The best aspects of this course included the hands-on experience and the opportunity for one to design his/her own project under the supervision of a faculty member. Students also appreciated the feedback that was given on a consistent basis. One student felt there was little motivation to attend the lectures as they did not contribute to his/her grade. Another student felt the parameters in regards to grades were unclear. Suggestions included ensuring things like IRB approvals and software dependencies wil be dealt; also, incorporating more guest lecturers who have dealt with CIS. Prospective students are encouraged to pick a project that wil hold their interest for the duration of the semester.

The best aspects of this class were the knowledgeable and engaging instructor, the inclusion of current events in the security world, and the emphasis on systems used in the real world. Many students made note of Dr. Green’s firsthand experience with the systems he teaches and his ability to frame lectures around news of the day, making the class seem more relevant and immediately applicable. The worst aspects of the class were the classes cancelled due to weather or illness, the lack of much communication from the instructor, and the different experience levels in the class. Suggestions for improving the class included having more frequent smaller assignments, better feedback in regards to grades, and more organization around assignments and exams. Prospective students should have some familiarity with cryptology and programming, and will need to do additional research and reading to stay abreast of events in the security world. This class and instructor are highly recommended.

The best aspects of the course included the freedom to design and implement a project of choice, the practice with presentations, and the opportunity to work with leaders in the field. Many students noted that the hands-on approach afforded them a unique opportunity to learn about the design process with the potential to contribute to the medical community. Some students felt that some project mentors were difficult to contact and less involved than others, and the projects suffered as a result of the lack of guidance and feedback. Thus, facilitating increased communication between students and mentors was one area of possible improvement. Prospective students should be ready for a large time commitment as well as the struggles and benefits of working in a team.