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WHAT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS DURING THEIR CAPSTONE PROJECTS AT RED DEER COLLEGE

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Red Deer College understands that the capstone project can be one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences for students as they near the completion of their program. To help ensure students have every opportunity to succeed, RDC provides a wide variety of resources and support systems.

Perhaps the most important resource is guidance from capstone course instructors and faculty advisors. Students work closely one-on-one with their capstone instructor who provides direction, feedback, and answers questions throughout the project process. The instructor monitors progress, offers advice when issues arise, and ensures students stay on track to meet deliverables. Some programs also assign each student a faculty advisor from their discipline who serves as an additional mentor and contact for specialized input.

Instructors and advisors help connect students to other experts on campus who can lend specialized knowledge. For example, students undertaking research-based capstones can access support from RDC’s research office to learn about methodology, get approval for studies involving people or animals, and connect with subject librarians for help with literature reviews. Students tackling technical or design-focused projects have options to consult instructors from related applied departments for guidance incorporating appropriate standards, materials, or skills into their work.

Librarians are key resources for capstone research. RDC’s full-service academic library houses collections, databases, and interlibrary loan services to help students access the scholarly literature needed to design thorough, well-supported projects. Librarians offer instruction on navigating resources, constructing effective searches, and properly citing sources to avoid plagiarism. Subject librarians with deeper expertise in certain disciplines are available for one-on-one consultations tailored to each student’s capstone topic.

Peer support also plays an important role. Many programs facilitate informal mentorship between senior capstone students and those just starting the process. This allows for valuable exchange of tips, encouragement, and advice on challenges faced. The college also has a Student Success Centre that runs informational workshops on time management, effective writing, presentation skills, and overcoming ‘capstone anxiety’ to help boost confidence. Peers can further support one another through casual study groups for feedback on drafts or practice runs of presentations before the final defence.

Technological resources aid project execution and presentation. RDC provides computer labs, software applications, audio/visual equipment loans, and multimedia design facilities relevant to capstones across diverse subjects. Students gain access to tools like 3D printers, engineering design suites, recording studios, simulation programs, and statistical analysis platforms to build robust, multimodal projects. Technical staff are available for brief training and troubleshooting issues.

Funding opportunities exist to enhance capstone scholarship. Internal awards through the college offer limited financial support for budget items like research participant incentives, equipment rentals, conference travel relevant to disseminating findings, or other expenses that elevate projects beyond normal course requirements. External grants may also be pursued under faculty guidance. Overall, RDC aims to surround students with layered guidance, peer fellowship, research tools, and even modest funding to allow capstone visions to reach their fullest potential.

Red Deer College provides students an extensive network of instructor advising, subject matter experts, library services, peer mentorship programs, technical facilities, and scarce financial support to help navigate capstone experiences. This commitment of resources and personalized attention reflects RDC’s dedication to nurturing innovative, exemplary final projects that ready graduates both academically and practically for their post-degree plans in a chosen field or further studies. Students are well-equipped at the institution to independently conduct meaningful, sophisticated work for their capstone climaxes to undergraduate learning.

CAN YOU PROVIDE SOME EXAMPLES OF CAPSTONE PROJECTS IN OTHER FIELDS OF STUDY AT HUMBER COLLEGE

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The Business Administration – Supply Chain Management program requires students to complete a capstone project that involves a real-world supply chain analysis and improvement plan for a local organization. For example, one group of students partnered with a mid-sized manufacturing company to analyze inefficiencies in their procurement and inventory management processes. Through interviews with stakeholders and data collection, the students identified areas of waste. They then developed a set of recommendations to streamline workflows between suppliers and internal departments. This included adopting new technology for tracking incoming shipments and automated replenishment systems. The students presented their findings to the company’s executive team in a formal report and presentation that was over 15,000 characters. They received positive feedback and the company is in the process of implementing some of their proposed changes.

In the Computer Programming program, the capstone involves designing and developing a functional programming project from concept to deployment. A recent group created a web application for a client in the sports and recreation industry. They identified a need to modernize and streamline the registration, payment and communication systems currently in use for various sports leagues, classes and camps. Over several months, the students worked through all phases of the software development lifecycle to deliver a customized solution. This included creating user stories, wireframes, database models, frontend and backend coding, testing, troubleshooting and deployment. The final program contained over 25,000 lines of code and additional documentation. It allowed the client to better manage registrations online, process payments securely, generate reports and send mass communications to participants through automated emails and text messages. The students documented the entire process in a comprehensive technical report exceeding 20,000 characters.

In the Medical Laboratory Technology program, the capstone consists of a major independent research project where students apply theories and techniques learned throughout the program. One such project investigated the prevalence of drug-resistant organisms in patients admitted to a specific intensive care unit at a nearby hospital. The student worked with the hospital’s infection control team to collect bacterial samples from patients over a defined period. They then isolated, identified and performed antibiotic sensitivity testing on any pathogenic organisms found. Through statistical analysis of the results, the student was able to determine how drug resistance had changed over time in that unit compared to published data. An in-depth 15,000 character research paper was written, outlining the objectives, methodology, findings and conclusions. It provided valuable information for the hospital on ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns.

