What is SCI Capstone Project?

The Capstone Project is a hands-on, real-world academic experience undertaken in the final year of a degree programme at the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI). It bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice by requiring students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real challenges faced by industries and organisations. SCI offers three main programme areas:

• Computing and Information Systems
• Computer Network and Security
• Creative Computing

The Capstone Project is tailored to reflect the unique focus and learning outcomes of each of these disciplines. These projects take various forms, including:

• Product development
• Research studies
• Case analyses
• Internships
• Field placements

They challenge students to think critically, tackle complex problems, and demonstrate their readiness for professional work. By engaging in these projects, students gain valuable practical experience and develop problem-solving abilities essential for their careers.

What is the Goal of a Capstone Project?

The primary goal of the Capstone Project is to provide students with a platform to apply their academic knowledge and skills to real-world, industry-relevant challenges while gaining professional exposure.

Organisations in Brunei Darussalam propose projects that address genuine operational needs, ensuring that students' work has direct relevance and practical application in their field. Alongside the project work, students also undertake internships with these organisations, allowing them to integrate into workplace environments, gain valuable industry insight, and build professional networks.

More broadly, a capstone project aims to demonstrate a student’s mastery of their chosen field of study. It serves as a culminating experience that integrates learning across the degree programme through research, analysis, problem-solving, and practical application. It also showcases a student’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Learning Outcomes

Through the Capstone Project, students will:

1. Choose appropriate methodologies to plan, execute, and manage project tasks effectively.
2. Apply discipline-specific skills and knowledge to analyse and solve real-world problems.
3. Utilise appropriate tools and techniques relevant to their field of study.
4. Analyse and evaluate project outcomes in line with defined objectives and goals.
5. Demonstrate professional competencies in both written reports and oral presentations.

Duration of the Project

The Capstone Project is a mandatory module for all final-year SCI students, taken in Semester 6. It spans six months from January to June.

SCI Capstone Format

1. Capstone Project

Weighting: 80% of final marks
Credit Value: 50 CV

This is the core component of the module, where each student works individually on an assigned or proposed project that addresses a real-world challenge. Students are expected to apply the knowledge, skills, and methodologies acquired throughout their programme.

• Projects may involve system development, research, case analysis, or other applied work relevant to the student's programme.
• Students are supervised by academic staff and are responsible for managing their own project from planning to final delivery.
• The outcome contributes significantly to the student’s degree classification.

2. Internship

Grading: Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory
Duration: Conducted alongside the Capstone Project (January–June)

The internship provides students with practical experience in a professional environment, separate from their Capstone Project topic. It focuses on work readiness, professionalism, and integration into an organisational setting.

• Host organisations must provide structured training, supervision, and relevant tasks aligned with the student’s area of study.
• Students are required to maintain a daily logbook documenting their activities, which must be reviewed and signed regularly by the host supervisor.
• Performance is assessed based on workplace conduct, engagement, and completion of tasks.
• While the internship does not affect the degree classification, a result of “Unsatisfactory” will prevent the student from graduating.

Type of Capstone Project

Capstone Projects are designed to be comprehensive, involving research and/or practical application that allows students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their degree. Capstone projects can take various forms, including:

• Original Research: Focuses on exploring a topic, issue, or need, requiring students to conduct extensive research and analysis.
• Development of a New Product or Service: Involves students in designing, developing, and implementing new software or service solutions.
• Exploring Emerging Technologies: Demonstrated through the creation of artifacts or prototypes that showcase the application of cutting-edge technologies.
• Research Paper: A detailed investigation into a specific topic, providing new insights, analysis, or recommendations.

How to choose a capstone topic

Capstone topics are primarily industry-driven but can be selected from a variety of sources. The goal is to provide students with real-world experience. Students may choose topics from the following options:

• Industry-Proposed Projects:
  Organisations propose suitable projects for students to carry out within their business or industry. These projects are typically focused on solving operational or technological challenges faced by the organisation.
• UTB-Proposed Projects:
  Academic staff at the University of Technology Brunei (UTB) or students themselves may propose suitable projects to be carried out in collaboration with relevant organisations. These projects may involve research or practical applications relevant to both academia and industry.

List of Past projects:

Sample Past Projects

• National Emergency Response System (Brunei Fire Rescue Department)
• Digitalisation of Assessment of Al-Quran Memorisation (Institut Tahfidz)
• Process Mining on a LMS (Telkom University)
• Exhibition Artefacts (Arkib Negara Brunei)
• Game Show (RTB)
• Various Advertisement/Awareness Videos (e.g., Forestry, BruCERT)

Who Can Participate in SCI Capstone?

The SCI Capstone Project invites organisations and industries to propose real-world projects for final-year students. This collaboration provides students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to solve practical challenges faced by organisations. Participating organisations can include:

• Private Companies:
  Companies in sectors such as IT, software development, healthcare, finance, engineering, and more can propose projects that address specific business needs, technology development, or operational improvements.
• Public Sector Organisations:
  Government bodies, public institutions, and non-profit organisations can propose projects focused on public services, policy-making, or community-driven initiatives.
• Research Institutions:
  Academic and research institutions can offer projects involving advanced research or development of new technologies, systems, or methodologies.
• Startups:
  Emerging businesses seeking innovative solutions or product developments can collaborate with students to create new products or services.
• Any Organisation with Relevant Needs:
  Any organisation with operational, technological, or research challenges can propose a project to be tackled by students.

Organisations providing projects should offer mentorship, guidance, and supervision throughout the project to ensure that students gain valuable learning experiences.

Application Process

• Applications for participation can be made throughout the year. However, the closing date for applications is in November.
• In December, the allocation of students to projects is announced, with students joining their assigned projects in January.
• If an organisation misses the application deadline, they can participate in the next cycle, with students joining the following January.

To apply, please complete the application form (CP1): https://forms.office.com/r/R29N971VKJ

Who Will Be Responsible for the Student's Progress?

Both UTB Supervisors and Host Organisation Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress throughout the Capstone Project.

Host Organisation Supervisor

• Primary Supervision: The host supervisor will guide and facilitate the student in completing the project within the organisation.
• Assessment: The host supervisor is responsible for assessing the student's performance through the proposal, mid-term, and final progress.
• Contribution to Final Marks: The host supervisor’s assessment contributes 20% to the student's final marks.

UTB Supervisors

• Main Supervisor:
  The main UTB supervisor provides academic guidance throughout the project, offering advice on the structure, content, and methodologies. They ensure the project aligns with academic standards and objectives.
• Assessment: The main supervisor will assess the proposal, mid-term, and final progress.
• Contribution to Final Marks: The main UTB supervisor’s assessment contributes 80% to the student's final marks.
• Second Supervisor:
  The second UTB supervisor is involved specifically in the final submission evaluation, providing additional feedback and contributing to the final assessment.

Timeline, Milestones

Organisation Expectation

1. Propose Project title
2. Provide working space for students for six-months
3. Oversee and sign-off students’ tasks every week
4. Assess students’ proposal, midterm and final report
5. Attend and Assess students’ presentations
6. Communicate with UTB supervisors on any issue
7. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of the interns