Computer Science Course Descriptions for Spring of 2000

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 105V: 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: Verts

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 120H: Introduction to Problem Solving with the Internet

Professor: Verts

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. Honors students will use the tools of the Internet to perform in-depth research on several topics, some selected by the students and some jointly with the professor. Students will keep a journal of web sites visited during their research, along with notes concerning their contents and applicability to the topics being researched. Project reports will be presented in class by the students, as well as submitted to the professor (along with the research journal). Project topics relate to the Internet and computing, and include but are not limited to the interactions of the Internet with thelaw and law enforcement, the First Amendment, national and international commerce, digital libraries, political institutions, effects of the Internet on countries in various parts of the world, the notion of the "global village", etc. 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: Barrington

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 187: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Moll

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

Professor: Moll

CMPSCI 192S: Seminar - Undergraduate Colloquium

Professor: Barrington

Presentations from a variety of computer science faculty, students, and staff, targeted to first-year and second-year undergraduates but open to all. Topics may include introductions to areas of research or any other topics of general interest. Registered students must attend at least eight of the ten sessions and write 1-2 page reaction papers on three of them. 1 credit (may be repeated for credit).

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

Professor: Verts

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, a final exam, and occasional quizzes are required. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187 or equivalent. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 250: Introduction to Computation (E)

Professor: Immerman

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: Moll, 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: Voecking

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: Xiang

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

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CMPSCI 383: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Zilberstein

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 and expert systems. 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 Unix; Editors such as Pico; one computer language: JavaScript; and most of HTML. Necessary skills on how to debug Home Pages written in HTML and simple but non trivial programs written in JavaScript 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 [2hrs 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 than twice. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Spinelli

In the CMPSCI 391F seminar "HTML for Poets" we cover HTML in the first half, and Javascript during the second half. HTML, Javascript, and Java, form an extremely powerful trio of platform independent languages that allow practically anyone to propagateideas, create business and retrieve massive amounts of information from the World Wide Web through the creation of Web sites and the use of Web browsers. Throughout the seminar HTML and Javascript are taught as tools to implement elements of design to realize web sites whose content needs to be communicated in a professional and appealing way. Possible political and philosophical consequences are also discussed. Students are required to use HTML and Javascript constructs learned in the seminar to create/improve a Web page of their own. Students are also required to review a professional Web site each week and analyze its content, form, appeal and tools used in its construction. A final project is also required. A large number of working examplesare posted on the Web for student perusal. TAs for the Seminar must know and be able to explain the following material: Intro: Overview of the World Wide Web, Browsers and Servers. Basic HTML: Distributing Information with HTML, building blocks of HTML, creating an HTML document, linking HTML documents, graphics and Images. Advanced HTML: Client-side Imagemaps, Tables and Math, Frames, Embedded objects, Sound, MIDI, Animation, Forms and CGI scripts, Dynamic documents. Javascript: Javascript as an event driven, object-based, scripting language. Javascript versus Java. Events and event handlers. Programming basics: Variables, identifiers, types, scope of variables. Expressions, operators: arithmetic, string, logical, assignment, comparison. Statements: variable declaration, comments, conditional statements, loops, object manipulation, Functions. Objects: Objects, classes, inheritance. Objects built in Javascript: navigator, location, buttons, reset, select, submit, text and more. Arrays:built in Arrays, creating Arrays and filling them with data. Methods, properties and functions: math methods, string methods, date, window methods, blur, focus, select and more. Knowledge of Unix and mail filters is also required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 401: Formal Language Theory

Professor: Adler

The mathematical classification of computational problems as solvable or unsolvable, and as easy or difficult. Review of finite state machines and regular languages. Introduction to context-free languages and pushdown automata. General models of computation, provably unsolvable problems. Resource-bounded computation, the classes P and NP, further topics in complexity theory such as interactive proofs. Problem sets, midterm, final, some group activities. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 250 and 311 or permission of instructor. 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 laboratory 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: Crafting a Compiler in C, by Fischer and LeBlanc. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 250, 377. CMPSCI 491A(410) offers an honors section (CMPSCI H0x), the requirements for which are completed by fulfilling the additional assignments and lectures for CMPSCI 610 (one extra hour of discussion section per week, plus some additional homework problems and the implementation of more features in the project). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 445X: Information Systems

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CMPSCI 453: Computer Networks

Professor: Levine

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 453X: Computer Networks

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CMPSCI 503: Embedded Systems

Professor: Popplestone, Grupen

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: Popplestone, Grupen

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

CMPSCI 520: Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor: Osterweil

Software Engineering I: This course introduces students to the principal activities involved in developing high-quality software systems. The course stresses the use of defined, systematic processes in the creation of carefully defined and engineered software products. Among the topics covered are requirements analysis, software architecture, formal specification methods, process definition, software design methods, and test planning. Issues specific to the development of software by teams and groups will also be addressed. Students will be required to read selected papers from the literature and complete homework projects. This course focuses on synthesis activities and complements CMPSCI 521, which focuses on software analysis techniques. Students are encouraged to take both courses but may take either course independently. Students who sign up for 620 will be expected to do more comprehensive projects than those who sign up for 520. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 320 or consent of instructor. 3credits.

