UMass Amherst

Department of Computer Science
 

Computer Science Course Descriptions for Fall of 2008

CMPSCI 105: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

Microcomputers are now used widely in all areas of modern life. For this reason it's important that all students understand how computers work and how computers can be used as a problem-solving tool. The focus of this course is on computer applications. The course stresses the ways in which computers can help you solve problems efficiently and effectively. The course provides a broad introduction to hardware, software, and mathematical aspects of computers. Then four application areas are discussed: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and telecommunications (access to the Internet). Weekly lab assignments are an integral part of the course. There are optional lab times set up for students who do not have the proper equipment available to them. Students who are more interested in computer programming should take CMPSCI 121 or 187. Prerequisites: reasonable high school math skills. Typing ability is also an important asset for the course. Previous computer experience is not expected. Pre-registration is not available to majors and pre-majors. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 119(191P): Introduction to Programming

Professor: Lehnert

The Internet has transformed computers from machines that calculate to machines that communicate. This introduction to computer programming with Python emphasizes multimedia (graphics and sound) applications that are relevant for Web designers, graphic artists, and anyone who just wants to have more fun with their computer. Students will explore basic concepts in computer science and computer programming by manipulating digital images and sound files. No prior programming experience is needed. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 120: Introduction to Problem Solving with the Internet (R2)

Professor: Verts

The Internet is a goldmine of information and software resources for those who know how to plug in and navigate it. Originally designed by computer scientists for computer scientists, the net is now a driving force behind life in the information age and a new global economy. This course will provide non-CMPSCI majors with timely skills needed to tap the net. We will cover Web browser features, e-mail management, Web page design, software downloads, strategies for finding information and virtual communities, and public key cryptography. In addition, we will survey key social and political topics that are relevant to the Internet, such as copyright laws, First Amendment issues, privacy in a digital world, and the culture of the Internet. Prerequisites: some hands-on experience with PCs or MACs or UNIX (programming experience is NOT required). CMPSCI majors and pre-majors may not pre-register. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 121: Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers (R2)

Professor: Moll

CMPSCI 121 provides an introduction to problem solving and computer programming using the programming language Java; it also provides an integrated introduction to some of the wonderful innovations to modern science and indeed modern life that can be attributed to computer science. The course teaches how real-world problems can be solved computationally using the object-oriented metaphor that underlies Java. Concepts and techniques covered include data types, expressions, objects, methods, top-down program design, program testing and debugging, state representation, interactive programs, data abstraction, conditionals, iteration, interfaces, inheritance, arrays, graphics, and GUIs. No previous programming experience required. A companion introduction to programming class, CMPSCI 119(191P) is also offered. If you are fairly sure you only want to do just one programming class, take that course; if you think it likely that you will do more than one programming course, take 121. Use of computer is required. Prerequisite: R1. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 123(191B): Introduction to JAVA II

Professor: Lehnert

CmpSci 191B (123) is a programming course in Java for students who have previous programming experience in Java, C or C++. Students will be introduced to a variety of advanced topics such as inheritance, polymorphism, interface design, threads, and design patterns. Object-oriented concepts will be covered in great detail, but 123 assumes general familiarity with basic programming concepts such as arithmetic operators, boolean operators, conditional control structures, iterative control structures, and arrays. Students will have an opportunity to strengthen object-oriented programming skills through a series of required programming projects. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 187: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Allan

The course introduces and develops methods for designing and implementing abstract data types using the Java programming language. The main focus is on how to build and encapsulate data objects and their associated operations. Specific topics include linked structures, recursive structures and algorithms, binary trees, balanced trees, and hash tables. There will be weekly assignments, consisting of programming and written exercises, a midterm, and a final exam. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 121H (or equivalent Java experience) and Basic Math Skills (R1). Basic Java language concepts are introduced quickly; if unsure of background, contact instructor. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 191A: Computer Science Majors RAP Seminar

Professor: Wileden

Conversations with members of the UMass CMPSCI community, to explore issues in and subareas of computer science. Open only to first-year students in the CMPSCI TAP residential program. 1 credit.

CMPSCI 191C: Our Networked World

Professor: McCallum, Jensen

A revolution in information availability, computer networking, and hardware is making our world more intertwined than ever before---socially, economically, culturally, intellectually and politically. In this course we will look at our how our world is connected by the tools of the information age, and how we can use the tools of computer science to understand these phenomena. What kind of science is appropriate for understanding Facebook? How does Google find what you're looking for, and how do they make money doing it? How do ideas, rumors, fads, and epidemics propagate? How does your behavior influence your friends' behavior in social networks? How do networks affect our judgments about quality and reputation? Readings, discussions, lectures, hands-on labs with data and analysis tools, group exercises and spirited debate. No prior computer programming experience required, although you will modify some programs. Prerequisites: basic computer usage literacy and reasonable high school math skills. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 201: Architecture and Assembly Language (E)