In the Creative Advertising program, the capstone involves developing a comprehensive integrated marketing campaign for a real client. One group partnered with a social enterprise focused on poverty alleviation. Through competitive research and stakeholder interviews, they identified a need to better promote new community initiatives launching in the upcoming year. The students then crafted positioning statements, brand guidelines, a fully-designed website, various collateral pieces, a three-month social media plan and measurement metrics. They also developed a 15-minute video highlighting the client’s work that was shared on their channels. A 25,000 character proposal outlined each element of the integrated campaign and how it would help achieve business and fundraising goals. The campaign launched after receiving the client’s approval and endorsement. It resulted in increased community support and partnerships.

These are just a few examples that illustrate how Humber College capstone projects provide real-world, applied learning experiences for students. Through meaningful industry-focused work, capstones allow students to gain valuable skills, contribute solutions and showcase their talent to potential employers. The multi-phase nature and extensive documentation required exceeds 15,000 characters of detail. This confirms capstones are an impactful part of applied programs at Humber College.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESEARCH INSTITUTES AT IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

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Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for science and technology. At its heart, Imperial is a science, technology, engineering and medicine university with a focus on research that makes real-world impact. The university has eight faculty-level research institutes that bring together academics and researchers from across different departments to work on multidisciplinary problems.

The Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) focuses on driving innovation to transform healthcare globally. It has major research strengths in digital health technologies, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics and vaccine development. IGHI aims to ensure healthcare innovation addresses global health challenges and is accessible for people everywhere. Some notable research includes the development of a universal flu vaccine and rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBE) researches how engineering interfaces with biology and medicine. It has five research departments spanning biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, nanomedicine and therapeutics. IBE researchers develop new techniques, devices and therapies. For instance, they are creating non-invasive brain stimulation devices to treat conditions like depression and designing smart polymer scaffolds to regenerate tissue.

The Institute of Chemical Biology focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology. Its researchers work on understanding biological systems at the molecular level and applying chemical tools to probe and manipulate biological function. Example projects include developing new tools for chemical genetics, studying bacterial communication networks and designing peptide therapeutics.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences aims to advance clinical research and its application within healthcare. Key areas include cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, cancer, infection, inflammation and immunity. The institute facilitates clinical trials and works to translate basic science into new diagnostics, prevention strategies and treatments for patients.

The Institute of Environment, Health and Societies examines the links between environment, society and human health. It carries out research on sustainability and climate change, environmental pollution and toxicology, environmental epidemiology and global environmental health. Studies may explore issues like the health effects of air pollution, impacts of societal inequalities on wellbeing and developing clean energy solutions.

The Institute of Materials aims to advance materials science for applications including energy, transportation, healthcare and digital technologies. Interdisciplinary teams work on designing new materials like memristors for brain-inspired computing, energy storage materials for renewable technologies and smart biomaterials for regenerative medicine. State-of-the-art research facilities allow exploration of materials at all length scales.

The Institute of Security Science Technology addresses challenges at the intersection of security, technology and society. Researchers develop new tools and methods for issues like cybersecurity, cryptocurrency tracing, transportation security, urban resilience and crisis management. Projects could involve blockchain forensics, AI for infrastructure protection or data-driven approaches to counterterrorism.

The Institute of Digital Healthcare focuses on harnessing digital technologies to transform healthcare delivery and outcomes. Researchers are creating artificial intelligence solutions for areas like disease diagnosis, drug discovery and personalised cancer treatment. Other initiatives develop digital tools to support remote patient monitoring, simulate disease progression and improve vaccine distribution globally.

Overall, Imperial’s strength in research across science, technology, engineering and medicine allows its institutes to take multidisciplinary approaches to major global challenges. Cutting-edge facilities and collaborations with industry and healthcare partners further support impactful work that improves lives worldwide. The institutes exemplify Imperial’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in research and its commitment to innovation that makes a tangible difference.

HOW HAS IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON CONTRIBUTED TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESEARCH

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Imperial College London has a long and distinguished history of conducting pioneering research that has contributed significantly to the development of sustainable energy solutions. One of the earliest areas of focus for the university was solar energy, with researchers studying photovoltaic cells and solar thermal technologies as far back as the 1950s. Imperial explored both silicon-based photovoltaics and early thin-film technologies, making important contributions to improving conversion efficiencies and lowering production costs.

In more recent decades, Imperial has ramped up its sustainable energy research activities substantially. In 2006, the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment was established to bring together Imperial’s world-leading expertise across many areas relevant to mitigating and adapting to climate change. This includes research focusing on low-carbon energy technologies and systems, energy storage, smart grids and distribution networks, renewable power generation from sources such as solar, wind, marine and geothermal, low-carbon transport, sustainable urban design and planning, climate change impacts and resilience, environmental policy and economics.

One of the key areas Imperial has investigated is solar photovoltaic technology, with a focus on developing new low-cost thin-film technologies that offer huge potential for solar power deployment. Researchers developed some of the world’s most efficient multi-junction solar cells using compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide. They also pioneered the use of transparent oxides as front contacts on thin-film silicon solar cells, enabling manufacturing efficiencies. More recently, Imperial scientists have researched emerging perovskite solar cell materials that could rival silicon-based PV for cost and performance.