CMPSCI 520X: Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

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CMPSCI 521X: Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

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CMPSCI 530: Programming Languages

Professor: Wileden

This course uses a detailed examination of the Java programming language as a basis for studying fundamental principles underlying the design and implementation of modern programming languages. We address a wide range of programming language concepts and issues from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. Some attention is given to such traditional topics as control constructs, type systems and type checking, since these are the foundations for all subsequent developments. The bulk of the course, however, is devoted to more contemporary language features such as object orientation, modularity, polymorphism and concurrency. Our study of both traditional topics and contemporary features is driven by first exploring their realization in Java,then comparing and contrasting with the realizations found in other modern languages such as C++, Ada 95, CLOS, ML and Modula-3. In addition, we consider some emerging concepts and directions for programming languages such as orthogonal persistence, reflection, interoperability and open implementation. While the predominant paradigm for contemporary programming languages -- the imperative, object-oriented paradigm -- is our primary focus, other paradigms such as the functional and logic programming paradigms are also discussed. Homework problems, programming exercises and projects reinforce the material covered in lectures and readings. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 287, 320 and 377. Corequisite: CMPSCI 401. Honors module when requested. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 530X: Programming Languages

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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 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 587: Computing with Artificial Neural Networks

Professor: Barto

Artificial neural networks, also called connectionist systems, are networks of relatively simple processing elements that mimic some of the properties of biological neurons. By studying these abstract nervous systems, researchers hope to improve our understanding of how real nervous systems function as well as to advance the field of artificial intelligence. This course provides an in-depth treatment of the central artificial neural network methods, with an emphasis on their computational capabilities. Prerequisites: basic calculus, linear algebra, basic computer skills. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 589: Machine Learning

Professor: Utgoff

This course introduces methods that permit machines to learn. These methods make it possible to build programs that acquire the ability to perform tasks of interest. The course starts with fundamental notions of capturing and exploiting regularity. A variety of single-step prediction methods are presented, including decision tree induction, cover generation, candidate elimination, Bayesian learning, least-mean-squares fitting, instance-based learning, neural networks, and inductive logic programming.Computational learning theory and learnability are introduced. Then the course introduces multi-step methods and their application to problem solving tasks. A variety of multi-step prediction methods are presented, including reinforcement learning, apprentice learning, condition-action rule learning, macro learning, and explanation-based learning. Required work consists of readings from the text and the literature, written homeworks and programs, and a final exam. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 383. The graduate version; CMPSCI 689 has greater homework requirements. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591O: Seminar - Character Animation

Professor: Woolf

This class focuses 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 591x--3D Animation and Digital Editing or equivalent experience and a personal computer.

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

Professor: Woolf

TAs are responsible for developing student assignments weekly and for group grading of assignments every two weeks. They typically give one lecture per semester, plus spend 6 hours/week in the Animation Lab assisting students. Setup/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 done and passed along to the next group on time. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Woolf

TAs are responsible for developing student assignments weekly and for group grading of assignments every two weeks. They typically give one lecture per semester, plus spend 6 hours/week in the Animation Lab assisting students. Setup/maintain hardware and software needed for lectures - 1 or 2 commercial graphics packages in addition to the Director. Also setup and maintain an internet site into which students put their class assignments. Work with students on individual Director final projects; maintain communiction between 12-15 students, intstructors and TAs. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Woolf

The objective of this Independent Study is to provide assistance to the instructor and students of CMPSCI 591O Seminar-Character Animation, as a former student experienced in the use of the software the class utilizes as well as the techniques taught inclass. Activities throughout the semester will include regular attendance of class in order to help critique the students work and provide useful feedback. Collecting and assisting in the evaluation of 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 inthe animation laboratory. Grading will also be based on certain advanced projects that the instructor will evaluate for presentation at the end of the semester. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 601: Computation Theory

