Computer Science Research

CS 197 · Spring 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 3/31
No section
Thursday 4/2

What Is Research?

Section application

Due: Monday 4/6 8:00pm for priority placement

Assignment 1: Reading a Paper

Due: Thursday 4/9 at 10:30am
Tuesday 4/7

Section introduction
Form Teams and Align with Projects

Thursday 4/9

Research Contributions: Bit Flips

Progress Report I

Due: Sunday 4/12 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 2: Related Work

Due: Thursday 4/16 at 10:30am
Tuesday 4/14

Begin Weekly Progress Reports
Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 4/16

Arguing a Research Project

Progress Report II

Due: Sunday 4/19 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 3: Introduction

Due: Thursday 4/23 at 10:30am
Tuesday 4/21

Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 4/23

Vectoring in Research

Progress Report III

Due: Sunday 4/26 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 4/21

Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 4/23

Velocity in Research

Progress Report IV

Due: Sunday 5/3 at 8:00pm

Mid-quarter feedback form

Due: Sunday 5/3 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 4/28

Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 4/30

Evaluation

Progress Report V

Due: Sunday 5/10 at 8:00pm
Tuesday 5/5

Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 5/7

Writing a Paper & Picking Projects

Progress Report VI

Due: Sunday 5/17 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 4: Evaluation Plan

Due: Thursday 5/21 at 10:30am
Tuesday 5/19

Progress Reports and Advising

Thursday 5/21

Research Career Paths

Progress Report VII

Due: Sunday 5/24 at 8:00pm

 

Assignment 5: Draft Paper

Due: Thursday 5/28 at 10:30am
Tuesday 5/26

Peer Review Draft Papers

Thursday 5/28

Giving Talks

Assignment 6: Draft Talk

Due: Thursday 6/4 at 10:30am
Tuesday 6/2

Practice Talks

Thursday 6/4

Publication & Peer Review

Final Talk

Tuesday 6/9 3:30-7:00pm CODA B90

 

Final Paper

due at the final presentation

Team Feedback Form

due at the final presentation

    Lecture
  • Thursdays 10:30am-11:20am PT CODA B90
    Sections
  • Tuesdays 10:30am-11:50am PT GESB150
    Instructor
  • Office Hours: Right after lecture, or email at arjo@stanford.edu
Teaching assistants

Course Staff Email
arjo@stanford.edu