Professor: Ganesan

Lecture, discussion, lab. The architecture and machine-level operations of modern computers at the logic, component, and system levels. Topics include integer, scaled, and floating point binary arithmetic; Boolean algebra and logic gates; control, arithmetic-logic, and pipeline units; addressing modes; cache, primary, and virtual memory; system buses; input-output and interrupts. Simple assembly language for a modern embedded processor is used to explore how common computational tasks are accomplished by a computer. Two lectures and one discussion per week. Laboratory exercises, homework exercises, in-class quizzes, two midterm exams, and a final exam. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187 or ECE 242 or equivalent. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 220(291A): Programming Methodology

Professor: Wileden, Moss

Development of individual skills necessary for designing, implementing, testing and modifying larger programs, including: advanced uses of integrated design environments, design strategies and patterns, testing, working with large code bases and libraries, code refactoring, use of debuggers and tools for version control, and system build tools. There will be a significant programming project, done by pairs in phases, and a mid-term and final examination. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 240(291B): Reasoning About Uncertainty

Professor: Constantine

Development of mathematical reasoning skills for problems that involve uncertainty. Each concept will be illustrated by everyday, real-world examples and demonstrated through discussion and homework exercises, some of which will include programming. Graph definitions, counting, and basic probability (lottery games, poker hands). Mean, variance, normal and binomial distributions, statistical inference (analysis of baseball statistics). Brute-force exact calculation of probability, estimation of probability by Monte Carlo simulation (Texas Hold'em). Independence, conditional probability, Bayes' rule (medical and legal decision-making). Vectors and vector arithmetic, pattern classification (Spam filters). Matrices and matrix arithmetic, Path/Matrix Theorem, Markov processes, Markov decision processses (Backgammon and other games). CMPSCI 240 will become a required core course under the proposed new CMPSCI major requirements. Students following the existing requirements may use CMPSCI 240 to fill the "math elective" requirement. This may allow another math course to be used as a CMPSCI elective. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187 and MATH 132. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 250: Introduction to Computation (E)

Professor: Rissland

Lecture, discussion. Basic concepts of discrete mathematics useful to computer science: set theory, strings and formal languages, propositional and predicate calculus, relations and functions, basic number theory. Induction and recursion: interplay of inductive definition, inductive proof, and recursive algorithms. Elementary combinatorics. Finite-state machines, regular languages, nondeterministic finite automata, Kleene's Theorem. Problem sets, 2-3 midterm exams, timed final. Corequisite: MATH 132/136 or equivalent. Prerequisite: MATH 131 and (CMPSCI 187 or ECE 242). 4 credits.

CMPSCI 291E: Seminar - Electronic Identification Lab

Professor: ** Section Deleted

The Electronic Identification Lab will teach students how to build systems that use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Students must have performed well in 201 and should be familiar with basic computer architecture. The class will be very hands-on and will involve (1) building RFID readers and tags, and (2) implementing modifications to a microcontroller-based RFID tag. There may be an extra fee for students to purchase special-purpose equipment (estimated between $100-$200). 1 credit.

CMPSCI 305: Social Issues in Computing

Professor: Constantine

Designed to satisfy the Junior Year writing requirement, CMPSCI 305 introduces the student to technical writing and editing, scientific journalism and the social essay. The course combines practical, scientific writing as found in industry and business with explorative essays that focus attention upon the technological and humanistic concerns inherent in society. Ten written assignments-two longer papers, eight shorter ones and one oral presentation. Prerequisite: ENGLWP 112 or CW. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 311: Introduction to Algorithms

Professor: Immerman

This course will introduce you to algorithms in a variety of areas of interest, such as sorting, searching, string-processing, and graph algorithms. You will learn to study the performance of various algorithms within a formal, mathematical framework. You will also learn how to design very efficient algorithms for many kinds of problems. There will be a few programming assignments as well to help you relate the empirical performance of an algorithm to theoretical predictions. Mathematical experience (as provided by CMPSCI 250) is required. You should also be able to program in Java (or some other closely related language). Prerequisite: CMPSCI 250 or MATH 455. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 320: Introduction to Software Engineering

Professor: Osterweil

In this course, students learn and gain practical experience with software engineering principles and techniques. The practical experience centers on a semester-long team project in which a software development project is carried through all the stages of the software life cycle. Topics in this course include requirements analysis, specification, design, abstraction, programming style, testing, maintenance, communication, teamwork, and software project management. Particular emphasis is placed on communication and negotiation skills and on designing and developing maintainable software. Use of computer required. Several written assignments, in-class presentations, major term project. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 325(291U): Usability

