In the senior year, each student must complete CSEC 491, a one-term independent-project course that explicitly combines both techniques and subject matter from computer science and economics. A project proposal must be approved by the student’s academic adviser and project adviser, and it must be signed by the DUS by the end of the third week of the term. One of the requirements for Distinction in the Major is a determination by the senior-project adviser that the student's senior project is worthy of distinction.
To enroll in CSEC491, you must:
Other than registering for CSEC491, seniors must complete these requirements by noon on the fourth Thursday of classes.
The following requirements must be completed by noon on the last day of reading period:
index.html;These documents will become part of the on-line database of recent CSEC491 projects.
How do I choose a project?
There are two general approaches
and a host of possibilities in between.
What kind of project is appropriate?
The project should be more than just an extended homework assignment or final course project and should require that you learn more about some area of computer science or economics. A CSEC senior project must explicitly combine both techniques and subject matter from computer science and economics.
Regular courses meet 2 1/2 hours per week and require 2 to 3 additional hours per week for each hour of class. Using this as a guideline for what it takes to earn a course credit at Yale, the project should be something that you can complete in one semester (i.e., 14 weeks) working approximately 7 to 10 hours per week (i.e., in a total of 100-140 hours).
Note: You cannot be paid for your work on the project. Moreover, to allow others to build on your results, you should make an effort to make all code and data available to the Yale community.
Who may advise a CSEC491 project?
The official adviser (and thus the person who evaluates the work and assigns the grade) must be a faculty member with an appointment in Computer Science, Economics or a related department. However, the de facto adviser need not be, as long as the student meets with the official adviser at least once a month.
When should I take CSEC491?
Most students take the course during their final year. However, students applying to graduate school should take it in the fall (or, with permission of the DUS, in the spring of their junior year) so that they can get letters of recommendation from their advisers.
Ideally, planning for the project should begin the preceding term (at least to the extent of finding an adviser).
Taking CSEC491 before your senior year requires special permission from the DUS, which will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
Does CSEC491 count as an advanced elective for the CSEC major or related majors?
No. CSEC491 only gives you credit toward your 36-credit graduation requirement, and toward the senior project requirement in the major.
Are group projects allowed?
Yes. However, each member of the group must work on a different part of the project, and your description, electronic abstract, final written report, and web pages must focus on your own contributions.
What are the “deliverables”?
Whatever you and your adviser decide you must complete by the end of the project. Possibilities include (but are not limited to) code, theorems, simulation studies, data analysis, written reports, and oral presentations.
How is CSEC491 graded?
CSEC491 is graded using the usual letter grade system. Your official adviser is responsible for submitting your grade to the DUS.
Does my grade in CSEC491 affect Distinction in Major?
Yes. If you take CSEC491 for your senior project, you will need a grade of at least A- to qualify for Distinction in Major. CSEC491 also counts toward both the numerator and denominator when calculating whether three-quarters of your credits in the major are A- or higher. In addition, to earn Distinction in the Major, your senior-project adviser must formally determine that your senior project is worthy of distinction.