ISEDJ

Abstract: Undergraduate research can stimulate students’ interest, especially in STEM disciplines. This research can be formally offered in different formats such as Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs). One of these is Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), which are offered as an integral part of scheduled courses. CUREs have been primarily offered in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. A repository of CUREs (CUREnet) has been published with support of the National Science Foundation. This paper presents an opportunity to develop CUREs in Computer Science. It describes the content of the first authentic Computer Science CURE on CUREnet and provides links to all online materials. Students in the class completed a survey based on the Persistence in the Sciences (PITS) scale. Quantitative analysis did not demonstrate any effect on recruitment or retention. Analysis of qualitative responses was more positive. While the specific student research experiences on CUREnet are only of use in other disciplines, their use has proven beneficial in student recruitment and retention in those majors. CS faculty have an opportunity to use the model within Computer Science and get similar results.

Download this article: ISEDJ - V23 N3 Page 4.pdf

Recommended Citation: Bekkering, T.E., (2025). Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Computer Science?. Information Systems Education Journal 23(3) pp 4-15. https://doi.org/10.62273/CNPL4638