Professor: Corner

In this course we examine the important problems in Usability, Human Computer Interaction, User Interfaces, and Human Centered Computing. We will examine elements of HCI history, understanding human capabilities, HCI design, several methods for prototyping user interfaces, and new applications and paradigms in human computer interaction. This is not a course in how to make dialog boxes, but rather a much more general approach to interacting with human beings and evaluating designs. Some elementary programming in Flash (or another user interface prototyping tool) may be required, but people without prior programming experience should feel right at home in this class. This is offered simultaneously at a 200-level and a 400-level. The 200-level course is available to any undergraduate student, not just computer scientists. IT-minor students are especially encouraged to participate. The 400-level version, available only to junior and senior computer science majors, will require extra work and will be graded on a separate scale. Several group projects and exams will be required. No prerequisites. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 365(491C): Digital Forensics

Professor: Levine

The goal of forensics is to gather such artifacts and refine them into evidence that supports or refutes a hypothesis about an alleged crime or policy violation. Done correctly, forensics represents the application of science to law. This course is a broad introduction to forensic investigation of digital devices. We will cover the acquisition, analysis, and courtroom presentation of information from file systems, operating systems, networks, database systems, applications, media files, and cell phones. Students do not need experience with these systems; in fact, the course is designed to be an introduction to the systems before other electives explore them in more detail. We will review the use of some professional tools that automate data harvesting, however, the primary goal of the class is to understand why and from where evidence is recoverable in these systems. And several assignments involve programming tools from scratch. For a portion of the class, we will cover some relevant issues from the law, privacy, and current events. Thus, the class serves the well-rounded student who is eager to participate in class discussion on a variety of technical and social issues. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 370(391B): Introduction to Computer Vision

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This introductory computer vision class will address fundamental questions about getting computers to "see" like humans. We investigate questions such as -What is the role of vision in intelligence? -How are images represented in a computer? -How can we write algorithms to recognize an object? -How can humans and computers "learn to see better" from experience? We will write a number of basic computer programs to do things like recognize handwritten characters, track objects in video, and understand the structure of images. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 377: Operating Systems

Professor: Shenoy

In this course we examine the important problems in operating system design and implementation. The operating system provides a well-known, convenient, and efficient interface between user programs and the bare hardware of the computer on which they run. The operating system is responsible for allowing resources (e.g., disks, networks, and processors) to be shared, providing common services needed by many different programs (e.g., file service, the ability to start or stop processes, and access to the printer), and protecting individual programs from one another. The course will start with a brief historical perspective of the evolution of operating systems over the last fifty years, and then cover the major components of most operating systems. This discussion will cover the tradeoffs that can be made between performance and functionality during the design and implementation of an operating system. Particular emphasis will be given to three major OS subsystems: process management (processes, threads, CPU scheduling, synchronization, and deadlock), memory management (segmentation, paging, swapping), file systems, and operating system support for distributed systems. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 187 and (CMPSCI 201 or ECE 232). 4 credits.

CMPSCI 383: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Jensen

This course explores key concepts of artificial intelligence, including knowledge representation, state-space search, and reasoning under uncertainty. We will examine how these concepts are applied in game playing and adaptive systems, two areas where AI concepts have proven to be extraordinarily successful. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 250, CMPSCI 287, and CMPSCI 311. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 391F: Seminar - Fundamentals of Graphic Communication

Professor: Woolf, Sindelar

This course provides an understanding of computer-based design and multimedia production. Basic concepts in the areas of graphic design, animation, video editing and object-oriented programming will be covered preparing students for more advanced studies in 2D and 3D animation and in multimedia programming. Course work consists mainly of several student projects, built incrementally as several smaller sub-projects. Each student s project will be presented via the World Wide Web and discussed in class. Students interaction is encouraged through peer reviews and in-class exercises. Topics include HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), file transfer, designing and drawing characters, image formats/image compression for the web, modeling and animation. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397B(C.E.): Special Topics - Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality 3-dimensional computer modles using graphics technology. For example, color 3-D objects are defined and manipulated, digitized images created and altered, and photo-realistic effects and animated sequences produced. Techniques are used to bend and twist shapes around objects or lines, to provide a variety of light and texture, and to trace over images including digitized pictures. We focus on development of humanoid characters. Each student will design his/her own character and lectures and homework will support students to model faces and bodies. Modeling topics include designing, joints, creating chains with constraints and producing realistic facial movement. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397B: Special Topics - Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality 3-dimensional computer modles using graphics technology. For example, color 3-D objects are defined and manipulated, digitized images created and altered, and photo-realistic effects and animated sequences produced. Techniques are used to bend and twist shapes around objects or lines, to provide a variety of light and texture, and to trace over images including digitized pictures. We focus on development of humanoid characters. Each student will design his/her own character and lectures and homework will support students to model faces and bodies. Modeling topics include designing, joints, creating chains with constraints and producing realistic facial movement. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397D(C.E.): Special Topics - Interactive Web Animation