Professor: Immerman

An in-depth introduction to the main models and concepts of the mathematical theory of computation, including: Computability: What problems can be solved in principle? How might you prove that a problem can't be solved? Complexity: What problems can be solved within given resource constraints? How do constraints on different resources (e.g., time, space, or parallel time) relate? Logic: What are the best ways to formally specify a problem, and how do these specifications relate to the difficulty of the problem? Text: Papadimitriou, "Computational Complexity". Prerequisites: Undergraduate-level courses in discrete mathematics (e.g., CMPSCI 250) and analysis of algorithms (e.g., CMPSCI 311 or better yet 611), plus additional mathematical maturity (e.g., CMPSCI 611, A's in 250 or 311, or other mathematical background). Previous background in formal languages (e.g., CMPSCI 401) is quite desirable. Course requirements: eight problem sets, timed midterm and final. Also open to qualified undergraduates. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 601X: Computation Theory

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CMPSCI 603: Robotics

Professor: Grupen

In addtion to traditions rooted in mechanics and dynamics, geometrical reasoning, and artificial intelligence, the study of robot systems is growing to include many issues traditionally part of the computing sciences; distributed and adaptive control, architecture, software engineering, real-time systems, information processing and learning. In robotics, processing and its relationship to mechanical function are dependent on the target platform and the world in which it is situated. Designing an embedded computational system for sensory and motor processes requires that designers appreciate and understand all of these disciplines. This course is concerned with the design and analysis of adaptive, closed-loop physical systems. The focus will be sensory and motor systems that interpret and manipulate their environments. Toward this end, we will study mechanisms (kinematics and dynamics), actuators, sensors (with a focus on active vision), signal processing, optimal estimators, associative memory,feedback control theory, supervised and unsupervised learning, and task planning. Interesting examples of integrated sensory, motor, and computational systems can be found in nature, so occassionally we will relate the subject matter to biological systems. Students will experiment with system identification and control, image processing, path planning, and learning on simulated platforms to reinforce the material presented in class. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 603X: Robotics

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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 laboratory section that covers details of the programming language used to build the compiler, the operating system, the source language, and various tools. In addition to lectures in common with CMPSCI 410 (491A), CMPSCI 610 includes an extra weekly meeting covering the theoretical aspects in greater depth. Use of computer required. Text: Crafting a Compiler in C, by Fischer and LeBlanc. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 377 or 402. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 620: Advanced Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor: Osterweil

Software Engineering I: This course introduces students to the principal activities involved in developing high-quality software systems. The course stresses the use of defined, systematic processes in the creation of carefully defined and engineered software products. Among the topics covered are requirements analysis, software architecture, formal specification methods, process definition, software design methods, and test planning. Issues specific to the development of software by teams and groups will also be addressed. Students will be required to read selected papers from the literature and complete homework projects. This course focuses on synthesis activities and complements CMPSCI 521, which focuses on software analysis techniques. Students are encouraged to take both courses but may take either course independently. Students who sign up for 620 will be expected to do more comprehensive projects, that emphasize critical and analytic thinking, than those who sign up for 520. 3credits.

CMPSCI 620X: Advanced Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

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CMPSCI 621X: Advanced Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

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CMPSCI 630: Programming Languages

Professor: Wileden

This course uses a detailed examination of the Java programming language as a basis for studying fundamental principles underlying the design and implementation of modern programming languages. We address a wide range of programming language concepts and issues from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. Some attention is given to such traditional topics as control constructs, type systems and type checking, since these are the foundations for all subsequent developments. The bulk of the course, however, is devoted to more contemporary language features such as object orientation, modularity, polymorphism and concurrency. Our study of both traditional topics and contemporary features is driven by first exploring their realization in Java,then comparing and contrasting with the realizations found in other modern languages such as C++, Ada 95, CLOS, ML and Modula-3. In addition, we consider some emerging concepts and directions for programming languages such as orthogonal persistence, reflection, interoperability and open implementation. While the predominant paradigm for contemporary programming languages -- the imperative, object-oriented paradigm -- is our primary focus, other paradigms such as the functional and logic programming paradigms are also discussed. Homework problems, programming exercises and projects reinforce the material covered in lectures and readings. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 630X: Programming Languages

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CMPSCI 635: Modern Computer Architecture

Professor: Weems

This course will examine modern high performance computer architectures, including superscalar, superpipeline, multithreaded, vector, data parallel, control parallel, and heterogeneous systems. The performance, economic, and design considerations leading to each of the architectural approaches will be examined together with the implications for software support of the architectures (both language and OS issues). Prerequisites: CMPSCI 535 and either CMPSCI 377 or CMPSCI 410, or equivalent. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 635X: Modern Computer Architecture

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CMPSCI 646: Information Retrieval

