Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Computer Science Capstone Project (Face-to-Face)

CS 4800-02

Course: CS 4800-02
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: CSIS
CRN: 13772

Course Description

An examination of systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to the development, operation, and maintenance of software systems. This course includes a major team-based programming project that provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply concepts, tools, and methodologies acquired throughout prior computer science coursework. Emphasis is placed on professional software engineering practices, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, and collaborative development.
Prerequisites: CS 2810 (Computer Organization and Architecture)
Prerequisite or Corequisite: CS 3000 (Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures)
Registration Restriction: Senior Standing
Note:  Students will be allowed to take CS 3000 and CS 4800 together, but it is not required. The classes can be taken in different semesters should the students wish.

Required Texts

Software Engineering (9th Edition) by Ian Sommerville, Pearson, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-703515-1.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

i. Demonstrate effective collaboration within a professional software development team to plan, design, implement, test, and deliver a substantial, real-world software system.

ii. Integrate and apply knowledge from multiple areas of computer science—including software engineering, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, and security—to analyze and solve complex, real-world problems.

iii. Apply systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable software engineering processes and methodologies (e.g., requirements analysis, design modeling, agile development, testing, and documentation) in a professional project environment.

iv. Exhibit professional readiness for software engineering careers, including technical communication, project presentation, code review practices, teamwork, and interview-level articulation of design decisions, trade-offs, and implementation choices.

Course Requirements

FEES: All CSCY classes have a per credit hour student fee. These fees go toward funding mediated classes, computer labs, software upgrades and licenses, printer paper and toner, and other student-related costs. 

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI 

The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

● Brainstorming and refining your ideas. 
● Finding information on your topic (it is your responsibility to cross check and verify that information). 
● Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted in this course for the following activities:

● Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
● Completing individual or group work that your group has assigned to you.
●Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
●Writing entire sentences, paragraphs, or papers to complete class assignments.

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). If using AI tools, it must be properly documented and cited to stay within university policies on academic honesty. Any assignment that is found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways will receive a zero in the assignment. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.

Course Outline

The goal of this course is to provide students with comprehensive capstone experience that integrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the computer science curriculum through the systematic, disciplined, and professional development of a substantial software system. The course emphasizes the application of software engineering principles, collaborative teamwork, problem solving, and professional practices to prepare students for successful entry into software engineering careers or related professional roles.

Graduates of the program will demonstrate the ability to:
  1. Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and relevant disciplines to identify appropriate solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions that meet specified requirements within the context of the discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional and technical contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member and/or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce effective computing-based solutions.


Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Policy: There is no late policy for the deliverables or final presentation. In extenuating circumstances, students may be allowed to submit something late but only if approved by the professor. This should typically be done prior to the due date, though I understand some situations may arise that do not allow this. For any item that is submitted after the due date, the item will receive a 0.
 

Attendance Policy

Attendance and Participation Requirements:  
·       Class attendance is mandatory for face-to-face classes. 
·       Students may miss class only for authorized reasons (athletic events, academic travel, special ceremonies, etc.) 
·       Illness and personal emergencies may also cause students to be absent for legitimate reasons. 
·       Should a student miss class for any reason, he/she will make every reasonable effort to notify the professor in advance of the absence with evidence. 
·       The student will be responsible for any material covered in class.
·       If a student knows he/she will be absent for an examination or on the due date of a major graded requirement, that student will coordinate with his/her instructor for completion/submission requirements.
·       Active participation in class discussions and activities is an expectation of this course.

Course Fees

FEES: All CSCY classes have a per credit hour student fee. These fees go toward funding mediated classes, computer labs, software upgrades and licenses, printer paper and toner, and other student-related costs.  

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.