Computer Science Course Descriptions for Spring of 2004

CMPSCI 105D: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 105E: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 105F: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

CMPSCI 120: Introduction to Problem Solving with the Internet

Professor: Dickson

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: Lehnert

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 7 programming projects are assigned. In addition there are assigned homework problems, a midterm exam and a final. No computer science prerequisite, although basic math skills (e.g. R1) and basic computer literacy (as taught in CMPSCI 105) are assumed. Use of computer is required. Prerequisite: R1. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Lehnert

See description for CMPSCI 121. Honors students will cover some additional topics beyond the curriculum for CMPSCI 121, and will be required to complete one additional programming project. Previous experience with Java or some other programming language is strongly recommended but is not required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 187: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Lehnert

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 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. 187 Lect B, Computer Science Tap only. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 201: Architecture and Assembly Language (E)

Professor: Verts

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, one discussion, and one lab session 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 250: Introduction to Computation (E)

Professor: Ridgway

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 midterm exams, timed final. Corequisite: MATH 132/136 or equivalent. Prerequisite: MATH 131 and (CMPSCI 187 or ECE 242). CS ENG majors may take CMPSCI 250 with ECE 242. Contact your Department Advisor. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 287: Programming Language Paradigms

Professor: Utgoff

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 (e.g. 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 or ECE 242. Corequisites: CMPSCI 250 and MATH 132. 4 credits.

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: Siegelmann

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 algorithm to theoretical predictions. Mathematical experience (as provided by CMPSCI 250) is required. You should also be able to program in Pascal or C (or some other closely related language). Prerequisite: CMPSCI 250 or MATH 455. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 320: Introduction to Software Engineering

Professor: Fisher

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. Several quizzes, major term project. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 377: Operating Systems

Professor: Corner

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/C++, 3 exams, 6 or more written homeworks. Prior experience with C/C++ is helpful, but not required. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 187 and (CMPSCI 201 or ECE 232). 4 credits.

CMPSCI 383: Artificial Intelligence

Professor: Bernstein

Introduction to techniques for building intelligent systems. Problem solving, state-space representation, heuristic search techniques, game playing, knowledge representation, logical reasoning, planning, reasoning under uncertainty, and machine learning. The course can be taken as part of the core CS program, as a grounding for further study in AI, or to gain familiarity with AI methods for application in other fields. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 250 and CMPSCI 287 and CMPSCI 311. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 391S: Seminar - Fundamentals of Graphic Communication

Professor: Woolf

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.

CMPSCI 397B: Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing

Professor: Woolf

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality 3-dimensional computer animation 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. The course is directed at production of an informative and approachable ten minute 3-dimensional animated piece. Using computer-generated graphical analogies as well as cartoon caricature, the video is designed to educate and entertain. The class does not have lab facilities for all students interested in this material and thus we limit the class to students who do well on the first assignment. This assignment will be graded and returned to students before the end of the Add/Drop period. Students are cordially invited to attend the first class, the first Tuesday/Thursday of the semester. At that time we will explain the course, what is expected of students and the entry condition. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397C: 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 course will concentrate on state-of-the-art multimedia composition and presentation techniques and developing small individual projects. The class does not have lab facilities for all students interested in this material and thus we limit the class to students who do well on the first assignment. This assignment will be graded and returned to students before the end of the Add/Drop period. Students are cordially invited to attend the first class, the first Tuesday/Thursday of the semester. At that time we will explain the course, what is expected of students and the entry condition. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 551 (591x) - 3D Computer Animation and Digital Editing. Permission of the instructor required; contact: Beverly Woolf 545-4265. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397D: 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; CMPSCI 551 and CMPSCI 552 preferred. Permission of instructor is required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 397E: 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 andpose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 551 (591x)--3D Animation and Digital Editing or equivalent experience and a personal computer. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 401: Formal Language Theory

Professor: Rosenberg

The course will introduce the abstract branch of Computer Science known as Computation Theory, via "big ideas" that underlie the field. The course will focus on: [1] The Theory of Finite Automata (What are the capabilities and limitations of finite-state transition systems?); [2] Computability Theory (What are the ultimate limitations of digital computing systems?); [3] Complexity Theory (Abstractly, this is Computability Theory with "within given resource bounds" [e.g., time, memory] replacing "ultimate.") The treatment of Finite Automata will culminate in the seminal Kleene-Myhill and Myhill-Nerode characterization theorems. The treatment of Computability Theory will lead through proofs of noncomputability to the sweeping Rice-Myhill-Shapiro Theorem. The treatment of Complexity Theory will develop the theory of problem reductions, leading to the Cook-Levin Theorem and NP-Completeness. PREREQUISITE: CMPSCI 250 and 311, or their equivalents.

