Computer Science Capstone Course, University of Auckland

Asma Shakil discusses Capstone courses at the School of Computer Science. There are three main aims:

* They provide an opportunity for graduating students to integrate the knowledge gained in their degree program by working on a substantial problem.
* They help students reflect on their prior learning.
* Students are able to hone professional skills as they transition into the workplace.

With these aims in mind, the School of Computer Science capstone course has been designed to encompass a real-life working culture. Students work in teams of five or six to solve a problem pitched by a client.

Clients include both industrial and academic professionals who are looking for software solutions to real-world problems. At the end of the course there is a public event where students showcase their project outcomes to a wide audience including industry representatives, academics from across the University, friends and family members.

There are several awards for high-performing teams which include the “Excellence Award”, the “Community Impact Award” and the “People’s Choice Award.”

Thanks to Amazon Web Services for providing infrastructure support and sponsoring prizes.

Going forward, the School envisions using the course as a platform to further strengthen ties with tech industry both locally and internationally.