UMass Amherst

Department of Computer Science
 

Computer Science Course Descriptions for Fall of 1999

CMPSCI 102: Computers and Society (R2)

Professor: Spinelli

There are three principal components to this course: 1) what computers are, 2) how they are used in society, and 3) how their use affects society. In the first part we explore the origin of computers and the historical, economic, and scientific forces that brought them into existence. We also study the essential hardware components that make up a computer and we learn the basic software methods of programming using the JavaScript language. In the second part, usage of computers by business in the office and in factory automation, by the professions such as medicine, and by artists and scientists is covered; special attention is given to the advent of the Information Super Highway, how to use it and how it can benefit individual users. Finally the economic and socio-political impact that computers are having on society and on the individual are discussed; these issues range from questions of privacy to the impact of robots in the factory, to the use of computers in political action. The primary aim of the course is to impart sufficient computer literacy to enable the student to 1) write simple, but non-trivial programs, 2) make use of and benefit from available computer facilities, and 3) understand why computers have become such a powerful forcein the modern society. Pre-registration not available to majors and pre-majors. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 105: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

Microcomputers are now used widely not only in academia but 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 and software aspects of microcomputers. Then four application areas are discussed: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and telecommunications (access to the Internet). The course uses the university's microcomputer labs, and weekly 90 minute lab sessions are an integral part of the course. 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 105C: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 105W: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 105X: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 105X: Computer Literacy

Professor:

CMPSCI 120: Introduction to Problem Solving with the Internet

Professor: Lehnert

The Internet is a goldmine of information and software resources for those who know how to plug into it and navigate it. Originally designed for computer scientists, the net is now open to the general public through educational computing accounts and commercial services. Unfortunately, much of the enabling technology associated with net navigation is still aimed at computer specialists. This course will provide non-CMPSCI majors with the basic skills needed to tap the net. We will cover basic UNIX commands, e-mail management, listserv software, Usenet newsgroups, ftp file transfers, telnet sessions, web browsers, basic web page design, strategies for finding things on the web, and PGP-based 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: Spinelli

An introductory course in problem solving and computer programming using the programming language Java. The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of problem solving and the techniques associated with the development of algorithms and their implementation as computer programs. This course or its equivalent is required for all additional courses in CMPSCI. Three hours of lecture/recitation per week. About 6 programming problems are assigned. In addition there are assigned homework problems, a midterm exam and a final. No computer science prerequisite, although high school algebra and basic math skills (e.g. R1) are assumed. Use of computer is required. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Lehnert

CMPSCI 187: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Piater, Wileden

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 includelinked 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 121 (or equivalent-not necessarily in Java) and Basic Math Skills (R1). Basic Java language concepts are introduced quickly. Prior experience with an object-oriented language is very helpful; if unsure of background, contact instructor. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 187D: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Wileden

CMPSCI 191H: CMPSCI TAP Seminar

Professor: Barrington

Conversations with members of the UMass CMPSCI community, to explore issues in and subareas of computer science. Oral presentations by students on topics they research. Open only to first-year students (Honors or Non-Honors) in the CMPSCI TAP residential program. Counts as an Honors course. 1 credit.

CMPSCI 196A: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 120 Problem Solving with the Internet

Professor: Lehnert

To support CMPSCI 120 students in the Edlab. Planned activities include three hours/week in person plus email and help grading student assignments. Reliability, availability, and weekly reports are the criteria for evaluation. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 201: Architecture and Assembly Language (E)

Professor: Graham

Lecture, lab. The architecture and machine-level operations of modern computers at the logic, component, and system levels: topics include binary arithmetic, logic gates, Boolean algebra, arithmetic-logic unit, control unit, system bus, memory, addressing modes, interrupts, input-output, floating point arithmetic, and virtual memory. Simple assembly language is used to explore how common computational tasks are accomplished by a computer. Three hours of lecture and one or two lab sessions per week, laboratory exercises, homework exercises, two midterm exams, and a final exam are required. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187 or equivalent. 4 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. Basic graph theory. 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: CMPSCI 187 or equivalent. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 287: Programming Language Paradigms

