Computer Science Research

CS 197 · Winter 2026

This course offers a team-based introduction to Computer Science research experiences. Students form teams within a desired research area (e.g., AI), then are matched with a quarter-long mentored research project, with the goal of producing a publishable work-in-progress (e.g., poster) by the end of the quarter. Classes will be organized into a once-weekly lecture and a one-weekly section meeting. Research areas meet regularly as sections, sharing progress and challenges. Lecture components of the course teach research concepts in computer science.

Section Lecture Assignment
Tuesday 1/6
No section
Friday 1/9

What Is Research?

Section application

Due: Tuesday 1/14 8:00pm for priority placement

Assignment 1: Reading a Paper

Due: Friday 1/16 at 10:30am
Tuesday 1/13

Section introduction
Form Teams and Align with Projects

Friday 1/16

Research Contributions: Bit Flips

Progress Report I

Due: Sunday 1/18 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 2: Related Work

Due: Friday 1/23 at 10:30am
Tuesday 1/20

Begin Weekly Progress Reports
Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 1/23

Arguing a Research Project

Progress Report II

Due: Sunday 1/25 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 3: Introduction

Due: Friday 1/30 at 10:30am
Tuesday 1/27

Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 1/30

Vectoring in Research

Progress Report III

Due: Sunday 2/1 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 2/3

Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 2/6

Velocity in Research

Progress Report IV

Due: Sunday 2/8 at 8:00pm

Mid-quarter feedback form

Due: Sunday 2/8 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 2/10

Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 2/13

Evaluation

Progress Report V

Due: Sunday 2/15 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 2/17

Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 2/20

Writing a Paper & Picking Projects

Progress Report VI

Due: Sunday 2/22 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 4: Evaluation Plan

Due: Friday 2/27 at 10:30am
Tuesday 2/24

Progress Reports and Advising

Friday 2/26

Research Career Paths

Progress Report VII

Due: Sunday 3/1 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 5: Draft Paper

Due: Friday 3/6 at 10:30am
Tuesday 3/3

Peer Review Draft Papers

Friday 3/6

Giving Talks

Assignment 6: Draft Talk

Due: Friday 3/13 at 10:30am
Tuesday 3/10

Practice Talks

Friday 3/13

Publication & Peer Review

Final Talk

Monday 3/16 7:00-10:00pm LATHROP 016

 

Final Paper

due at the final presentation

Team Feedback Form

due at the final presentation

    Lecture
  • Fridays 12:30pm-1:20pm PT STLC115
    Sections
  • Tuesdays 12:00-1:20pm PT
  • Alexander's Section: 200-124
    Instructor
  • Office Hours: Right after lecture, or email at arjo@stanford.edu
Course Staff Email
arjo@stanford.edu