Professor: Woolf

This course teaches basic animation for the Web, interactivity, color theory, design, action scripting, and transitions. Students maintain their own web sites and submit projects every 2 weeks in Flash. Individual as well as, a final project are required. Knowledge of basic Web development, e.g., HTML, Java Script. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 391F or 391S; CMPSCI 551 and CMPSCI 552 preferred. Permission of instructor is required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397D: Special Topics - Interactive Web Animation

Professor: Woolf

This course teaches basic animation for the Web, interactivity, color theory, design, action scripting, and transitions. Students maintain their own web sites and submit projects every 2 weeks in Flash. Individual as well as, a final project are required. Knowledge of basic Web development, e.g., HTML, Java Script. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 391F or 391S; CMPSCI 551 and CMPSCI 552 preferred. Permission of instructor is required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397E(C.E.): Special Topics - Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

This class focuses exclusively on character animation techniques. Animation topics include action andpose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Constraints will be used to create animation and lipsync. Voice tracks will be used to simulate speech. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397E: Special Topics - Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

This class focuses exclusively on character animation techniques. Animation topics include action andpose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Constraints will be used to create animation and lipsync. Voice tracks will be used to simulate speech. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 410: Compiler Techniques

Professor: Moss

This course explores the basic problems in the translation of programming languages focusing on theory and common implementation techniques for compiling traditional block structured programming languages to produce assembly or object code for typical machines. The course involves a substantial laboratory project in which the student constructs a working compiler for a considerable subset of a realistic programming language. The lectures are augmented by an optional discussion section that covers details of the programming language used to build the compiler, the operating system, the source language, and various tools. Use of computer required. Text: Engineering a Compiler, Cooper and Torczon. Prerequisites: (CMPSCI 250 or MATH 455) and CMPSCI 377. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 445: Information Systems

Professor: Miklau

Introduction to database management. Relational database topics include data modeling, query languages, database design, and query optimization. Alternative data management approaches will be covered, including semi-structured data, XML, and text retrieval. Application topics will include web data management, integration of data sources, security and privacy. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 453: Computer Networks

Professor: Ridgway, Manfredi

This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks, their protocols, and applications. Topics to be covered include: layered network architectures, applications, network programming interfaces (e.g., sockets), transport, congestion, routing, and data link protocols, local area networks, emerging high-speed networks, network management, and network security. Examples will be drawn primarily from the Internet (e.g., TCP, UDP, and IP) protocol suite. There will be written assignments, programming assignments (in C), one midterm, and a final exam. Prerequisites: A rudimentary understanding of computer architecture and operating systems, while not required, would be helpful. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 454(591G): Computer Networking Lab

Professor: ** Section Deleted

In this course, students will learn how to put "principles into practice," in a hands-on-networking lab course. The course will cover router and end-system labs in the areas of Single Segment IP Networks, Multiple Segment IP Networks and Static Routing, Dynamic Routing Protocols (RIP, OSPF and BGP), LAN switching, Transport Layer Protocols: UDP and TCP, NAT, DHCP, DNS, and SNMP. The labs are due at a rate of roughly one lab per week. A short pre-lab Q&A, as well as lab writeups, are required for each lab. These labs will be done in a networked lab setting consisting of 4 Cisco2600-family routers, 4 hubs, and 4 Linux hosts. The textbook is Mastering Networks: An Internet Lab Manual by Jorg Lieberherr, University of Virginia; Magda El Zarki, University of California, Irvine. ISBN: 0-201-78134-4. Publisher: Addison-Wesley. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 460(491S): Introduction to Computer and Network Security

Professor: Levine, Misra

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practice of system and network security. A focus on both fundamentals and practical information will be stressed. The three key topics of this course are cryptography, system security, and network security. Subtopics include ciphers, hashes, key exchange, security services (integrity, availability, confidentiality, etc.), security attacks, vulnerabilities, exploits, countermeasures. Students will make extensive use of a lab for experimenting with security countermeasures. Grades will be determined by class participation, lab work, homework, and exams. Prerequisites include 377 and a familiarity with Unix. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 473(591B): Introduction to Computer Graphics

Professor: Wang

This course teaches the fundamentals of three-dimensional computer graphics, including modeling, rendering, illumination, and animation. Students will learn and implement the standard rendering pipeline, defined as the stages of turning a three-dimensional model into a shaded, lit, texture-mapped two-dimensional image. The completion of this course will prepare the students ready for any of the advanced computer graphics courses. Students are expected to be familiar with basic linear algebra (vector and matrix arithmetic), calculus, and Java programming. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 491I: Seminar - Usability