Professor: Allan

The course will cover basic and advanced techniques for text-based information systems. Topics covered include retrieval models, indexing and text representation, browsing and query formulation, routing, distributed information retrieval, and integration with database systems. The course will include implementation of major elements of an information retrieval system. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 445 or equivalent. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 653: Computer Networking

Professor: Shenoy

Computer Networks is a graduate course that introduces fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks and their protocols. Topics include: layered network architectures, applications, transport, congestion, routing, data link protocols, local area networks, multimedia networking, network management, and network security. An emphasis will be placed on the protocols used in the Internet. Final grades will be determined by written homeworks, programming assignments and two exams. Prerequisites: A rudimentary understanding of computer architecture and operating systems, while not required, would be helpful. Text: Computer Networking, a top down approach featureing the Interne," Jim Kurose and Keith Ross. The book is available on-line at http://www-net.cs.umas.edu/kurose/Contents.htm and will be published by Addison-Wesley Longman in Spring 2000. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 653X: Computer Networking

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CMPSCI 675: Combinatorial Optimization

Professor: Moll

This course surveys some of the main themes in combinatorial optimization, with an emphasis on theoretical rigor, computational analysis, and applications in computer science. Topics covered include: linear programming; Karmarkar's algorithm; specialized applications of linear programming; flow algorithms; branch and bound techniques; integer programming; dynamic programming; graph algorithms; local search; and simulated annealing. The course should be of interest both to computer science students and to mathematically sophisticated engineering students. Prerequisites: Mathematical maturity (linear algebra essential). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 677: Operating Systems

Professor: Ramamritham

This course provides an in-depth examination of principles of distributed operating systems. Covered topics include processes and threads, concurrent programming, distributed interprocess communication, distributed process scheduling, shared virtual memory, distributed file systems. In-depth examples will be taken from current operating systems such as UNIX and MACH. Some coverage of operating system principles for multiprocessors will also be included. Prerequisites: The student should be able to easily program in a high-level language such as C, have had a course on data structures, be familiar with elements of computer architecture and have had previous exposure to the operating system concepts of processes, virtual memory, and scheduling. A previous course on uniprocessor operating systems (e.g., CMPSCI 377) will be helpful but not required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 677X: Operating Systems

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CMPSCI 681: Multi-Agent Problem Solving

Professor: Lesser

The next generation of complex computer systems will involve large collections of intelligent, heterogeneous agents (both human and machine) working cooperatively and competitively over wide-area distributed processing networks. These networks will be highly reliable in the face of incomplete and possibly inconsistent information and processor failure, will operate in a satisficing mode in which they do the best with available information, will negotiate among themselves to resolve differences, will exploit organizational structuring when there are large numbers of agents, and will reorganize themselves both over the shortterm and longterm, based on the capabilities of the evolving agent set and environment. This course will focus on the intellectual ideas and techniques, both heuristic and formal, involved in building such systems, and the agents that populate them. We will also discuss a number of specific application systems in the areas of distributed situation assessment, distributed planning and resource allocation, cooperative information gathering, concurrent design, electronic commerce, etc., that provide concrete examples. The underlying software architecture that supports the building of such systems will also be analyzed. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 683X: Artificial Intelligence

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CMPSCI 689: Machine Learning

Professor: Utgoff

This course introduces methods that permit machines to learn. These methods make it possible to build programs that acquire the ability to perform tasks of interest. The course starts with fundamental notions of capturing and exploiting regularity. A variety of single-step prediction methods are presented, including decision tree induction, cover generation, candidate elimination, Bayesian learning, least-mean-squares fitting, instance-based learning, neural networks, and inductive logic programming.Computational learning theory and learnability are introduced. Then the course introduces multi-step methods and their application to problem solving tasks. A variety of multi-step prediction methods are presented, including reinforcement learning, apprentice learning, condition-action rule learning, macro learning, and explanation-based learning. Required work consists of readings from the text and the literature, written homeworks and programs, and a final exam. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 383. The homework requirements are greater than those of CMPSCI 589. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691I: Seminar - Statistical Pattern Recognition and Applications

Professor: Manmatha

The course will consist of two parts. The first will consist of an introduction to some of the basic techniques in statistical pattern recognition. The second will involve reading some related papers in different areas including (text) information retrieval, image and video retrieval, computer vision and depending on the interests of the students may also include related papers in the area of neural networks. Who should take this course: Students interested in information retrieval (text, image and video), computer vision, neural networks and students interested in getting a brief background on statistical pattern recognition techniques. Requirements: Calculus and linear algebra or consent of Instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691R: Seminar - Network Router Architecture

