Computer Science Course Descriptions for Spring of 2006

CMPSCI 105: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

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

CMPSCI 105C: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

SAME AS 105.

CMPSCI 105D: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

SAME AS 105.

CMPSCI 105E: Computer Literacy (R2)

Professor: Verts

SAME AS 105.

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

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: Moll

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 123: Intro to Java II

Professor: Lehnert

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

CMPSCI 145: Representing, Storing and Retrieving Information

Professor: Verts

An introductory course in the use of data in computer systems, a core course for the Information Technology certificate. Formats for representing text, numbers, sound, images, etc., as strings of bits. Equations of lines and courves, modeling of synthetic scenes (i.e., ray tracing), exploring the frequency domain and holography. Basic information theory, use and limitations of file compression and encryption. Structured databases and how to use them. Information retrieval in heterogenous environments such as the Web. XML as a language for defining new formats for representing data. Review of historical, pre-computer methods of information representation. Prerequisites: "Basic computer literacy", i.e., user-level familiarity with a modern operating system and some experience with application programs. Tier I math skills. Recommended for First Year and Sophomore Non-Majors. Prerequisite: R1. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 187: Programming with Data Structures (R2)

Professor: Moss

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 197C: ST-Programming In C++

Professor: Walters

A brief introduction to the C++ programming language for students with a good working knowledge of Java. Students are expected to have edlab accounts. Prerequisites: 121 and 187 or permission of instructor.

CMPSCI 201: Architecture and Assembly Language (E)

Professor: Woodhull

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: Barrington

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" that exhibit behavior. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 187 or ECE 242. Corequisites: CMPSCI 250 and MATH 132. 4 credits.

CMPSCI 305: Social Issues in Computing

Professor: ** Section Deleted

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: Sitaraman

This course will introduce you to algorithms in a variety of areas of interest, such as sorting, searching, string-processing, and graph algorithms. You will learn to study the performance of various algorithms within a formal, mathematical framework. There will be a few programming assignments as well to help you relate the empirical performance of an 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: Zilberstein

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, Sindelar

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

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: ** Section Deleted

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 445: Information Systems

Professor: Kulp

An introduction to database systems. The course is primarily concerned with the relational data model and its practical application in relational database systems. Topics include structured query language (SQL), entity-relationship modeling, normalization theory, physical data organization and indexing, query processing, query optimization, and transaction management. Database security is also addressed. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 287. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 453: Computer Networks

Professor: Ganesan

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 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 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, we will place special emphasis on web-programming as a source of examples and a basis for assignments and projects. Homework problems, programming exercises and projects reinforce the material covered in lectures and readings. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 287. Honors module when requested. 3 credits.

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: ** Section Deleted

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: ** Section Deleted

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: Hanson

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. Statistical methods in computer vision.The graduate version CMPSCI 670(691A) requires more work than this version of the course. Prerequisite: Linear algebra, calculus, basic knowledge of probability, and an ability to program. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 591B: Seminar - Graphics

Professor: Learned-Miller

This course will teach the fundamentals of computer graphics, starting with low level hardware issues and culminating in projects using standard high-level graphics libraries. At the hardware level, we will cover frame buffers, D/A converters, lookup tables, and various types of displays. We will then examine primitive algorithms for basic tasks such as line drawing, circle drawing, fill routines, splines, and z-buffering techniques. Differences between display lists and bitmapping techniques will be covered. The course will also discuss 3-D geometric transformations, perspective, and other geometry needed for 3-D graphics. Rendering techniques such as ray-tracing and point casting will be covered, including techniques such as radiosity and more recent work. Finally, we will learn to use standard 3-D graphics engines to complete more advanced assignments.

CMPSCI 591D: Seminar - Applied Cryptography

Professor: Fu

Applied cryptography spans many disciplines including computer systems, computation, mathematics, and law. This experimental course aims to teach students both the theoretical foundations of cryptography and the humility of building practical cryptographic systems. Topics will include computational indistinguishability, cryptographic attacks, applications of cryptography, and advanced topics in block ciphers, hash functions, and public key cryptography. Students will be evaluated based on final group projects, class participation, problem sets with hands-on labs, and quizzes. Prerequisites: CMPSCI 311 and CMPSCI 377. Prior experience with number theory is recommended. 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: Towsley

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_spring06 for specific lab content. Prerequisites: Successful completion of CMPSCI 453 and permission of instructor.

