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Undergraduate research often takes place under the auspices of course CS 490 (Independent Study). In this context, the student works one-on-one with the professor or with the professor's research group on some problem of mutual interest. It is also possible for undergraduates to participate in paid research, based on grant funding and other circumstances. Either way, students should approach faculty directly if they think they may have mutual interests regarding research. Those who are unsure about which faculty member to approach should talk with their advisor.
For incoming freshman, Cornell sponsors the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program. This program allows talented freshman to work with faculty on promising projects beginning in their first year at Cornell.
Once a year, the Department sponsors a Computer Science Fair in which recent examples of undergraduate innovation and research are showcased. Other recent fairs: 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998.
Some faculty have independent study topics "ready to go'' and may actively seek qualified students for participation. Other faculty have undergraduate niches in their research environment but require the enthusiasm of a bright undergraduate to point them out. In any case, it is important for students to be familiar with the research activity in the department by browsing through the faculty and research project pages. Positions are sometimes listed on our jobs bulletin board. Candidates with strong math backgrounds and programming experience in C++ or Java tend to be especially well-prepared for research assignments in CS.
A CS 490 collaboration often starts as a natural follow-up to to a "regular'' course. Here is an outline of the process:
The amount of credit to be received, usually in the 1-4 credit range, is agreed upon in advance. Sometimes, the research collaboration blossoms and the work continues into a second semester. No limit is placed on the number of CS 490's that a student can take. In fact, two CS 490's, each with a grade of at least A- and each for at least three credit hours, are required to graduate with CS honors in either the Engineering or Arts & Sciences program.
The College of Arts & Sciences runs a research program for Cornell students.
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CS 490 Information and Registration
Computer, Information Sciences resources at the NSF
Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States
(a report ranking top research-doctoral programs)Forsythe List of PhD granting institutions
Course Module: Artificial Animal
Cornell University chapter established in 1886
Please let us know of other Research links that may be of interest to our students.
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Last updated July 30, 2003. For more information email us at ugrad@cs.cornell.edu .