Professor: Corner

In this course we examine the important problems in Usability, Human Computer Interaction, User Interfaces, and Human Centered Computing. We will examine elements of HCI history, understanding human capabilities, HCI design, several methods for prototyping user interfaces, and new applications and paradigms in human computer interaction. This is not a course in how to make dialog boxes, but rather a much more general approach to interacting with human beings and evaluating designs. Some elementary programming in Flash (or another user interface prototyping tool) may be required, but people without prior programming experience should feel right at home in this class. This is offered simultaneously at a 200-level and a 400-level. The 200-level course is available to any undergraduate student, not just computer scientists. IT-minor students are especially encouraged to participate. The 400-level version, available only to junior and senior computer science majors, will require extra work and will be graded on a separate scale. Several group projects and exams will be required. No prerequisites. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 491L: Seminar - Participatory Sensing Using Mobile Phones

Professor: Corner, Ganesan

This course provides a venue for exploration into the growing world of participatory sensing and peer-production. While still cameras, video, accelerometers, and GPS all allow users to gather unprecedented amounts of data, indexing, searching and vetting data all remain as problems. Using mobile phones, students will develop innovative and independent research projects that gather information about the world. Students will be provided with cutting-edge phones to develop projects of their own design. This is a non-traditional course, without lectures or homework, just one big project. Students must be self-motivated to come up with innovative ideas, implement them, and try them out. This course will be conducted using equipment and software from Nokia Research. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 503(591C): Embedded Computing Systems

Professor: Grupen

Embedded computing applications do not require the same specifications as general purpose computational platforms, but are instead intimately related to a particular physical process. This course introduces tools necessary to design embedded computational applications. We will explore these applications by building autonomous mobile robots from scratch to accomplish a task that the class will design. Each student will design and build a project as part of a team that will be demonstrated at the end of the semester. The couse is heavily project-oriented (with a required lab) and discussions will include topics such as; (1) mechanisms, sensors, actuators and feedback systems, (2) analog and digital circuits, power amplifiers, signal processing, operational amplifiers, multiplexing, (3) I/O - A/D, D/A, and latching, serial and parallel interfaces, (4) signal processing/conditioning and (5) an introduction to real-time programming. There will be a 3 credit lecture and a 1 credit lab (required).

CMPSCI 520: Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor: Adrion

Introduces students to the principal activities involved in developing high-quality software systems in a variety of application domains. Topics include: requirements analysis, formal and informal specification methods, process definition, software design, testing, and risk management. The course will pay particular attention to development of web services and service-oriented applications through lectures and projects. Class assignments will be supplemented by 2-3 individual and/or team projects. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320 with a grade of 'C' or better, or E&C-ENG 373 with a grade of 'C' or better. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 521: Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

Professor: Clarke

Software systems have become an integral part of our societal infrastructure. Software controls life-critical applications, such as air traffic control and medical devices, and is of central importance in telecommunication and electronic commerce. In this course, we will examine state of the art practices for testing and analyzing software systems that require high assurance. We will initially look at techniques developed for sequential systems but then examine the complexity that arises from distributed systems. In addition to homework assignments, students will be required to carry out an individual or group project that applies or extends some of the techniques described in class. Text: Software Testing and Analysis: Process, Principles, and Techniques, by Mauro PezzŠ and Michal Young, John Wiley and Sons, as well as papers in the open literature. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320, Introduction to Software Engineering (or equivalent course). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 529(591F): Software Engineering Management Practicum

Professor: Osterweil

The purpose of this course is to provide students with practical experience in the management of software development projects. Students in this course will gain this experience by serving as software development team technical managers for teams of software engineering students in CMPSCI 320. As project managers, the students in CMPSCI 591F will be responsible for: supervising and managing the work of teams of CMPSCI 320 students; interfacing with the other CMPSCI 591F students managing other teams in the course; interfacing with the course instructor, course TA, and course customer. CMPSCI 591F students will be assigned readings in software engineering project management to provide a theoretical basis for their work in this course. But the majority of work in the course will be related to the actual management of assigned development teams. As team managers, CMPSCI 591F students will set goals and schedules for their teams, track and report team progress, negotiate with leaders of other teams and the course customer, and evaluate the work of members of their teams. CMPSCI 591F course assignments may include: written team goals, plans and schedules; periodic reports on team progress; documentation of agreements reached with other team leaders and customers; evaluations of the applicability of theoretical papers to the work of this course. This course will meet at the same times and places as CMPSCI 320. Additional meetings with team members and other students in CMPSCI 591F are also expected to be arranged by mutual agreement. Enrollment in this course is only by permission of the instructor, and is restricted to students who have previously taken CMPSCI 320, and received a grade of A or A-. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 551: Three-Dimensional Modeling and Digital Editing

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality 3-dimensional computer modles using graphics technology. For example, color 3-D objects are defined and manipulated, digitized images created and altered, and photo-realistic effects and animated sequences produced. Techniques are used to bend and twist shapes around objects or lines, to provide a variety of light and texture, and to trace over images including digitized pictures. We focus on development of humanoid characters. Each student will design his/her own character and lectures and homework will support students to model faces and bodies. Modeling topics include designing, joints, creating chains with constraints and producing realistic facial movement. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 553(591U): Interactive Web Animation