Professor: Popplestone

Lecture, discussion, programming projects, lab. Programming Language Paradigms provide a basic philosophy to support the construction of reliable large-scale systems. This course discusses four such paradigms. In the -functional paradigm- software is constructed in such a way as to minimize the use of side-effects, thereby simplifying the conceptual structure of programs and making them easier to analyze and understand. The -logic paradigm- supports the development of software in which the concept of -relation- (for example a relation between people) is more important than the concept of function. In the -imperative paradigm- we are concerned with principled ways in which software that is state-dependent can be constructed. Finally, in the -object-oriented- paradigm we are concerned with combining data with code to create "objects" which exhibit behavior. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187. Corequisites: CMPSCI 250 and MATH 132. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 305: Social Issues in Computing

Professor: Barrington, 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 businesswith 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. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 311: Introduction to Algorithms

Professor: Sitaraman

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. There will be a few programming assignments as well to help you relate the empirical performance of an algorthim to theoretical predictions. Mathematical experience (as provided by CMPSCI 250) is required. You should also be able to program in Pascalor C (or some other closely related language). 4 credits.

CMPSCI 320: Introduction to Software Engineering

Professor: Sliski

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 stagesof the software life cycle. Topics in this course include requirements analysis, specification, design, abstraction, programming style, testing, maintenance, and software project management. Particular emphasis is placed on designing and developing maintainable software and on the use of object-oriented techniques throughout the software lifecycle. Use of computer required. Two exams, several homeworks, major term project. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 4 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. Assignments: 3 labs in C++, 3 exams, 6 or more written homeworks. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 187, CMPSCI 201. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 377X: Operating Systems

Professor:

CMPSCI 383: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Utgoff

Introduction to techniques for building intelligent machines: problem solving, state-space representation, heuristic search techniques, game playing, knowledge representation, logical reasoning, planning, reasoning under uncertainty, learning, expert systems, natural language processing, image understanding. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 250 and CMPSCI 287. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 391F: Seminar - HTML for Poets

Professor: Spinelli

An exploration of the Hyper Text Markup Language and its philosophical implications for Society at the threshold of the year 2000. Java Script will also be discussed. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and CMPSCI 591x Seminar-HTML forPoets. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 396A: Independent Study - Debugging and Consulting

Professor: Spinelli

In this course we teach students how to consult on topics involving E-mail, e.g., Pine or Goldmail or Mail; Operating Systems such as VMS and Unix; Editors such as LSE and Pico; one computer language: BASIC; and some elementary HTML. Necessary skills on how to debug Home Pages written in HTML and simple but non trivial programs written in BASIC are also acquired. Consultants are required to attend all weekly meetings [mandatory], consult with CMPSCI 102 students to review basic concepts and help debug programs [2 hrs minimum weekly at a terminal]. Consultants are also required to grade programming assignments [6 for each student]. In general each consultant will be responsible for no less than 6 students. May not be repeated for credit more thantwice. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 396B: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 391F Seminar - HTML for Poets

Professor: Spinelli

Description not on file. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 445: Information Systems

Professor: Allan

Introduction to database systems. File organization, database system architectures, data models, database design, relational systems, query optimization, recovery and concurrency control. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 445X: Information Systems

Professor:

CMPSCI 503: Embedded Systems

Professor: Grupen, Popplestone

Most computers in use in the world are embedded in a system whose primary purpose is not to interface with a human user, but instead is to achieve some process control objective. Devices varying from the an aircraft like the Boeing 777 to VCR's and Microwave Ovens are absolutely dependent upon embedded processors for vital control functions. These 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 attempts to introduce the tools necessary to design embedded computational applications. Topics include: (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, latching, serial and parallel interfaces, DMA, and (4) signal processing/conditioning. There will be a 3 credit lecture and a 1 credit lab (required) in which a hands-on, team project for an embedded application will be constructed over the semester. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 503: Embedded Systems Lab

Professor: Grupen, Popplestone

Required Lab for CMPSCI 591C Embedded Systems. 1 credit.

