1. Informatics 291S Literature Survey in Software Engineering
Sam Malek
Fall 2017

2. Logistics Class sessions: Mondays 3:30pm–4:50pm
Phase II Exam: Around week 10
Office hours: Immediately after class, or by appointment

3. Logistics Website: https://canvas.eee.uci.edu/courses/6531
Class Files (Slides, Exam questions, Papers): Canvas
Submissions: Canvas
Mailing list: Canvas

4. Catalog Description
Reading and analysis of relevant literature in software engineering under the direction of a faculty member
Two quarters of 291s are required for the graduate program in Software Engineering
all Ph.D. students
M.S. students choosing Capstone Plan II (comprehensive examination)
if you pass the Phase II exam after one enrollment, you may petition out of the second quarter, approved on a case-by-case basis

5. Interpretation of catalog description
Help students prepare for the Software Engineering written comprehensive exam (Phase II)
Provide course credit for the time you spend studying and working together to learn the readings on the software reading list
Offers structure and motivation for working through the reading list

6. Written Comprehensive Examination
This examination is based on a predetermined reading list maintained by the program faculty
Preparation for this exam is done during two quarters of Informatics 291S
This exam is administered at most twice a year
The exam is graded Ph.D. pass, M.S. pass, or fail

7. Ph.D. in Software Engineering
Students must pass a written examination testing their knowledge of the relevant topics and literature in Software Engineering and their ability to formulate clear arguments in writing and under time constraints
In case of M.S. pass or fail, the exam may be re-taken once more, within 12 months, in an attempt to qualify for a Ph.D. pass
A second M.S. pass or fail results in disqualification from the doctoral program
with or without a terminal M.S. degree, respectively

8. M.S. in Software Engineering Capstone Plan II
Students must take the written comprehensive examination, and obtain an M.S. pass or higher
as completed by the end of the second year
In case of fail, the exam may be re-taken once more
A second fail results in disqualification from the M.S. program

9. Scope
The class will cover approximately half of the papers on the reading list
the other half of the papers will be discussed in Spring 2018
if you are taking the Phase II this Fall, you are responsible for reading and knowing the other half of the papers
You, of course, may bring into the discussion additional papers that you deem relevant
on the reading list
off the reading list

10. Reading List Reading List is available on Canvas
All papers are available today (also on Canvas)

11. Grading
Read all of the papers from the topic that is assigned for that week (or topics)
Participation in class discussion — 30%
Weekly summaries — 30%
Lightning presentation — 20%
Practice answers — 20%

12. Lightning Presentation
The presenter provides a brief overview of a paper (~ 5 minutes) followed by some intriguing questions/points for discussion (~ 2 minutes)
Typical discussion questions/points:
how are the papers related?
what is the historical significance of the papers?
what is the relevance today of the papers?
what problems have been solved?
what are different strengths and weaknesses?
Send me your top 5 presentation preferences before this Wednesday at noon
I will assign you to papers by Wednesday afternoon; Will do my best to assign you to papers that you like, but cannot guarantee

13. Class Participation Class participation
Group discussion among all class attendees, ideally following up on the points raised by the presenter
Instructor serves as moderator
Attendance matters, but it is not enough
You need to speak up

14. Weekly Summaries
You must provide a summary of all of the papers assigned each week
half page to one page for each paper
Each summary should include
paper title, authors, and year
summary of contribution (a few sentences in your own words)
strengths and weaknesses
your general opinion
value of the paper to the literature
relationship to a current topic or need
embellish with anything that would help you study for the exam
PDF format
Due before the start of class (there will be a late penalty)

15. Practice Answers Many questions exist from previous exams
We will discuss these in class and in some cases practice them as take-home homework or in-class simulated exercises

16. Any Questions?