Professor: Woolf

This course teaches basic animation for the Web, interactivity, color theory, design, action scripting, and transitions. Students maintain their own web sites and submit projects every 2 weeks in Flash. Individual as well as, a final project are required. Knowledge of basic Web development, e.g., HTML, Java Script. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 391F or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591O: Seminar - Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

This class focuses exclusively on character animation techniques. Animation topics include action andpose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Constraints will be used to create animation and lipsync. Voice tracks will be used to simulate speech. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 596A: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 551 3D Animation

Professor: ** Section Deleted

TAs are responsible for developing student assignments weekly and for group grading assignments every two weeks. They typically give one lecture per semester and also spend 6 hours/week in the Animation Lab assisting students. TAs setup and maintain hardware and software needed for lectures - 3 or 4 commercial graphics packages. TAs take a lead role in the final course production, a group effort of 6-8 weeks work. Each TA manages 4-5 students organized in groups for 1) character animation, 2) lighting, 3) special effects, 4) surfaces, and 5) editing. The TA creates weekly tasks for each student in his/her group and makes sure that the work is complete and passed along to the next group on time. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 551 with grade of B or better. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 596C: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 591O Seminar-Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

TAs are responsible for providing assistance to the instructor and students of CMPSCI 591O Seminar-Character Animation. Activities will include critiquing students work and providing useful feedback. Grading the class projects and homework assignments, and spending at least 6 hours each week in the laboratory to help the students with their daily work for the class. Evaluation will be done by the instructor based upon the quality of assistance to the students, attendance at the lectures and hours spent in the animation laboratory. Grading will also be based on advanced projects by the student and presented at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 591O with grade of B or better. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 596D: Independent Study - Advanced Computer Modeling

Professor: Woolf

This course focuses on production of high quality models, beginning with simple vases, desks, lamps and moving to character and humanoids. Students will model organic shapes, such as fruit, using splines, lathes, and extrudes. Surfacing topics such as specularity, reflection, transparency, glow, decals and image maps will be discussed and modeled. Texture and advanced lighting techniques will be developed. Students will develop humanoid characters, modeling torso, shoulders, pelvis, arms, legs and hands feet and eyeballs. Geometry bones will be added to the final characters along with kinematic constraints and Euler Limits. The character's face will "lip sync" to speak or sing. Students will also create low patch proxy models of their characters to be used for blocking and simple motion within a final animation. These characters will be rigged for animation and the models given to students in the Animation Class for creation of the final project. Students will complete five independent modeling assignments and a final project in which their characters are animated by the Animation Class. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 610: Compiler Techniques

Professor: Moss

This course explores the basic problems in the translation of programming languages focusing on theory and common implementation techniques for compiling traditional block structured programming languages to produce assembly or object code for typical machines. The course involves a substantial laboratory project in which the student constructs a working compiler for a considerable subset of a realistic programming language. The lectures are augmented by an optional discussion section that covers details of the programming language used to build the compiler, the operating system, the source language, and various tools. Use of computer required. Text: Engineering a Compiler, Cooper and Torczon. Prerequisite: (CMPSCI 250 or MATH 455) and CMPSCI 377. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 611: Advanced Algorithms

Professor: Sitaraman

Principles underlying the design and analysis of efficient algorithms. Topics to be covered include: divide-and-conquer algorithms, graph algorithms, matroids and greedy algorithms, randomized algorithms, NP-completeness, approximation algorithms, linear programming. Prerequisites: The mathematical maturity expected of incoming Computer Science graduate students, knowledge of algorithms at the level of CMPSCI 311. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 617(691G): Computational Geometry and Applications

Professor: Streinu

Geometric algorithms lie at the heart of many applications, ranging from computer graphics in games and virtual reality engines to motion planning in robotics or even protein modeling in biology. This graduate course is an introduction to the main techniques from Computational Geometry, such as convex hulls, triangulations, Voronoi diagrams, visibility, art gallery problems, and motion planning. The class will cover theoretical as well as practical aspects of the field. In programming exercises students will be exposed to software packages for geometric computing (such as the LEDA and CGAL libraries, or the application Cinderella). The goal of the class it to enable students to exploit a broad range of algorithmic tools from computational geometry to solve problems in a variety of application areas. Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity. Eligibility: Graduate students only. Others with permission of instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 621: Advanced Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

Professor: Clarke

Software systems have become an integral part of our societal infrastructure. Software controls life-critical applications, such as air traffic control and medical devices, and is of central importance in telecommunication and electronic commerce. In this course, we will examine state of the art practices for testing and analyzing software systems that require high assurance. We will initially look at techniques developed for sequential systems but then examine the complexity that arises from distributed systems. In addition to homework assignments, students will be required to carry out an individual or group project that applies or extends some of the techniques described in class. Text: Software Testing and Analysis: Process, Principles, and Techniques, by Mauro PezzŠ and Michal Young, John Wiley and Sons, as well as papers in the open literature. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320, Introduction to Software Engineering (or equivalent course). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 648(691K): Seminar - Bioinformatics