CMPSCI 520X: Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor:

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 and real-time systems. Laboratory requirements: students will be required to carry out an individual or group project that applies or extends some of the techniques described in class. Text: course material will be drawn from the software engineering literature. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320, Introduction to Software Engineering (or equivalent course). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 521X: Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

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CMPSCI 530X: Programming Languages

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CMPSCI 535: Computer Architecture

Professor: Weems

The structure of digital computers is studied at several levels, from the basic logic level, to the component level, to the system level. Topics include: the design of basic components such as arithmetic units and registers from logic gates; the organization of basic subsystems such as the memory and I/O subsystems; the interplay between hardware and software in a computer system; the von Neumann architecture and its performance enhancements such as cache memory, instruction and data pipelines, coprocessors, and parallelism. Weekly assignments, semester project, 2 hours exams, final. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 250 and CMPSCI 377. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 551: Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing

Professor: Woolf

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality computer animation using microcomputer based 3-dimensional graphics technology. For example, color 3-D objects are defined and manipulated, digitized images created and altered, and animated sequences produced directly on the computer. Techniques are used to bend and twist shapes around objects or lines and to trace over images including digitized pictures. The course is directed at production of an informative and approachable video of a ten minute 3-dimensional animated piece. Using computer-generated graphical analogies as well as cartoon caricature, the video is designed to educate and entertain. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 551: Supplement to CMPSCI 591K

Professor: Woolf

Supplement to CMPSCI 591K Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing. Students will complete five independent projects and one group project, and will be evaluated based on the quality of animations and participation in the final project. 1 credit.

CMPSCI 552: Interactive Multimedia Production

Professor: Woolf

This course explores the potential of high quality interactive authoring tools to develop presentation and training systems. Programming languages within professional presentation and editing packages will be used to create systems capable of presenting graphics, animation, text, sound and music, based on the users requests. Students will learn how to define and manipulate classical techniques such as storyboarding, staging, and interactivity. The laboratory has had a large collection of computer animation, graphic, and multimedia tools, and is developing new authoring tools. During the first month and a half, the course will concentrate on state-of-the-art multimedia composition and presentation techniques and developing small individual projects. The second half of the semester will emphasize working as a group to create a single, high quality multimedia production. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 591_ Seminar - 3D Computer Animation and Digital Editing. Permission of the instructor required; contact: Beverly Woolf 545-4265. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 570: Computer Vision

Professor: Schultz

What is computer vision and why is it an important and interesting area of study. The basic building blocks and algorithms of computer vision. The processes of image formation and the relationship of images to the three-dimensional world. Enhancing images for human viewing. Extracting edges and lines from images. Morphological operations on images. Extracting regions from images. The basic principles of convolution and correlation. Measuring color, texture, shape, size, and other features of images and image components. The principles of perceptual organization and their role in computer vision. Prerequisite: linear algebra and basic computer skills. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 572: Neurobiology

Professor: Wyse

Lecture. Biology of nerve cells and cellular interactions in nervous systems. Lectures integrate structural, functional, developmental, and biochemical approaches. Topics include neuronal anatomy and physiology, membrane potentials, synapses, development of neuronal connections, visual system, control of movement, and neural plasticity. Text: Essentials of Neural Science, Kandel et al. ; reserve readings, 2 hour-exams, final, short critique paper. Prerequisite: Biology 285 or 523; or both PSYCH 330 and Intro. Biology. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591O: Seminar - Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

This class will focus exclusively on character animation techniques. The goal is to attain proficiency in modeling,texturing and animation. Modeling topics include character modeling and bones, designing joints and creating chains with constraints for easy animation, facial modelling and lip sync, designing faces with economical splinage to simplify facial animation, breaking down voice tracks into phonemes and animating facial and body language to match the track. Animation topics include action and pose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 561x--3D Animation and Digital Editing or equivalent experience and a personal computer.

CMPSCI 591Q: Seminar - Advanced Topics in Electronic Commerce

Professor: Osterweil, Ball

The purpose of this course will be to make students aware of the range of issues and opportunities surrounding the burgeoning area of electronic commerce. The emergence of electronic commerce has been quite sudden, but very profound. New uses of the internet to support a growing range of human, commercial, and governmental activities are appearing daily, and the impact of all of this is felt increasingly, and reported widely. Continued growth in this area will depend heavily upon the continued development of challenging technologies. In this course we will attempt to survey and assess the growing range of e-commerce activities, and to project where it seems to be heading in the future. In addition, we will also survey the technological basis upon which electronic commerce is resting, and to assess the challenges that must be faced in order to assure that the promise of electronic commerce is realized. In keeping with these two contrasting thrusts of the course, it is to be cross-listed as an offering both in Computer Science and in the Isenberg School of Management. It is expected that the confluence of the perspectives of these two academic units will be particularly invigorating, giving the course an unusually broad range of perspectives. It is not anticipated that there will be a textbook for this course. Instead a set of reading from the current literature will be required. Students will be expected to make presentations of these readings as the primary classroom activity of this course. Inaddition, it is expected that there will be a number of guest lectures presented by industrial practitioners, and observers, of electronic commerce. Students will be expected to write a substantial term paper on a subject related to electronic commerce, and to be active participants in the classroom discussions of readings and lectures. Course Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least three courses at the 400 level, or above, in either Computer Science or the Isenberg School of Management, or permission of the instructors. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 596A: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 591K 3D Animation

Professor: Woolf

Description not on file. 1-3 credits.

CMPSCI 596B: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 591L Interactive Multimedia Production

Professor: Woolf

Description not on file. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 603X: Robotics

Professor:

CMPSCI 611: Advanced Algorithms

Professor: Rosenberg

Principles underlying the design and analysis of efficient algorithms. Design paradigms: divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy algorithmics, the role of randomization. Analysis paradigms: worst-case, average-case, and amortized analyses. Other important themes: network flow, coping with computational intractability (NP-hardness), parallel algorithmics. Problem domains covered include sorting and searching, graph algorithms, and scheduling problems. PREREQUISITES: Mathematical sophistication expected of incoming CMPSCI graduate students, equivalent at least to an A in CMPSCI 250; knowledge of programming and data structures at the level of CMPSCI 187; knowledge of algorithms at the level of CMPSCI 311. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 611X: Advanced Algorithms

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CMPSCI 620X: Advanced Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

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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 and real-time systems. Laboratory requirements: students will be required to carry out an individual or group project that applies or extends some of the techniques described in class. Text: course material will be drawn from the software engineering literature. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320, Introduction to Software Engineering (or equivalent course). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 621X: Advanced Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

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CMPSCI 630X: Programming Languages

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CMPSCI 635X: Modern Computer Architecture

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CMPSCI 670: Computer Vision

Professor: Schultz

Description not on file. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 677X: Operating Systems

Professor:

CMPSCI 683: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Zilberstein

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, perception and interpretation problems, 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 683X: Artificial Intelligence

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CMPSCI 687: Reinforcement Learning

Professor: Barto

A comprehensive introduction to reinforcement learning, an approach to artificial intelligence emphasizing learning from interaction to achieve goals in stochastic environments. The focus is on algorithms that learn what actions to take so as to optimize long-term performance. The course covers Markov decision processes, dynamic programming, temporal-difference learning, Monte Carlo learning methods, eligibility traces, the role of neural networks, and the integration of learning and planning. Prerequisites: Basic probability theory and programming skills. A prior course in artificial intelligence is recommended. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691C: Seminar - Computational Neuroscience

Professor: Barto, Fagg

This course focuses on the use of computational methods in neuroscience. Topics covered include the development and use of computer models at the biophysical, circuit, and system levels, including models of single neurons, neural circuits, models of learning, and representation of sensory and motor information. Students will learn how to use computational tools to produce simulations. The course will be largely self-contained with respect to the computational and mathematical skills required, although some minimal experience with computing will be useful. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691D: Seminar - Adversary Search and Game Playing

Professor: Utgoff

We will read papers on the state of the art in adversary search and game playing. We will also devote much time to the class project, in which each student writes an Othello program. There will be an ongoing competition of these and other Othello programs throughout the semester. Software is available that makes it possible for anyone to invoke any player program at anytime. As a starting point, each student will be given code for a legal but otherwise random player program. It is then a matter forthe student to improve it. Class time will be spent about half in reading and discussing technical papers, and about half in discussing the project programs and how they are faring and why. We will be keenly interested in techniques for search, adaptation, and use of prior knowledge. Requirements: Class attendance, paper reading and discussion and 1-page synopsis writing, project participation and discussion and final paper.Prerequisites: CMPSCI 383 or 683. Open to undergraduates. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691M: Seminar - Group Communication and Multicasting on the Internet

Professor: Levine

Most applications on the Internet, such as web browsers or file transfers, involve sending data from one computer to just one receiver. They use point-to-point, or "unicast" services. When the same data is required by many receivers, it is better to use multicast, which offers point-to-multipoint delivery of data over the Internet. The objective of this seminar is to explore the latest research in many facets of multicasting and group communication applications. At least an undergrad course in networking is required, but not any previous knowledge of multicasting --- we will begin with an introduction of its mechanisms and history of its design. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: multicast route monitoring tool design, reliable multicast, anycasting, new architectures for multicast routing, current limitations of commercial deployment, interdomain routing protocols, interest-based applications, large-scale group-communication applications, and multicast security. Students will be graded on attendance, paper reading and discussion, and the presentation and write-up of a semester project. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Woolf