CMPSCI 445X: Information Systems

Professor:

PEEAS course.

CMPSCI 453: Computer Networks

Professor: Sitaraman

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 491Q: Seminar- System Building for Mobile Devices

Professor: Levine

This is the undergraduate section of 691Q, which will take place in the same classroom and use the same Sharp Zaurus computers. Course requirements are the same as 691Q, but project expectations take into account undergraduate preperation. This course will evaluate students based on the creativity of their self-designed projects, the success of their working implementations, and class and web-community participation. This course assumes students are already proficient programmers in C/C++, java, or python and familiar with linux.

CMPSCI 515: 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 453 (or 591E) and a familiarity with Unix. Co-taught with Chris Misra and Jake Cunningham of OIT. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 520X: Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor:

PEEAS course.

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. 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

Professor:

CMPSCI 530: Programming Languages

Professor: Wileden

This course undertakes a detailed examination of the 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. Special attention is given to type systems and typechecking, since these are central to all subsequent developments. We also examine other important contemporary language features such as object orientation, modularity, polymorphism and concurrency. While the predominant paradigm for contemporary programming languages -- the imperative, object-oriented paradigm -- is our primary focus, and the functional paradigm is our secondary focus, other paradigms such as the logic programming paradigm are also discussed. Homework problems, programming exercises and projects reinforce the material covered in lectures and readings. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 287, 320 and 377. Corequisite: CMPSCI401. Honors module when requested. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 530X: Programming Languages

Professor:

PEEAS course.

CMPSCI 551: Three-Dimensional Animation and Digital Editing

Professor: Woolf

This seminar is dedicated to the production of high quality 3-dimensional computer animation 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. The course is directed at production of an informative and approachable ten minute 3-dimensional animated piece. Using computer-generated graphical analogies as well as cartoon caricature, the video is designed to educate and entertain. The class does not have lab facilities for all students interested in this material and thus we limit the class to students who do well on the first assignment. This assignment will be graded and returned to students before the end of the Add/Drop period. Students are cordially invited to attend the first class, the first Tuesday/Thursday of the semester. At that time we will explain the course, what is expected of students and the entry condition. 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 course will concentrate on state-of-the-art multimedia composition and presentation techniques and developing small individual projects. The class does not have lab facilities for all students interested in this material and thus we limit the class to students who do well on the first assignment. This assignment will be graded and returned to students before the end of the Add/Drop period. Students are cordially invited to attend the first class, the first Tuesday/Thursday of the semester. At that time we will explain the course, what is expected of students and the entry condition. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 551 (591x) - 3D Computer Animation and Digital Editing. Permission of the instructor required; contact: Beverly Woolf 545-4265. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 553: 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; CMPSCI 551 and CMPSCI 552 preferred. Permission of instructor is required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 554: Multimedia Production Management

Professor: Woolf

This course involves developing a large group 3D animation, beginning with a storyboard, developing models, lighting, background, sound and music. It involves team management, group dynamics, and production techniques. The final project will be demonstrated on the last day of class, to over 100 people. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 551. Permission of instructor is required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 570: Computer Vision

Professor: ** Section Deleted

People are able to infer the characteristics of a scene or object from an image of it. In this course, we will study what is involved in building artificial systems which try to infer such characteristics from an image. Topics include: Basics of image formation - the effect of geometry, viewpoint, lighting and albedo on image formation. Basic image operations such as filtering, convolution and correlation. Frequency representations of images. The importance of scale in images. Measurements of image properties such as color, texture, appearance and shape. Inference of motion and structure from moving objects and images. Detecting and recognizing objects in images. The graduate version CMPSCI 670(691A) requires more work than this version of the course. Prerequisite: Linear algebra, calculus and an ability to program. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 575: Combinatorics and Graph Theory

Professor: Moll

This course is a basic introduction to combinatorics and graph theory for advanced undergraduates in computer science, mathematics, engineering and science. Topics covered include: elements of graph theory; Euler and Hamiltonian circuits; graph coloring; matching; basic counting methods; generating functions; recurrences; inclusion-exclusion; and Polya's theory of counting. Prerequisites: mathematical maturity; calculus; linear algebra; strong performance in some discrete mathematics class, such as CMPSCI250 or MATH 455. Modern Algebra - MATH 411 - is helpful but not required. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 585: Introduction to Natural Language Processing

