Independent Contractor Opportunities: Subject Matter Experts — Upper-Year Computer Science Course Planning

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The Opportunity

What You'll Do

The selected contractor(s) will develop the initial academic structure for one or more undergraduate computer science courses within UFred's established program framework.

Responsibilities may include:

• developing a clear and accurate course description;
• creating measurable Course Learning Outcomes;
• mapping Course Learning Outcomes to the Bachelor of Computer Science Program Learning Outcomes;
• developing an eight-week course structure, including weekly topics and subtopics;
• mapping weekly content to the applicable Course Learning Outcomes;
• identifying a suitable primary textbook and supplemental readings;
• designing an assessment structure that aligns with course outcomes and student workload expectations;
• mapping assessments to the Course Learning Outcomes;
• preparing a small set of representative, student-facing sample assessments and associated rubrics or evaluation criteria;
• responding to academic and instructional-design feedback during the internal review process; and
• identifying course-design, technology, laboratory, software, or resource considerations that should be addressed during later full course development.

UFred has established internal expectations for outcome alignment, breadth of coverage, student reading and assessment workload, faculty grading workload, and asynchronous online delivery. Subject Matter Experts will work within these requirements rather than designing courses without program-level constraints.

Selected contractor(s) should be comfortable exercising academic judgment while also working collaboratively within an established curriculum-development process.

Required Qualifications

• a completed doctorate in Computer Science or a closely related discipline;
• demonstrated academic, research, teaching, or professional competence in the subject area of the course under consideration;
• experience developing or substantially revising post-secondary courses, curricula, assessments, or instructional materials;
• experience writing measurable learning outcomes and aligning course content and assessments with those outcomes;
• strong written communication and organizational skills;
• the ability to develop academically rigorous material for undergraduate learners;
• the ability to work within established program, accreditation, and course-development requirements; and
• the ability to meet agreed-upon development and revision timelines.

Experience developing courses for asynchronous online delivery is considered an asset.

Contract Scope and Timeline

These are fixed-fee independent contractor engagements. Compensation will be established in advance for the completion of the defined deliverables and will not be based on hourly billing. The agreed fee, scope, milestones, and deadlines will be set out in the individual contract.

Each initial contract will normally focus on the syllabus, course structure, assessment plan, and representative sample assessments for a single course.

The anticipated development period is approximately two to four weeks. During this period, the Subject Matter Expert will work with the Program Chair or designated full-time Computer Science faculty to align the course with program expectations, apply UFred's internal formats, connect the course appropriately with prerequisite and subsequent courses, and ensure that its content and materials are well integrated within the broader program.

Once the Program Chair is satisfied with the academic deliverables, approximately one additional week will be allowed for UFred's internal team to review the materials for alignment with institutional processes, documentation requirements, and development workflows. This is not intended as a second academic review, though the selected contractor may be asked to make reasonable revisions needed to bring the documents into the required institutional format.

Future Opportunities

The selected contractor(s) who successfully complete an initial course-planning contract may be:

• considered for additional syllabus and sample-assessment contracts;
• given first consideration for a later contract to complete the full development of the course; and
• offered the opportunity to teach the course after full development, subject to program needs, qualifications, performance, and availability.

UFred courses are delivered asynchronously in eight-week terms. Most courses may be offered up to six times per year.

Where practical, UFred prefers to offer teaching opportunities to the Subject Matter Experts who successfully develop its courses.

Application Process

Qualified contractor(s) are invited to submit:

• a current curriculum vitae;
• a brief statement identifying their areas of subject-matter expertise;
• a description of their post-secondary course or curriculum-development experience;
• an indication of their availability over the coming months; and
• the technical areas or types of courses they would be most interested in developing.

Successful contractor(s) whose experience aligns with current course needs will be invited to meet with the Program Chair to discuss suitable course assignments, contract scope, timelines, and fit.

UFred is committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive contractor selection process. Independent contractor engagements will be offered to individuals whose qualifications, expertise, and experience best align with the academic and development requirements of the applicable courses.

About the University of Fredericton

Since its establishment in 2005, the University of Fredericton has provided innovative and adaptable online education to learners across Canada and beyond. UFred is committed to accessible, flexible, and academically rigorous education that prepares students for success in changing professional and technological environments.

UFred's educational philosophy emphasizes accessibility, integrity, relevance, and lifelong learning. Its programs are designed to provide meaningful academic challenge while supporting the needs of learners balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Since its establishment in 2005, the University of Fredericton (UFred) has aimed to provide innovative and adaptable online education. From its inception, UFred has remained devoted to delivering accessible, high-quality education to professionals across Canada and beyond. Nearly two decades later, the University is recognized for its distinctive approach to online learning, particularly in the fields of business administration and occupational health and safety.

As UFred prepares for its next phase of development, the University has made strides toward global growth. In May 2023, UFred was acquired by IU Group (IUG), a prominent educational institution based in Germany. Both establishments share a commitment to making education broadly accessible, emphasizing flexibility, innovation, and quality within their programs. This shared vision facilitated the acquisition and positioning of UFred for further expansion. With IUG's support, UFred aims to utilize additional resources and expertise to enhance its offerings and reach a wider audience of learners both within Canada and internationally.

UFred's educational philosophy is anchored in a dedication to accessibility, flexibility, and personalization. As an online educational institution, UFred is committed to providing learners with a rigorous academic experience that equips them for success in a changing global environment. The University values diversity, integrity, and lifelong learning, incorporating these principles into all aspects of its operations. Program curricula are carefully designed to be challenging, pertinent, and aligned with the needs of both learners and the industry. UFred employs a diverse faculty of experienced professionals who bring a blend of practical knowledge and academic proficiency to the virtual classroom.