Professor: Conlon, Blanchard

Students may obtain credit for this course in the subjects of either Computer Science, Statistics or Microbiology (please see individual departments). Undergraduate students are welcome with permission of the instructor. Bioinformatics includes the use of computational and mathematical techniques (e.g., algorithms, statistics, machine learning, AI, complexity theory, dynamical systems) to decipher complicated information in biological structures, gene sequences, and cellular networks. This interdisciplinary field is of critical importance for understanding information from large biological databases, as well as for the design and construction of new computational methods. This course will serve as an introductory course in bioinformatics with main topics being DNA and protein sequence analysis, genetic mapping, pathway inference, and gene expression using microarrays. A programming project may be required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 653: Advanced Computer Networking

Professor: Venkataramani

This course covers advanced fundamental principles of computer networks, studying foundational material in the field. Topics include protocol mechanisms and implementation principles, protocol specification/verification techniques, network algorithmics, advanced network architecture, network simulation, performance analysis, and measurement. Prerequisites: introductory (undergraduate level) courses in computer networks (e.g., CMPSCI 453/591,), operating systems (e.g., CMPSCI 377), and algorithms (e.g., CMPSCI 311). Some familiarity with probability will also be needed. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 658(691AA): Seminar - Wireless Sensor Networks

Professor: ** Section Deleted

An important class of distributed networks are those that support monitoring and manipulation of physical spaces through low-power wireless sensor networks. Because of their capability for pervasive, low-cost, large-scale sensing and actuation, sensor networks have the potential to transform a wide range of application domains including natural science, engineering, and social sciences. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth understanding of systems and algorithmic issues in wireless sensor networks and networked embedded systems. Topics that this course will cover include: a) design implications of energy (hardware and software), and otherwise resource-constrained nodes; b) network self-configuration; c) services such as routing under network dynamics, localization, time-synchronization and calibration; d) distributed data management, in-network aggregation and collaborative signal processing, e) programming tools and language support. The course will involve programming assignments in sensor network programming environments (TinyOS/Emstar), reading a large number of research papers, writing critiques, presentations, and a significant group research project. Pre-requisites: proficiency in C, familiarity with networking and operating system concepts undergraduate networking and OS courses). 1 - 3 credits.

CMPSCI 673(591B): Introduction to Computer Graphics

Professor: Wang

This course teaches the fundamentals of three-dimensional computer graphics, including modeling, rendering, illumination, and animation. Students will learn and implement the standard rendering pipeline, defined as the stages of turning a three-dimensional model into a shaded, lit, texture-mapped two-dimensional image. The completion of this course will prepare the students ready for any of the advanced computer graphics courses. Students are expected to be familiar with basic linear algebra (vector and matrix arithmetic), calculus, and Java programming. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 683: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Lesser

In-depth introduction to Artificial Intelligence focusing on techniques that allow intelligent systems to operate in real-time and cope with missing information, uncertainty, and limited computational resources. Topics include: advanced search and problem-solving techniques, resource-bounded search, principles of knowledge representation and reasoning, meta-reasoning, reasoning under uncertainty, Bayesian networks and influence diagrams, decision theory and the value of information, planning and scheduling, intelligent agents architectures, and learning. Prerequisites: Undergraduate background in Computer Science, and an undergraduate Artificial Intelligence course (CMPSCI 383 or equivalent). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 686: Reasoning and Acting Under Uncertainty

Professor: ** Section Deleted

Complex computer systems are frequently required to make decisions based on uncertain and incomplete information. This problem arises in automated diagnosis and repair systems, autonomous planning and control, forecasting, and image processing. This course covers recently developed methods that allow intelligent systems to reason and act under uncertainty. It blends theoretical background with efficient reasoning techniques and applications. Topics include the sources of uncertainty in intelligent systems, numeric and symbolic representations of uncertainty, building probabilistic models, dependency models and maps, belief networks, exact and approximate inference algorithms, learning probabilistic models from data, probabilistic reasoning over time, decision theory and the value of information, influence diagrams, sequential decision making and partial observability (MDPs and POMDPs), structured representation of states and value functions, reasoning under uncertainty in multi-agent systems, and models of bounded rationality. Prerequisites: An undergraduate AI course or permission of instructor. Credit: 3 units.

CMPSCI 689: Machine Learning

Professor: Mahadevan

Machine learning is the computational study of methods for making statistically reliable inferences combining observed data and prior knowledge (models). This is a mathematically rigorous introduction to two major strands of research in machine learning: parametric approaches based on probabilistic graphical models, and nonparametric approaches based on kernel methods. Graphical models are a compact way of representing probability distributions over a large set of discrete and continuous variables. "Learning" in parametric models corresponds to maximum likelihood estimation, i.e. find the parameters that maximize the likelihood of the data. By contrast, "learning" in nonparametric kernel-based models corresponds to finding a weighted sum of kernel functions applied to the data. Detailed course topics: mathematical foundations, Bayesian classifiers, maximum likelihood and maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation, missing data and expectation maximization (EM), mixture models and hidden-Markov models, logistic regression and generalized linear models, maximum entropy and undirected graphical models, nonparametric models for density estimation, reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces and the Representer theorem, margin classifiers and support vector machines, dimensionality reduction methods (PCA and LDA), computational learning theory, VC-dimension theory. State-of-the-art applications including bioinformatics, information retrieval, robotics, sensor networks and vision, will be used to illustrate the theory. There will be extensive homework exercises including mini-projects, a midterm, a final exam, and a group project. Prerequisites: undergraduate level probability and statistics, linear algebra, calculus, AI; computer programming in some high level language. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691AC: Seminar - Computational Photography

Professor: Wang

Research in image and video analysis and synthesis, together with the growth in digital photography, have provided practical algorithms and rich database for creating pleasing visual effects and significantly extending the capabilities of conventional photography. This seminar course provides a broad overview of modern computational approaches to digital imaging and videos. This course is a convergence between computer graphics, computer vision, image processing, and digital photography. It will discuss three main research areas in-depth: computational illumination, computational optics, and computational image/video processing. Specific topics include basic photography techniques, image-based lighting, high dynamic range imaging, structured lighting, coded aperture imaging, light field photography, image mosiacing, matting, super-resolution, time-lapse video etc. Previous experience with computer graphics and vision preferred. This class involves reading, reviewing, and presenting research papers regularly, and a final research project is required. Students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions. 1-3 credits.

CMPSCI 691O: Seminar - Tools for Explanatory and Tutoring Systems

Professor: Woolf

This seminar examines recent work in explanatory and tutoring systems. Participants study artificial intelligence in education, a young field that explores theories about learning, and explores how to build software that delivers differential teaching as it adapt its response to student needs and domain knowledge. Such software supports people who work alone or in collaborative inquiry, students who question their own knowledge, and students who rapidly access and integrate global information. This course describes how to build these tutors and how to produce the best possible learning environment, whether for classroom instruction or lifelong learning. The objective of the course is to stimulate awareness of research issues and to promote sound analytic and design skills as they pertain to building knowledge representations and control strategies. Specific topics include collaboration, inquiry, dialogue systems, machine learning, simulators, authoring tools and user models. The course is appropriate for students from many disciplines (computer science, linguistics, education, and psychology), researchers, and practitioners from academia, industry, and government. No programming is required. Students read and critique tools, methods, and ideas, learn how artificial intelligence is applied (e.g., vision, natural language), and study the complexity of human learning through advances in cognitive science. Weekly assignments invite students to critique the literature and a final project requires a detailed specification (not a program) for a tutor about a chosen topic. Students present book chapter material weekly in parallel with readings from the research literature. Several working systems will be available for hands-on critique. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 701: Advanced Computer Science Topics

Professor: Allan

This is a 6 credit reading course corresponding to the master s project. The official instructor is the GPD although the student does the work with and is evaluated by the readers of his or her master s project.

CMPSCI 745: Topics in Database Systems

Professor: Diao

This graduate course covers advanced data and information management systems. The first part of the course addresses the design and implementation of advanced database systems including data warehouses, parallel databases, distributed databases, sequence databases, and column-based databases. The second part of the course explores advanced research topics including data streams, sensor data management, embedded DBMS, and probabilistic databases. This is a three-credit graduate database course. The prerequisite is a graduate course on the principles and implementations of traditional database systems, an equivalent of CMPSCI 645. Students with other backgrounds should contact the instructor for approval for enrollment. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 891M: Theory of Computation

Professor: Sitaraman

The theory seminar is a weekly meeting in which topics of interest in the theory of computation - broadly construed - are presented. This is sometimes new research by visitors or local people. It is sometimes work in progress, and it is sometimes recent material of others that some of us present in order to learn and share. This is a one-credit seminar which may be taken repeatedly for credit up to six times.

CMPSCI 899: PhD Dissertation

Professor: Staff

CMPSCI H08: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 383

Professor: Jensen

Honors section will involve advanced study and implementation of one of the AI techniques covered in CMPSCI 383. The particular application will be determined based on student interest. Possible projects include game playing, automated information gathering over the internet, software agents, hierarchical planning systems, satisficing reasoning techniques. Recommended for Juniors and Seniors; Majors and Non-majors. 1 credit.


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