Professor: McCallum

The field of natural language processing is concerned with practical and theoretical issues that arise in getting computers to perform various tasks with human languages. In this introductory course you will learn about automated techniques for parsing English sentences, tagging words according to their part-of-speech, encoding spelling rules, modeling language semantics, discovering the evolutionary tree of various Roman-alphabet languages, learning to accurately filter junk email, clustering news articles by topic, and extracting from the Web a database of business people who graduated from UMass. Our work will be a combination of learning new algorithms, discussing linguistics, and programming useful systems that operate on real data. Whether you are interested in the intersection between the humanities and computer science, or you want a job at Google, this introductory course will help you on your way. CMPSCI 383 is recommend, but not required with permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591F: Seminar - Software Engineering Management Practicum

Professor: Fisher

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 software development team 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 AB. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591G: Seminar - Computer Networking Lab

Professor: Kurose

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 and OSPF) LAN switching, Transport Layer Protocols: UDP and TCP, IP Multicast, NAT, DHCP, DNS, SNMP and Network Security. These labs will be done in a networked lab setting consisting of 4 routers, 4 hubs, and 4 end systems. See http://www-net.cs.umass.edu/cs591_fall03 for specific lab content. Prerequisites: Successful completion of CMPSCI 453 and permission of instructor.

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 andpose, timing, overlap, pacing, and simulating and exaggerating physical laws. Student will create their own final project or work in a small team. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 551 (591x)--3D Animation and Digital Editing or equivalent experience and a personal computer. 3 credits.

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

Professor: Woolf

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 596B: Independent Study - TA for CMPSCI 552 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 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. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 552 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, trasparency, 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. The class does not have lab facilities for all students interested in this material and thus we limit the class to students who do well on the first assignment. This assignment will be graded and returned to students before the end of the Add/Drop period. Students are cordially invited to attend the first class, the first Tuesday/Thursday of the semester. At that time we will explain the course, what is expected of students and the entry condition. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 601: Computation Theory

Professor: Barrington

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? 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: about eight problem sets, timed midterm and final. Also open to qualified undergraduates. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 601X: Computation Theory

Professor:

PEEAS.

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, 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 willexperiment with system identification and control, image processing, path planning, and learning on simulated platforms to reinforce the material presented in class. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 620X: Advanced Software Engineering: Synthesis and Development

Professor:

PEEAS.

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. 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). This course is taught concurrently with CMPSCI 521, but students taking CMPSCI 621 are expected to do additional and more challenging homework problems and projects. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 621X: Advanced Software Engineering: Analysis and Evaluation

Professor:

PEEAS.

CMPSCI 630: Programming Languages

Professor: Wileden

This course undertakes a detailed examination of the 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. Special attention is given to type systems and type checking, since these are central to all subsequent developments. We also examine other important contemporary language features such as object orientation, modularity, polymorphism and concurrency. While the predominant paradigm for contemporary programming languages -- the imperative, object-oriented paradigm -- is our primary focus, and the functional paradigm is our secondary focus, other paradigms such as the logic programming paradigm 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 635: Modern Computer Architecture

Professor: Weems

This course examines the structure of modern computer systems. We explore hardware and technology trends that have led to current machine organizations, then consider specific features and their impact on software and performance. These may include superscalar issue, caches, pipelines, branch prediction, and parallelism. Midterm and final exams, team project, homework, in-class exercises. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 535 or equivalent. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 635X: Modern Computer Architecture

Professor:

PEEAS.

CMPSCI 635X: Modern Computer Architecture

Professor:

PEEAS.

CMPSCI 670: Computer Vision

Professor: Manmatha

People are able to infer the characteristics of a scene or object from an image of it. In this course, we will study what is involved in building artificial systems which try to infer such characteristics from an image. Topics include: Basics of image formation - the effect of geometry, viewpoint, lighting and albedo on image formation. Basic image operations such as filtering, convolution and correlation. Frequency representations of images. The importance of scale in images. Measurements of image properties such as color, texture, appearance and shape. Inference of motion and structure from moving objects and images. Detecting and recognizing objects in images. This course is the graduate version of CMPSCI 570(591A) and it requires more work compared to the undergraduate version CMPSCI 570(591A). Prerequisite: Linear algebra, calculus and an ability to program. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 677: Operating Systems

Professor: Shenoy

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

Professor:

PEEAS.

