective | Free Elective |
How do I identify a research topic and a supervisor?
A list of broad research projects proposed by faculty members will be listed online. A student is expected to identify relevant projects based on his/her interest and passion. Afterwards, the student meets the corresponding faculty member and secures his/her agreement to be the project supervisor before enrolling in the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does this programme last?
A: This programme will last about one year (first regular term for IS470/CS470 and second regular term for IS472/CS472 and 1 PhD course)
Q: How many CUs can I take in the terms that I‘m undertaking the programme?
A: It is recommended that you do not take more than 4 CUs per term (including the UResearch Programme course(s)) as the workload is expected to be heavy.
Q: Do I need to pay additional fees for the PhD course?
A: No additional fees required; only e$20 will be deducted for enrolment for each of the UResearch Programme courses.
Q: What if I do not wish to continue with the programme after my IS470/CS470?
A: There is no penalty for dropping out of the programme. Your IS470/CS470 can still count towards your IS or CS Depth elective.
If you are still keen to continue with your IS470/CS470 project, or do another research study, you can do IS471/CS471 instead. However, you will not earn the UResearch Programme certificate nor map the 2 research courses (IS470/CS470 and IS471/CS471) towards your Information Systems(IS)/Smart-City Management & Technology(SMT)/Computer Science(CS) Project Experience.
UResearch Publication
Here are a list of publications contributed by our SCIS undergraduate students.
UResearch Projects from IS470/IS471/IS472 or CS470/CS471/CS472
Here are examples of research projects past and present worked on by students & faculty in IS470/IS471/IS472 or CS470/CS471/CS472 sorted by calendar year: