Lebanese American University

Department of Computer Science & Mathematics

Graduate Student Guide

December 2007Revised, October 2010

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1. Preamble

This guide is intended to highlight major issues and questions that a graduate student faces during his/her graduate studies. Some of these issues are found in the Graduate Rules and Regulations and are presented in this guide in a more focused way. Other questions are addressed by providing procedures and systematic steps.

For further information and details, students can refer to their Graduate Advisor, the Department Chair, and the Graduate Rules and Regulations.

2. Program Description

Computer Science Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science program is to provide students with the ability to integrate the theory and practice of computing in the representation, processing, and use of information while upholding tradition of the liberal arts education.

Graduate Program Goals

Prepare students for advanced graduate education;

Prepare students to be innovative leaders in their profession at the local, regional, and international level;

Enhance research and discovery;

Introduce outreach and engagement by allowing computer science faculty and students to contribute to the community at large;

Graduate Program Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Students shall have an understanding of advanced concepts in computer algorithms design and analysis;

Students shall be armed with a broad computer science education that includes theory, computer systems, hardware principles, computer networks, and software engineering;

Students shall have an understanding of the fundamental knowledge prerequisite for the practice of, or for advanced study in, computer science, including its scientific principles and rigorous analysis;

Students shall have an understanding of one of the following computer science areas: theory and algorithms, computer systems, hardware principles and computer networks, and software engineering;

Students shall develop basic and applied research and innovation skills and learn how to investigate recent developments in the computing field that are not found in textbooks by properly utilizing professional literature and academic journals.

Students shall develop skills of oral presentation, research documentation and technical writing, and independent study.

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MS Program Description

Students are required to complete 30 credits for graduation. They are required to complete at least one 3-credits course in each of the four concentration areas listed below, with the Design and Analysis of Algorithms course (CSC711) being compulsory. In addition, they are required to complete a 3-credits Project (CSC798) or a 6-credits thesis (CSC799).

I. Core Requirements 12 creditsFour three-credit courses: one from each of the four areas listed below. “CSC711 Design and Analysis of Algorithms” is mandatory from the first area.II. Project or Thesis Option 3 or 6 credits

CSC798 Project Option 3CSC799 Thesis Option 6

III. Electives from Four Concentration Areas 15 or 12 credits

A. Algorithms, Theory and Computational ScienceCSC711 Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3CSC712 Automata Theory and Formal Languages 3CSC713 Bioinformatics 3CSC714 Heuristic Optimization 3CSC715 Machine Learning 3CSC716 Cryptography and Data Security 3

B. SystemsCSC721 Transaction Processing Systems 3CSC722 Distributed Systems 3CSC723 Knowledge-Based Systems 3CSC724 Data Mining 3CSC725 System Simulation 3CSC726 Compilers 3

C. Hardware and NetworksCSC731 High Performance Computer Architecture 3CSC732 ULSI Testing 3CSC733 Embedded Systems 3CSC734 Advanced Computer Networks 3CSC736 Networks Security 3CSC737 Pervasive Computing and Wireless Networking 3

D. Software EngineeringCSC791 Advanced Software Engineering 3CSC792 Object-Oriented Software Engineering 3CSC793 Software Testing and Analysis 3 CSC794 Software Quality Assurance 3CSC795 Safety-Critical Systems 3

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CSC796 Human-Computer Interaction 3

CSC788 Advanced Topics in Computer Science (in any of the four 3 concentration areas) – may be repeated.

3. Course Load, Academic Standing, and Graduation Requirements

3.1 Course Load

The normal course load for a full-time student is nine credit hours per semester and the maximum is twelve. Graduate students with a full or part-time employment are advised to take a reduced load.

Students with graduate assistantships shall take a minimum of six credits and a maximum of nine credits in Fall or Spring semesters and a maximum of 3 credits in five-week summer session or 6 credits in eight-week summer session. However, Graduate Assistants may take up to 12 credits provided that these credits include no more than 9 credits of regular course-work (does not include thesis/project), for full-time students, and no more than 6 credits for part-time students.

3.2 Academic Standing

3.2.1 Good Academic StandingA graduate student is considered to be in good academic standing if he/she maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all course-work undertaken while in the graduate program.

3.2.2 Academic Probation and Dismissal a. After the completion of nine credit hours, students will be placed on

probation if their cumulative grade point average is below 3.00. Students who complete nine additional credit hours (excluding repeat courses) and fail to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 will be dismissed from the program.

b. Students failing to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00, after removing an earlier probation, will also be dismissed from the program.

c. Any student who has at any time two repeats and more than two grades of C or lower will also be dismissed from the program.

d. Any student who has more than one F will also be dismissed from the program.

3.3 Graduation Requirementsa. A completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours is required of graduating

students. Some programs may require additional credit hours.b. A minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.00 with no more than two repeats and

two grades of C or lower.c. Graduate students cannot use courses with grades less than C toward

graduation.

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d. Graduate students must complete all requirements within the allowed University time limit (six years). Under no circumstances, a student will be allowed time extension beyond 7 years.

e. Students shall apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which they expect to graduate. They shall fill out the appropriate form at the Registrar’s Office.

4. Procedures for Thesis or Project

4.1 Registering in Thesis or Project

4.1.1 Thesis vs. Project

A Thesis shall be based on original research work carried out in the basic and /or applied field of study.

A Project shall be based on substantial applied work, involving, for example, critical literature review, experimental or analytical studies dealing with the application of recent or significant techniques or tools, development of kits/systems, empirical testing of theories, etc ….

Although faculty would generally encourage students to be more original and creative, students should choose between a Thesis and a project based on the level of commitment they can make. Such commitment usually depends on aspirations and plans (e.g. to go for a thesis if one wishes to proceed to doctoral studies or for a Project if it is related to one’s job and it can thus improve student’s professional status at work). It also depends on how much time the student can devote (taking into account factors like work duties) and on availability of appropriate topic and student’s strength in this topic area, etc…

4.1.2 Registration and time limit

Students may register for the Thesis/Project at any time after being registered for 12 credits subject to the consent of their Thesis/Project supervisor.

Registration in a Thesis has a time limit of 2 years (i.e. 4 regular semesters). But a student has to register in every semester (for zero fees) up to 2 years in order to maintain his/her student status and to benefit from the university resources such as ID card, library usage, etc…. Students who need more time to complete their Thesis work have to petition to the UGC; if allowed, they will be required to register for a residence fee (0 quality point), and to pay for 50 % of one graduate credit per semester.

Registration in a Project has a time limit of 1.5 years (i.e. 3 regular semesters). But, a student has to register in the two semesters following his/her first registration in order to maintain a student status and, thus, benefit from university resources. Students who need more time to complete their Project work have to petition to the UGC; if

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allowed, they will be required to register for a residence fee (0 quality point), and to pay for 50 % of one graduate credit per semester.

4.1.3 Change of registration

If, after consulting with Thesis/Project supervisor and/or Graduate Advisor, a student decides to switch between a Thesis and a Project, the student is required to petition to the UGC for prior approval.

Students changing from Project to Thesis will be required to pay only for the extra credits, provided that the student remains with the same supervisor. The change shall be made at least one semester before graduation.

Students changing from Thesis to Project (and a course) will not pay for the Project, provided that the student remains with the same supervisor. But the student will not normally be refunded for the difference in credits (3 credits). The change shall be made at least one semester before graduation.

4.2 Selection of Topic, Supervisor, and Committee

a. Decide on doing a Thesis or a Project (can consult with the Graduate Advisor).

b. Go shopping: talk to the faculty in your program and ask them about their proposed topics for Theses/Projects. Also, do some research of your own in order to decide on which topic you want to do your Thesis/Project and with which supervisor. It is recommended that you do this exercise before registering in a Thesis/Project.

c. Select, in consultation with your supervisor, an Advisory Committee of a minimum of two members (Thesis) or one member (Project) in addition to the supervisor. Then, communicate with the selected members to obtain their approval. At least half of the committee members must be full-time LAU-affiliated.

4.3 Steps and Forms for Thesis

a. Prepare your proposal and submit it for your supervisor’s approval. The proposal is normally composed of the following sections: context of the study; problem statement / questions / objectives / hypotheses; previous work (literature review); rationale and significance of the study; your proposed solution approach; methodology / techniques / tools and resources; expected results and their significance; how to assess / validate your results.

b. Defend your proposal to your Advisory Committee. At the conclusion of the proposal defense, the Advisory Committee will sign a Proposal Defense form (Appendix I) and the supervisor will forward it to the concerned entities.

c. Meet regularly with your supervisor and keep your Advisory Committee aware of your progress. Students should develop a plan and a schedule for their work’s life cycle.

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d. When you write your Thesis, submit it to the plagiarism software (turnitin.com) and discuss the result with your supervisor.

e. When your supervisor agrees that you are ready to defend your Thesis, submit copies of your Thesis to the members of the Advisory Committee and agree with them on a defense date. In determining the date, you should allow time for public announcement, thesis correction, further work, and library verification to be completed before the expected graduation date.

f. The defense announcement and the turnitin report shall be forwarded by the supervisor to the concerned Dean. The concerned Dean shall post the announcement on the relevant public media of the university. The date of the defense must be at least two weeks after the announcement is made public.

g. Final defense is public. When you complete your defense, the Advisory Committee shall fill in and sign the Defense Approval form (Appendix II).

h. When you complete corrections and modifications to your Thesis, the supervisor shall complete the Defense Approval form and the Advisory Committee shall sign the Thesis Approval form (Appendix III). The supervisor shall forward the Defense Approval form to the concerned entities.

4.4 Steps and Form for Project

a. Prepare your proposal and submit it for your supervisor’s approval. The proposal is normally composed of the following sections: context of the study; problem statement / questions / objectives / hypotheses; previous work (literature review); rationale and significance of the study; your proposed methodology / techniques / tools and resources; expected results and their significance; how to assess / validate your results.

b. Defend your proposal to your Advisory Committee.c. Meet regularly with your supervisor and keep your Advisory Committee

aware of your progress. Students should develop a plan and a schedule for their work’s life cycle.

d. When you write your Project report, submit it to the turnitin.com and discuss the result with your supervisor.

e. When your supervisor agrees that you are ready to defend your Project, submit copies of your Project report to the members of the Advisory Committee and agree with them on a defense date. In determining the date, you should allow time for correction and further work to be completed before the expected graduation date. Project reports normally reach the Committee two weeks before the defense date.

f. Final Project defense is public. When you complete your defense, the Advisory Committee might ask for corrections or/and further work. When you complete corrections and modifications to your Report, the supervisor and the Advisory Committee shall sign the Project Approval form (Appendix IV).

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4.5 Thesis/ Project Submission

Thesis/Projects shall be written according to the format specified in the “Thesis and Project Format Guidelines” (Appendix VI).

Thesis:The student must provide the Library with the final version of the Thesis for format verification and binding at least one week prior to the deadline for submission of all grades. The final version shall include, immediately after the cover page, a completed and signed Thesis Approval Form (Appendix III). The librarian shall verify the thesis compliance with the format specified in the “Format Guidelines”. Then, the librarian shall fill and sign the Library Clearance Form (Appendix V) and send it to the registrar for initiation of graduation procedures. The student is also required to submit copies of the final version of the thesis to: library (2 copies), concerned Dean, Division/School, supervisor, members of the Advisory Committee. The Registrar shall not register the grade for a Thesis until he/she obtains copies of both the Thesis Approval Form and the Library Clearance Form.

Project: The student must provide his/her supervisor, the Advisory Committee member(s), and the concerned Division/School with the final version of the Project report, which should include the Project Approval Form (Appendix IV) as the second page (after the cover page). Then, the supervisor will report the passing grade to the Registrar.

5. Thesis/ Project writing

5.1 Format guidelines and sample

Thesis/Projects shall be written according to the format specified in the “Thesis and Project Format Guidelines” (Appendix VI) available at the Division and the Dean’s office. These guidelines cover the structure, format, and style of documents and provide sample pages.

5.2 Writing guidelines

The following checklist is intended to provide the students with main writing hints and guidelines for their Theses or Project reports.

These guidelines do not describe the structure of the Thesis / Project report. The structure is addressed in Section 5.1.

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Yes ? TitleIs it brief?Is it specific and does it reflect the content of the report?Abstract Does it state the motivation?Does it state the problem?Does it reveal the methods used?Does it state the major results and contribution?IntroductionDoes it give adequate background to introduce the research question?Does it identify the topic?Does it state the research question and objectives?Does it give the scope and purpose of the study?Does it summarize previous work? (does not replace the literature review section)Does it state your contribution?Does it give an outline of the rest of the thesis/report?Methods / MethodologyDoes it explain why the research method was chosen? Is it technically sound?Are the study design and execution adequate to address the research question stated earlier?Are the study design and execution described in sufficient detail so that their validity can be judged and researchers can replicate the work?Is the experimental procedure explained?Does the thesis/report describe and justify collected data (where applies)?ResultsAre the results described?Do the findings answer the research question?Are the data meaningful and representative?Are tables and figures included to clarify the presentation of the data/results?Are appropriate analysis and interpretation of the results given?Does the text only highlight and interpret what is presented in the figures and tables? and does not repeat the whole information?Are unnecessary data and results excluded? (may include as appendix)Discussion (and Conclusions)Does it reinforce the meaning and significance of the findings?Does it present relationships and generalizations?Does it explain anomalies? Does it point to the limitations?Are conclusions clearly stated?Are main and secondary conclusions based on the results and the discussion?Tables and FiguresAre figures and tables cited in the text? Are figure legends and caption clear and accurate?Are table titles clear and descriptive?Are all acronyms and abbreviations defined in the report?ReferencesDo they include recent and key references?Do they follow one standard style? Are they complete and accurate?Are all the references cited in the text?Are all cited references listed?GeneralIs the English of good quality?Does the text have a clear structure that is easy to follow?

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6. Graduate Assistantships

6.1 Objectives

Graduate assistantships are intended to enhance students’ educational experiences, through providing academic services to their schools, such as teaching and research.

6.2 Rights and Obligations

Students on graduate assistantships shall take a course load as specified in Section 3.1.

Graduate students receiving full (100%) assistantships are entitled to 100% tuition waiver. In accepting a full graduate assistantship, a student agrees to devote his/her effort to the graduate studies and the assistantship responsibilities. The normal number of hours required from a student for his/her full graduate assistantship is twenty hours per week.

Graduate students awarded partial assistantships receive a tuition waiver that is proportional to the assistantship awarded. Similarly the number of assistantship work hours is prorated. Students with partial assistantships shall agree not to allow outside employment to hinder proper execution of their assistantship duties.

Graduate assistants are not entitled to the benefits granted to University Faculty and Staff members according to the personnel policy. Besides, the tuition waiver does not cover repeated courses, irrespective of whether the student received a grade for the course being repeated or withdrew from it.

6.3 Application and Renewal

Graduate students interested in applying for graduate assistantships shall submit a graduate assistantship application (Appendix VII) to their Division / School by the deadline specified.

Awarding graduate assistantships is guided by the following criteria and considerations:

The student must be in good academic standing. The student must not be a special undergraduate or on probation. The student’s interests and skills fit departmental needs for teaching, research,

or other duties. The allocated budget shall be respected.

To renew a graduate assistantship, a student must be in good academic standing, and must have performed assigned duties satisfactorily in the preceding semesters as determined by positive evaluation of the supervising faculty. Evaluation is performed every semester using an evaluation form (Appendix VIII).

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APPENDIX I Proposal Defense form

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Lebanese American UniversitySchool of ………………………..

Thesis Proposal FormName of Student: _______________________________________ I.D.#: __________________

Division: ______________________________________________________________________

On (dd/mm/yy) _________________________________, has presented a Thesis proposal entitled:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

in the presence of the Committee members and Thesis Advisor:

______________________________________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date of the Thesis Advisor)

______________________________________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date of Committee Member)

______________________________________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date of Committee Member)

Comments/Remarks/Conditions to Proposal:

Date: ________________ Acknowledged by _______________________________ (Dean of Graduate Studies/School of …….………)

cc: Department ChairThesis AdvisorStudentDean of Graduate Studies/School Dean

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APPENDIX II Thesis Defense Approval form

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Lebanese American UniversitySchool of ………………………..

Thesis Defense Result Form

Name of Student: ____________________________________________ I.D.#: __________________

On (dd/mm/yy) ______________________________________________, has defended a Thesis entitled: ___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

In the presence of the following Committee members:

Advisor ____________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date)

Committee Member ____________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date)

Committee Member ____________________________________________________(Name, signature, and date)

The student has passed _____ not passed _____ the Thesis defense in partial Fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of MA/MS in ______________________________

Comments/Required Changes to Thesis due on (dd/mm/yy) __________________________________

Advisor’s report on completion of above Thesis conditions:

Changes Approved by Thesis Advisor: __________________________ Signature: ___________________

Date: ________________ Acknowledged by _______________________________ (Dean of Graduate Studies/School of …….………)

cc: Department ChairThesis AdvisorRegistrar

Dean of Graduate Studies/School Dean

Date of the Thesis defense public announcement (dd/mm/yy) _________________________________

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APPENDIX III Thesis Approval Form

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L E B A N E S E A M E R I C A N U N I V E R S I T Y

School of Arts and Sciences

Thesis Approval Form

Student Name:______________________ I.D. #: ________________

Thesis Title

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Program : Master of Science in Computer Science

Department : Computer Science and Mathematics

School : School of Arts and Sciences

Approved by :

Thesis Advisor: _______________________ Signature :______________

Member : _______________________ Signature :______________

Member : _______________________ Signature :______________

Date : ____________________

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APPENDIX IV Project Approval form

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L E B A N E S E A M E R I C A N U N I V E R S I T Y

School of Arts and Sciences

Project Approval Form

Student Name:______________________ I.D. #: ________________

Project Title

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Program : Master of Science in Computer Science

Department : Computer Science and Mathematics

School : School of Arts and Sciences

Approved by :

Project Advisor: _______________________ Signature :______________

Member : ________________________ Signature :______________

Date : ____________________

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APPENDIX V Library Clearance Form

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L E B A N E S E A M E R I C A N U N I V E R S I T Y

School of Arts and Sciences

Thesis Library Clearance Form

The following MA/MS student in ____________________________

Department : _____________________________

Mr. /Ms. : _______________________________

I.D.#: ___________________________________

Has submitted to the LAU Library two signed copies of the MA/MS Thesis entitled:

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

The style and form of these copies comply with the “Thesis and Project Format Guidelines”

Received on: ________________________

By: _________________________________________________ (Librarian name, signature / stamp, and date)

cc. : LibraryRegistrarThesis AdvisorDean of Graduate Studies/School Dean

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APPENDIX VI Thesis and Project Format Guidelines

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University Graduate CouncilThesis and Project Report Format Guidelines

UGC approved: April 28, 2006

This guide is designed to provide graduate students with the formatting requirements for all theses and project reports. It covers structure, layout, form, and style. Departments may use additional requirements that do not conflict with the guidelines provided in this document.

1. Thesis and Project Report Arrangement

Assemble the thesis/project report in this order:

1. Cover page: includes the title, author, degree (“Thesis/Project submitted in

partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of … in …”),

and date.

2. Thesis/Project Approval Form.

3. Plagiarism policy compliance statement.

4. Copyright page that grants LAU the right to use and reproduce fully or partially

the work being presented.

5. Dedication page (optional).

6. Acknowledgments page (optional).

7. Abstract: a concise summary of the essential information of the work being

presented, namely of the study’s scope, purpose and results. The reference-free

single spaced abstract should not exceed two pages.

8. Table of Contents: includes all the subsections of each chapter and the list of

appendices (if applicable) and page numbers.

9. List of Figures: includes figure number, caption, and the page number.

10. List of Tables: includes table number, caption, and the page number.

11. Abbreviations page: lists all the abbreviations used in the text alongside their

fully written unabbreviated form.

12. Thesis/Project text; the layout is described in the next section.

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2. Layout

The following presents a framework for a thesis. The information is offered as a general guideline. Students should always consult their advisor for additional guidelines. In particular, the layout of project reports can be different depending on the type and scope of the project. Note that each chapter should start on a new page.

1- Introduction: background; statement of the problem; definition of terms; purpose of the study; theoretical basis; contributions of the study; organization of the remainder of the study.

2- Literature Review: chronological, categorical or related theoretical view points related to topic.

3- Proposed Solution/Methodology: research design or approach (quantitative, qualitative or algorithmic); population and / or sample; collection and tabulation of data; and data analysis procedures.

4- Solution Validation, Analysis of the Data, Results, and Discussion: presentation and discussion of the findings, including limitations.

5- Conclusions, Recommendations: summarizes the entire research effort; addresses the initial purpose of the study (stated in the introduction); stresses the importance of the work accomplished; leaves a final impression on the reader. It can also include suggestions for further work.

6- Bibliography/References: references should acknowledge any work done by someone other than the author. The reference should also include work performed by the author if presented or published at an earlier date. References should adopt one of the standard international styles; the American Psychological Association style for references and citation is recommended. For more information, contact the library.

7- Appendices: material too detailed or lengthy for inclusion in the body of the study (e.g. questionnaires, maps). Appendices may also contain information that might clarify the thesis but is routine in nature or indirectly related to the thesis. Raw data and examples of calculation could be incorporated.

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3. Style and Form

3.1 Paper: Use high-quality acid-free A4-size paper, with only one side of the paper.

3.2 Printing: A high-quality laser printer should be used for the final copy.

3.3 Headings:In disciplines where section numbering is normally used, the following guidelines apply: Chapter title: 18 – 24 pt size, bold. Main Section Headings: can be numbered as chapter-number.section-

number (e.g., 3.2 for chapter 3, section 2) in 14 pt size, bold. Second Headings: can be numbered as x.y.z (e.g., 3.2.4 for chapter 3,

section 2, subsection 4) in 12 pt size, bold. First Subheadings: can be numbered as w.x.y.z (e.g., 3.2.4.1 for chapter 3,

section 2, subsection 4, sub-subsection 1) in 12 pt size, regular. Second Subheadings: preferably unnumbered, 12 pt, italics.

3.4 Text Font: Acceptable fonts generated by word processing programs include, but are not restricted to: Times Roman 12, Helvetica 12, Letter Gothic 12. The font provided through LaTeX is acceptable. Bold and italics should not be used excessively in the text. Furthermore, colored text should not be used.

3.5 Spacing: Double or one and a half spacing is required for the text. Only footnotes, long quotations, bibliography entries (double space between entries), table captions, and similar special material may be single spaced.

3.6 Margins: Left, 4 cm; top, bottom, and right, 2.5 cm. These are necessary to allow for binding and trimming.

3.7 Page Numbering: Preliminary pages of the thesis, that is, those preceding the text are to be numbered in Roman numerals. The first page must not show its page number. Pages of the text itself and of all items following the text should be numbered consecutively throughout in Arabic numbers, beginning with number 1 on the first page of the first chapter. Page numbers should be placed in the lower right corner or center of the page. Only the number should appear, not page 9.

3.8 Tables and Figures: Figures and tables should be inserted at the appropriate place in the text. Figures must have numbers and captions under the figures. Tables have their titles and numbers above.

3.9 Drawings: Any material which cannot be typed or computer generated should be drawn with permanent black ink in neat and heavy lines. Photographs of drawings are acceptable. Xerox reproductions of drawings are acceptable if they are of high contrast.

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3.10 Photographs: Mount small photographs with glue. Do not use rubber cement or tape. High-clarity Xerox copies of photographs are also acceptable. However, high-quality scanned e-images can also be inserted into the thesis text.

3.11 Footnotes: In disciplines where footnotes are normally used, they should appear at the bottom of the same page as their reference. Footnotes should be numbered in Arabic numerals. The footnote reference is superscripted and the explanation at the bottom of the page begins with the footnote reference number. Footnotes should have a smaller font size than the text (e.g. 10 pt).

3.12 CDs and DVDs: identify with title, name of student, and date.

3.13 Computer Software: Describe in separate section in prefatory pages (e.g., list of figures and tables). If applicable, state requirements for the use of the software (e.g., hardware, screen resolution type) and any other information necessary for proper viewing of the software.

3.14 Oversized Material: Oversize foldout pages may be included, though ample margins for binding must be included. Leave oversize page unfolded. The bindery will fold and insert them. All pages must appropriately numbered if found in the text.

3.15 Binding: Binding will be arranged by the library, for a fee, in order to ensure consistency. At least two copies of the thesis should be submitted to the library of the campus concerned.

4. Sample Pages

The following sample pages are appended to show how these guidelines can be implemented.

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LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

THESIS FULL TITLE

By

STUDENT FULL NAME

A thesisSubmitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science

Department of Computer Science and Mathematics

October 2010

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L E B A N E S E A M E R I C A N U N I V E R S I T Y

School of Arts and Sciences

Thesis Approval Form

Student Name:______________________ I.D. #: ________________

Thesis Title

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Program : Master of Science in Computer Science

Department : Computer Science and Mathematics

School : School of Arts and Sciences

Approved by :

Thesis Advisor: _______________________ Signature :______________

Member : _______________________ Signature :______________

Member : _______________________ Signature :______________

Date : ____________________

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PLAGIARISM POLICY COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

I certify that I have read and understood LAU’s Plagiarism Policy. I understand that failure to comply with this Policy can lead to academic and disciplinary actions against me.This work is substantially my own, and to the extent that any part of this work is not my own I have indicated that by acknowledging its sources.

Name:

Signature: Date:

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THESIS COPYRIGHT RELEASE FORM

I, [Name of Student in full]

Grant the LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY the right to use this work, irrespective of any copyright, for the University’s own purpose without cost to the University or its students and employees. I further agree that the University may reproduce and provide single copies of the work to the public for the cost of reproduction.

Name:

Signature: Date:

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Dedication Page

To my parents

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS(Sample page)

This research would not have been possible without the help and assistance of many persons. First I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor ------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------.I am also deeply grateful to -------------- ---------- . ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks go also to -------------------------------------------------------------------, ---------------------------------------------------- Finally, special thanks go also to ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- .

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AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF

Student Full Name for Master in Computer Science

Title: _________Thesis Full Title____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS(Sample pages)

Chapter Page

I – Introduction 1-10

1.1 – Overview 11.2 – Need for the Study 41.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 51.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 61.5 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7

1.5.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!! 81.5.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9

1.6 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 91.7 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10

II – Literature Review 11-20

2.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 112.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 132.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 13

III – Proposed Solution / Methodology 21-49

3.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 213.1.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 253.1.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 25

3.1.2.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 273.1.2.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 28

3.1.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 313.1.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 32

3.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 333.2.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 33

3.2.1.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 333.2.1.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 343.2.1.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 363.2.1.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 38

3.2.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 393.2.2.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 393.2.2.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 413.2.2.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 423.2.2.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 43

3.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 443.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 48

IV – Solution Validation / Findings 49-57

4.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 494.1.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 51

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4.1.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 514.1.2.1 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 524.1.2.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 53

4.1.3 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 544.1.4 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 55

4.2 – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 56

V – Conclusions and Recommendations 58-67

5.1 – Introduction 585.2 – Conclusions 595.3 – Recommendations 625.4 – Limitations to the Research 655.5 – Recommended Future Research 66

VI – Bibliography / References 67-71

VII – Appendices 72-80Appendix I : !!!!!!!!!!!!! 72Appendix II : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 74Appendix III : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 75 Appendix IV : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 76Appendix V : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 77

Appendix V-a : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 78Appendix V-b : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 79

34

LIST OF TABLES(Sample page)

Table Table Title Page

Table 3.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 23Table 3.2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29Table 3.3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 34Table 3.4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 37Table 3.5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 43Table 3.6 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 45Table 6.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 64Table 6.2.a !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 65Table 6.2.b !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 65Table 6.3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 66Table 6.4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 66Table 6.5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 68

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Figure Title Page

Figure 3.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 24Figure 3.2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 27Figure 3.3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 35Figure 3.4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 46

35

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 - Overview _________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ .

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

etc…..

1.2 Reference Citation Methods

Isaac (1998) compared x with y. In a recent study (Isaac, 1998) compare x with y. In

1998, Issac compared x with y. Rozek and Simon (1999) compared x with y. In a

recent study (Rozek and Simon, 1999) discovered that 1 ≠ 2. Leemon, Becker, and

Asmus (1999) compared x with y. Leemon et al. also proved that 2 > 1 and 2 ≠ 1.

In a recent study (Leemon, Becker, and Asmus, 1999) compared x with y.

Leemon et al. also proved that 2 = 2.

36

Other Chapters

37

References

Becker, L.J. and Seligman, C. (1981). Welcome to the energy crisis. Journal of Social Issues, 37(2), 1-7.

Brenstein, T.M. (1965). The careful writer: A modern guide to English usage. New York: Atheneum.

Cooper, C.R. (1998, October 9). Bambi’s Bomber’s. [Online]. Available: http://someplace.yabayaba.milwaukee/place

Devins, G.M. (1981). Helplessness, depression, and mood in endstage renal disease. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, McGill University, Montreal.

Gardner, H.J. (1981, December). Do babies have a universal song? Psychology Today, 102, pp. 70-77.

Letheridge, S. and Cannon, C.R. (Eds.). (1980). Bilingual education. New York: Praeger.

Paivio, A. (1975). Perceptual comparisons through the mind’s eye. Memory and Cognition, 23(3), 635-647.

Pepin, R.E. (1998). Uses of time in the political novels of Joseph Conrad. In: C.W. Darling, Jr., J. Shields, and V.B. Villa (Eds.) Chronological looping in political novels (pp. 99-135). Hartford: Capital Press.

Strunk, W., Jr. and White, E.B. (1979). The elements of style (3rd ed.) New York: Macmillan.

38

APPENDIX VII Graduate Assistantship Application Form

39

LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITYDEPARTMENT OF ………………………………………….

APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPMASTER IN …………………………………….

Semester: ___________________

Name: ______________ _____________ _______________

First Middle Family

ID: ________________________ Date of Birth: _____________________ dd / mm / year

Gender [ ] Male [ ] Female

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone: Residence: __________________ Cellular: _____________

E-mail: ______________________________________________________________

College and University Attended:Name and Address of Each Institution

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Degree Received & Date ___________________________________________________

GPA or Total Average

__________________________________________

Work Experience:Name of Employer________________________________________________

Period________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

E-mail________________________________________________

Financial aid, assistantship, grant or scholarship you have received:Name of Institution____________________________________________

Year____________________________________________

Type of Grant____________________________________________

40

Type of assistantship: (if applying for more than one type, please put numbers in boxes in order of preference; 1 is strongest preference)

Teaching Assistant Research Assistant Other (e.g. IT Assistant)

Please write a statement to support your choice of the assistantship type(s).

To the best of my knowledge the above information is correct; I agree to abide by all university rules and regulations pertaining to the assistantship.

______________________ ______________________

Date Signature

Documents to be submitted with this application*: - CV- Transcript Copy- Two Recommendation letters

*For renewal, only a copy of the transcript is required

41

Lebanese American UniversityDepartment of …………………………………………..

Application for Graduate Assistantship - Master in ……………………….

Letter of Recommendation

PART A: To be completed by applicant

Name (print):

Signature of Applicant: Date:

PART B: To be completed by recommenderHow long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 

For the evaluations below, please indicate the group against which the applicant is being compared.

SummaryEvaluation

Truly Exceptional(Top 5%)

Outstanding

(85-95%)

Above Average(65-85%)

Average

(50-65%)

Below Average( < 50%)

Inadequate Opportunity to Observe

Analytical and intellectual abilities

           

Creativity and imagination

           

Maturity, responsibility, and self-confidence

           

Motivation            

Ability to work independently

Ability to work with others

           

Oral communication            

Written communication            

Potential as a teacher            

Potential as a researcher

Please indicate the strength of your recommendation: Not recommended Recommended with reservations Recommended Highly recommended

42

We would appreciate your assessment of the applicant's scholarship, character, and professional promise. Please include in the statement an assessment of strengths and weaknesses. Please be as specific as possible.

 Recommender's Name: Position:

Affiliation:

Address:

 E-Mail: Phone:

Signature: Date:

You can mail directly to;Chair of the Department of ……………………………….

Lebanese American University, P.O.Box 13-5053Beirut, Lebanon

43

APPENDIX VIII Graduate Assistant Evaluation Form

44

LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITYDepartment of ………………………............................

Graduate Assistant Evaluation Form - Master in …………………….

Semester _____________

Student’s Name: I.D:

Supervisor’s Name: Granted Hours:

Check Applicable BoxesExcellent Good Fair Unsatisfactory N/A

1. Quality of work

2. Fulfillment of workload

3. Attendance / Punctuality

4. Attitude / Cooperation

5. Initiative and self assertion

6. Dependability / Responsibility

7. Adaptability

8. Reasoning and judgment

9. Oral communication

10. Written communicationOVERALL RATING

Willing to Rehire?[ ] Yes

[ ] No (reason)

Remarks:

Supervisor’s Signature Date

45