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

Professor:

PEEAS.

CMPSCI 691Q: Seminar- System Building for Mobile Devices

Professor: Levine

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are becoming an outstanding platform for supporting mobile networking. This course presents a chance to build systems and networking software for PDAs in a collaborative learning environment. We will use the Sharp Zaurus running linux as a base for building a collection of open-source applications, services, and libraries. This course will evaluate students based on the creativity of their self-designed projects, the success of their working implementations, and class and web-community participation. This course assumes students are already proficient programmers in C/C++, java, or python and familiar with linux.

CMPSCI 701: Advanced Computer Science Topics

Professor: Staff

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 710: Advanced Compiler Techniques

Professor: Berger

Advanced compiler techniques will study the construction of optimizing compilers with a focus on uniprocessor architectures. The course will cover data-flow analysis, program optimization, and code generation across basic blocks, procedures, and complete programs. Classical topics such as interprocedural and intraprocedural analysis, intermediate representations, register allocation, and scheduling will be presented in the context of modern uniprocessors. The course will also cover dependence analysis and loop transformations: the building blocks for optimizing for memory hierarchies and parallel machines. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 741: Complexity Theory

Professor: Barrington

The study of the resources required to solve different problems in various abstract models of computation. Sequential computation: Turing machines, non-determinism, alternation, algebraic automaton theory. Parallel computation: Boolean circuits, branching programs, uniformity. Lower bounds for circuit models. Descriptive Complexity. Possible optional topics depending on student interest: Approximation of NP-complete prob- lems, interactive proofs, non-uniform finite automata, dynamic complexity. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 601 or permission of instructor. Intended for interested general graduate students as well as those concentrating in theory. Course format: Probably 2-3 problem sets, class presentation (may be survey or actual research, might lead to a synthesis paper). Textbook: Xeroxed notes and research papers. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 791L: Seminar - Sensor Networks

Professor: Kurose

Sensor networks are a sensing, computing and communication infrastructure that allows us to instrument, observe, and respond to phenomena in the natural environment, and in our physical and cyber infrastructure. The sensors themselves can range from small passive microsensors (e.g, "smart dust") to larger scale, controllable weather-sensing platforms. Their computation and communication infrastructure will be radically different from that found in today's Internet-based systems, reflecting the device- and application-driven nature of these systems. In this seminar, we will survey the current sensor nets literature, focusing on the communication and computational challenges posed by these systems. Throughout the semester, we'll look to identify open research challenges and directions. Prerequisites include previous courses in computer networks and operating systems at the undergraduate level. Approval of the instructors is required to register for this seminar. 1 credit.

CMPSCI 791Z: Seminar - Advanced Robotics

Professor: Grupen, Brock

CMPSCI 891S: 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 899: PhD Dissertation

Professor: Staff

CMPSCI H01: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 201

Professor: Verts

Several concepts are explored in more depth than is possible in the CMPSCI 201 lectures and discussions. Readings are assigned and explored in once-a-week discussion sessions. Students are assigned projects using an Intel I86 based computer, such as the IBM PC, that requires application of the material discussed in both the CMPSCI H01 weekly discussions and in CMPSCI 201. Grades are based on written reports, participation in the weekly H01 discussions, and the application of discussed concepts in the assigned projects. Registration in CMPSCI 201 is required.

CMPSCI H03: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 320

Professor: Fisher

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. 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 H06: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 521

Professor: Clarke

This course explores testing and analysis techniques for software systems, particularly large, complex systems used in safety 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.

CMPSCI H07: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 401

Professor: Rosenberg

Students will study additional topics in computability and complexity, through discussions (1 hour/week with professor), readings, and exercises. Specific topics will depend on student interest but may include algebraic automata theory, alternate models of computability, and interactive proofs. 1 credit.

CMPSCI H08: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 383

Professor: Bernstein

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.

CMPSCI H09: 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 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). Weekly lab assignments are an integral part of the course. Students in lectures 1A, 2A, D, E, F use the University's microcomputer labs, all other students are expected to use their own equipment. 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. Registration is not available to majors and pre-majors. 3 credits.

Last automatic generation: 8/4/2005 at 12:38:57 PM