College of Science Independent Studies

Purpose

The purpose of this page is to be a central repository for all the great opportunities for independent studies throughout RIT.

Introduction

This page is divided into college, then departments, and then by professor. I highly recommend every professor at RIT submits their proposal(s) here.

This page was started by KarolPietrzak. He discovered the huge demand for software throughout the College of Science when I went out looking for an independent study. They were all perfect opportunities for Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information Technology students.

Colleges Within RIT

College of Science

Department of Chemistry

Professor <nop>Lanzafame

To develop a blended chemistry course with multiple format learning modules including streaming video, built-in diagnostic remediation, sample problem solver and downloadable podcast lectures. This content delivery format addresses the preferred modes of communication of a population where STEM learning is on the decline:

• high School
• entry-level college

We propose a comparative study with traditional classrooms to investigate the effect on performance and satisfaction of the students. We propose a measurement strategy that allows us to make steady and quarterly improvement to fixed class modules over three years. We propose to gradually improve the remediation interface using logic based artificial intelligence feedback systems to eventually allow it to run with minimal oversight.

Involves: SQL, web, LAMP, etc.

We have a second project in the works to develop a 3-D interactive adventure game requiring acquisition of chemical knowledge to act as codes to access features and complete levels.

Involves: 3-D Gaming engine (Torque?), 3-D Rendering, C++

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Professor <nop>Radin

Professor Radin is looking for someone to write a graphing application for his Difference Equation students. The program will:

• accept an equation of a sequence such as (1/2)^n
• graph the equation as an XY scatter plot
• look for certain numerical values

Involves: Java, Swing

Professor <nop>Matthew <nop>Coppenbarger

Professsor Coppenbarger needs a piece of software to solve "puzzles" similar to the game Eternity.

Involves: AI

Center for Imaging Science

Professor <nop>Jon <nop>Arney

I need a program constructed in Java to use as a plug-in for a program called ImageJ.

I am developing an instrument for a company that is paying us to do the development work, and this program is part of the instrument. It could be either course credit or a paid project, whichever you prefer. I have written a prototype program in Mathcad, and I think the logical bugs have been worked out. Now it needs to be developed as a user friendly application in ImageJ.

Involves: Java

Department of Biological Sciences

Professor <nop>F <nop>Harvey <nop>Pough

I have a couple of simulation models in mind that I'd like to develop for a biology course. I see both of them as a game approach to the subject in which students can manipulate variables and by seeing the consequences of those manipulations work out the underlying biological principles and the best strategy to adopt.

One involves high-altitude agriculture in the Andes--maximizing the energy profit from a mix of crops with different investments of work, risks of failure, and potential for trade with communities at lower altitudes. It's based on a major study of energy flow through high-altitude Andean ecosystems that was conducted by the International Biological Program and published in a volume called Man in the Andes. The second involves the behavioral trade-offs and postural adjustments a male Puerto Rican treefrog makes to remain at his calling station under different conditions of humidity and air movement in the forest at night. This one is based on my own research. To be effective it would need to include a graphic image of the treefrog going through the various behaviors.

Involves: graphics, 3D modeling