Professor: Weems

This seminar will explore the hardware of network routers. We'll be looking at a wide range of routers, including those that are used in local area networks, wide area networks, cluster computing, multicomputers, and multiprocessors. Our goal is to gaina broad understanding of the basic principles of switching and signalling as they apply across the spectrum of applications, and to consider the engineering tradeoffs that are necessitated by the specifics of different kinds of data traffic. Students should have had a course in computer architecture comparable to CmpSci 635. Participants will be expected to research and give presentations of selected topics, and there will be a semester project. Open to Graduate Students and Seniors only. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691S: Seminar - Scaling, Power Laws, and Small World Phenomena in Networks

Professor: Towsley

Scaling phenomena permeate modern communication networks. For example, there is considerable data to support the hypothesis that network traffic exhibits multi scalar behavior, correlations at a large number of timescales. In fact, there is some evidence that traffic may be self-similar. This can be explained by assuming that network workloads are described by power laws. For example, there is considerable evidence that file sizes and web object sizes are described by distributions which decay according to a power law. In other words, if X is the size of the object in bytes, then P[X>x] = c x^{-a}. This may not seem unusual until one realizes that all models and simulations prior to the early 90s were based on a model where P[X>x] = c e^-{ax}. In this seminar, we will explore different manifestations of scaling phenomena and power laws. Not only will they arise in the context of network traffic characterization, but also in the description of network topologies. This will lead naturally to the "small world" phenomena that has so recently been in the press. During the second half of the seminar, we will cover a variety of readings on this topic, exploring what it is, how it is poorly explained by traditional graph models, and preliminary models explaining the phenomena. In the final weeks of the course, we will shift to an entirely diferent topic, namely how to model networks as nonlinear dynamical systems. This course can be taken for one credit or three credits. For one credit, students are expected to attend the course and present one paper. For three credits, students are expected to either turn in detailed critical summaries of all of the papers or to propose and complete a course project. 1 or 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 791S: Seminar - Sophisticated Agents in the Information Economy

Professor: Zilberstein, Lesser

The Internet is evolving into a large, free-market information economy in which autonomous agents can locate and extract useful information and use it solve problems and make decisions. This seminar will cover recent research directions aimed at building effective agent and multi-agent architectures for this complex environment and where appropriate will discuss implemented systems. Topics include: decision theory and the value of information, sharing knowledge and ontologies, information extraction and data integration, modeling information services, goal-directed and utility-directed information gathering, negotiations and auctions, directory services and matchmaking, cost models and pricing of information. Prerequisites: Some mathematical sophistication and at least one graduate level AI course (or permission of instructor). 3 credits.

CMPSCI 791T: Seminar - Software Architecture: The Promise of Plug and Play

Professor: Clarke

Increasingly, systems are being built from existing components or subsystems. This raises questions about how to compose "systems of system." How do we select an appropriate interaction model (e.g., message passing, remote procedure call)? How do we know that the overall system will behave as desired? How do we determine whether substituting one component for another will provide expected improvement? Software architecture is an emerging area that is trying to address these kinds of questions. In this seminar, we will investigate some of the architectural description languages/environments that are being proposed and explore what additional capabilities could be provided. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 791U: Seminar - Ubiquitous Caching

Professor: Ramamritham, Shenoy

Caching is a ubiquitous technique employed in different parts of today's computer systems. These include: memory hierarchies, file systems, multimedia applications, network subsystems and database systems. Typically, caching is resorted to for improving access times. What is common across the many areas where caching is done is the recognition that given cached data, it is important to ensure that the cached copies of the data are consistent with the source (and with each other), especially in the presence of concurrent updates at the source. However, work in each of these areas has approached caching in seemingly different ways. This course will examine the different ways in which caching is used in computing systems in order to understand the commonalities, in consistency requirements and consistency maintenance protocols, across the different domains where caching is used. Prerequisite: Background in OS and/or networking is essential. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 891S: Theory of Computation

Professor: Adler

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 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 H02: 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. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H03: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 311

Professor: Voecking

We study more advanced material in the theory and implementation of algorithms. Possible topics include approximate string matching, computational biology, computational geometry, cryptography, approximate solutions to combinatorial optimization problems, advanced data structures, parallel algorithms, and data compression. Typically, students research an area of mutual interest, and present it to the rest of the class. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H04: 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 H05: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 530

Professor: Wileden

The Honors section will meet with the instructor one hour per week to conduct additional readings in the area of programming languages. Programming projects are also possible if student interest allows. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H06: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 491A (410)

Professor: Moss

In addition to scheduled class hours, an additional class for advanced topics will be required. The course contains a five-part programming project and the honors students will be required to complete more advanced functionality for each of the parts.1 credit.

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