Energy storage is another major research theme, especially as it relates to integrating variable renewable power sources like wind and solar into the grid. Imperial has developed advanced lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, supercapacitors and thermal energy storage technologies. They are also exploring hydrogen fuel cells and production from renewable power as an energy carrier. One notable project involved deploying the UK’s first residential energy storage system linked to rooftop solar PV.

Imperial is a world leader in research into sustainable marine renewable energy sources like wave, tidal, and offshore wind power. Engineers played key roles in developing innovative offshore wind turbine and foundation designs. Oceanographers study resource characterization and environmental impacts. Social scientists investigate community engagement and public policy support. Researchers also work on testing marine energy converters and developing advanced power take-off and control systems.

Energy systems modeling and analysis is another core area of focus. Imperial researchers build sophisticated energy system simulation tools and whole-systems optimization models to design low-carbon, resilient and affordable pathways for countries, regions and cities. This work evaluates integration of renewables, low-carbon heating, electrified transport, grid infrastructure needs, demand-side flexibility and more. Key partnerships include advising policymakers at national and city levels.

Imperial also conducts extensive research regarding low-carbon transport solutions like electric vehicles, vehicle-grid integration, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, advanced biofuels and sustainable urban mobility planning. Other work examines low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps, district heating networks and integrated community energy systems combining generation, storage and demand-side response.

Through these many research efforts over decades, Imperial College London has made numerous seminal contributions advancing sustainable energy technologies, systems, policies and solutions. They continue tackling critical challenges as countries worldwide accelerate transitions to net-zero carbon economies powered increasingly by renewable energy. Imperial’s cross-disciplinary expertise will prove invaluable for pioneering the next generation of clean energy innovations needed to mitigate climate change. Their researchers play a leading role in both scientific progress and advising real-world deployment of sustainable energy solutions globally.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF CAPSTONE PROJECTS IN THE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AT UTICA COLLEGE

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Many capstone projects involve developing software applications to solve real-world problems. One example is a social networking application for senior citizens that was designed to help combat isolation and loneliness. The students conducted user interviews with seniors to understand their needs and pain points. They then developed a desktop and mobile application with features like photo sharing, local event calendars, group messaging boards, and video chat. The application was tested with senior focus groups and refined based on their feedback. The students wrote technical documentation, developed a marketing plan, and presented the project to potential community partners.

Another common type of capstone project is developing tools or systems to help non-profit organizations and local governments. For example, one group of students worked with a local food pantry to create a web application to manage their inventory and coordinate volunteer scheduling. The old paper-based system was inefficient and error-prone. The students designed a database to track all inventory items with expiration dates. They created an administrator interface to scan donations in and out, generate expiration alerts, and produce analytics on item needs. A client-facing section allowed volunteers to sign up for shifts online. The project helped the food pantry transition to a digital system and gain efficiencies to better serve the community.

Some students have worked on developing educational applications and games. One project was an interactive web-based science learning game for middle school students focused on environmental science concepts. The game incorporated interactive simulations, mini-games, and quizzes to teach topics like the carbon cycle, water pollution, and animal habitats. The students designed instructional frameworks aligned to state education standards. They leveraged game engines to create 3D virtual environments and programmed gameplay logic. User testing was done in local classrooms and feedback was used to refine the game experience. Upon completion, the website and game assets were handed off to a non-profit partner to continue developing and disseminating the educational resources.

In terms of platforms, many projects have utilized full-stack web development. For instance, one group created a web application for a local ambulance service to help coordinate emergency responses. Features included GPS-enabled vehicle tracking, call dispatching, automatic report generation and medical record integration. The backend was built with PHP/MySQL and included APIs to interface with external systems. The frontend utilized HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and jQuery to create an interactive mapping interface, responsive forms and dashboards. Another project was a B2B e-commerce platform for a toy manufacturer to streamline ordering and fulfillment. It featured an inventory database, customer portal, admin controls, and integrated payment processing. Such projects aim to solve concrete business needs through full-stack software solutions.

Some students have focused their capstone projects on artificial intelligence and machine learning topics. For example, one group trained convolutional neural networks to classify dermatological diseases from patient skin image datasets. They explored techniques like data augmentation and transfer learning using models pre-trained on ImageNet. The goal was to develop a tool to assist physicians with diagnosis. In another project, natural language processing techniques were used to build a chatbot for career counseling. Students collected text conversations to train recurrent neural networks to understand intents and converse about topics like resume building, interview preparation and further education options.

Regardless of the technical focus, all Utica College computer science capstone projects emphasize real-world problem solving. Students work directly with partners in the community to understand needs, propose solutions, implement prototypes or minimum viable products, and ensure their work provides tangible value. Comprehensive documentation, presentations to stakeholders, and iterative development based on feedback are also important components of the capstone experience. The goal is for students to demonstrate both technical skills and soft skills like project management, communication and collaboration that are crucial for technology careers.