Expect a steep learning curve. Your supervisor will likely assign you a stack of academic papers to read. You need to understand the "State of the Art" before you can improve upon it. This phase is often frustrating for students used to immediate feedback; in research, you might spend three weeks just setting up the environment and understanding the problem.
This is where the
The course typically carries , and students are generally expected to devote roughly 8 to 10 hours per week to their project. The scope of the work can vary significantly: you might be helping a PhD student implement a specific module for a larger system, analyzing datasets for a professor, or diving into your own independent investigation into theoretical computer science. comp 396 mcgill
For many Computer Science students at McGill University, the curriculum can feel like a steady stream of lectures, assignments, and exams. You learn the algorithms, you master the syntax, and you pass the courses. But for those looking to bridge the gap between being a student and being a computer scientist, one course stands out as the gateway to the unknown: .
Officially titled "Computer Science Undergraduate Research Project," COMP 396 is not your typical class. There are no weekly problem sets, no midterms to cram for, and no standard lecture slides. Instead, it is an independent study course that offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit while participating in cutting-edge research. Expect a steep learning curve
You cannot simply email every professor in the School of Computer Science (SOCS). Mass emails are generally ignored. You need to be targeted. Did you enjoy COMP 330 (Theory of Computation)? Look for professors in theoretical CS. Did you love COMP 424 (Artificial Intelligence)? Look for faculty in the Reasoning and Learning Lab.
Whether you are a U2 student looking to get a head start or a U3 student hoping to beef up your CV for graduate school, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about —from finding a supervisor to acing the final deliverable. What is COMP 396? At its core, COMP 396 is an elective course that allows students to work on a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Unlike the rigid structure of core courses like COMP 250 (Logic for Computers) or COMP 303 (Software Design), COMP 396 is defined by flexibility and intellectual curiosity. This phase is often frustrating for students used
Visit the McGill SOCS website and browse the faculty list. Read their recent publications or the "Open Positions" or "Opportunities" tabs on their lab websites. Some professors explicitly state they are looking for undergraduate researchers.
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