This seminar examines recent work in explanatory and tutoring systems. We will explore research issues in: Collaboratory Environments, Dialogue Systems, Authoring Tools, User Models. The objective of the course is to stimulate awareness of researchissues and to promote sound analytic and design skills as they pertain to building knowledge representations and control strategies. Relevant topics and applications will be presented through readings in the recent literature. Each student will prepare written critiques of each paper, lead several in-class discussions and prepare appropriate questions about the research. Several working systems will be available for hands-on critique. Readings for the course are contained in several bound volumes of articles and technical reports available in the main CMPSCI office. There is a charge for these volumes. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691Z: Seminar - Simulation and Evaluation of Computer Systems

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CMPSCI 710X: Advanced Compiler Techniques

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CMPSCI 791M: Seminar - Information Mining

Professor: Allan, Jensen

Students in this seminar will learn about Information Mining, an intersection of Information Retrieval, Information Extraction, and Knowledge Discovery (Data Mining). The field uses unstructured textual information in ways similar to IR, but leverages Extraction technology to identify important objects and relationships within the text. Discovery tools such as Link Analysis and visualization enable extraction of "knowledge" from the text. The seminar will require reading and presenting recent research papers in those and related fields. It will also include a semester-long programming project, in which students will build significant components of an Information Mining system. Prerequisite: Graduate Students only. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 791N: Seminar - Algorithms for Communication Networks

Professor: Adler

This seminar will explore algorithmic questions arising in the design of communication networks and protocols. Participants will learn about existing algorithmic work in this area, and also explore networking issues where algorithmic techniques may lead to interesting research problems. Students will be expected to present papers during the lectures from a list provided by the instructor. Topics to be covered include: compression and error correction, scheduling communication with deadlines, reliable message delivery, ad-hoc wireless networks, and multicasting. Prerequisites: Familiarity with the design and analysis of algorithms at an advanced undergraduate level. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 891M: Theory of Computation

Professor: Sitaraman

Lectures on various topics in the theory of computation by CMPSCI theory faculty, possible guest speakers, and seminar students. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in CMPSCI or permission of the instructor. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H01: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 201

Professor: Graham

We select one or more of the course topics and explore them in more depth than is possible in the main course. In particular, we see how the architectural concepts are applied in a real computer rather than the simple instructional computer used in class. Readings are assigned and discussed in once-a-week meetings. Students are assigned one or more projects using an Intel I86 based computer, such as the IBM PC, that require application of the concepts studied in class. Grades are based on written reports, participation in discussions, and the application of concepts in the projects. Recommended for Juniors, Seniors. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H02: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 287

Professor: Popplestone

We will examine how the programming paradigms discussed in 287 are exhibited in more modern Functional Languages (SML, Haskell), Logic Languages (Prolog), Object Oriented Languages (C++ and the objectclass extension of Pop-11). Recommended for Juniors,Seniors. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H03: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 320

Professor: Sliski

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 stagesof the software life cycle. Honors students will be expected to assume responsibility for some of the more complex aspects of the project as well as to study more advanced concepts. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H04: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 445

Professor: Allan

Practical issues of database design and implementation. Students will substantially extend a project that is part of the CMPSCI 445 class by implementing components of a database system. Where appropriate, students will browse and discuss current related research. Individual projects and group discussion is the criteria for grading/evaluation. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H05: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 535

Professor: Weems

Honors students read additional materials in the area of computer architecture and meet once each week with the instructor to report on and discuss the readings. Recommended for Juniors, Seniors; Majors. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H06: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 521

Professor: Clarke

This course explores testing and analysis techniques for software systems, particularly large, complex systems used in life-critical applications such as medical devices and air traffic control. Honors students will work with the instructor on special projects, depending on their individual interests and opportunities that arise. For example, students might help implement or enhance a specific technique, conduct an experimental study using a small number of techniques, or design a quality assurance plan for a company or project. Recommended for Juniors and Seniors; Majors. 1 credit.


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