CMPSCI 591N: Seminar - Computational Linguistics

Professor: McCallum

Computational Linguistics addresses fundamental questions at the intersection of human languages and computer science. How can computers acquire, comprehend and produce English? How can computational methods give us insight into observed human language phenomena? How can you get a job at Google? In this interdisciplinary introductory course, you will learn how computers can do useful things with human languages, such as translate from French into English, summarize a magazine article into a few sentences, and find the main topics in the day's news. You will also learn about how computational methods can help linguists explain language phenomena, including automatic discovery of different word senses and phrase structure. Over the past decade, computational linguistics has been revolutionized by statistical and probabilistic methods; you will learn about robust methods of probabilistic parameter estimation and inference. Our work will include learning new methods, discussions, and hands-on laboratories. While some limited computer programming will be necessary, the course does not assume previous experience in programming. This course is aimed at CS and Linguistics undergraduates, and Linguistics graduate students. Prerequisites: Either CMPSCI 287 or LINGUIST 401.

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 591Y: Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining

Professor: ** Section Deleted

Knowledge discovery is the process of discovering useful regularities in large and complex data sets. The field encompasses techniques from artificial intelligence (representation and search), statistics (inference), and databases (data storage and access). When integrated into useful systems, these techniques can help human analysts make sense of vast stores of digital information. This course presents the fundamental principles of the field, familiarizes students with the technical details of representative algorithms, and connects these concepts to applications in industry, science, and government, including fraud detection, marketing, scientific discovery, and web mining. The course assumes that students are familiar with basic concepts and algorithms from probability and statistics.

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: ** Section Deleted

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: 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? 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 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 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 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, we will place special emphasis on web-programming as a source of examples and a basis for assignments and projects. 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 645: Database Design and Implementation

Professor: Diao, Miklau

This course covers the design and implementation of traditional relational databases and advanced data management systems. The course will treat fundamental principles of databases: the relational model, conceptual design, query languages, and selected theoretical topics. We also cover core database system implementation including storage and indexing, query processing and optimization, as well as transaction management, concurrency, and recovery. Additional topics will address the challenges of modern decentralized data management. These include distributed databases, XML data management, stream-based systems, information integration, and database security. Prerequisites: an undergraduate-level course on operating systems or databases. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 670: Computer Vision

Professor: Hanson

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. Statistical methods in computer vision. 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, basic knowledge of probability, and an ability to program. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 677: Operating Systems

Professor: Venkataramani

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 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 687: Reinforcement Learning

Professor: Barto

A comprehensive introduction to reinforcement learning, an approach to artificial intelligence emphasizing learning from interaction to achieve goals in stochastic environments. The focus is on algorithms that learn what actions to take so as to optimize long-term performance. The course covers Markov decision processes, dynamic programming, temporal-difference learning, Monte Carlo learning methods, eligibility traces, the role of neural networks, and the integration of learning and planning. Prerequisites: Basic probability theory and programming skills. A prior course in artificial intelligence is recommended. STATIS 515 and CMPSCI 287 and CMPSCI 383 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

CMPSCI 691DD: Seminar - Research Methods

Professor: Jensen

This course introduces graduate students to basic ideas about conducting a personal research program. Students will learn basic methods for activities such as reading technical papers, selecting research topics, devising research questions, planning research, analyzing experimental results, modeling and simulating computational phenomena, and synthesizing broader theories. The course will be structured around three activities: lectures on basic concepts of research strategy and techniques, discussions of technical papers, and preparation and review of written assignments. Significant reading, reviewing, and writing will be required, and students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions.

CMPSCI 691L: Seminar - Modelling the Brain: Perception and Learning

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This course will cover basic concepts of computational neuroscience and different approaches to computer modeling of brain processes. Participants will read and discuss research articles on selected topics within the areas of visual perception, learning, memory and motivation. The goal in each case will be to understand the interplay between neurobiology and computer modeling. Specifically, how knowledge about the biological bases of behavior inspires strategies in robotics and artificial intelligence, and how reproducing behavioral functions in artificial systems can lead to novel predictions about the architecture of the brain.

CMPSCI 691W: Seminar - Parallel and Concurrent Programming

Professor: Berger

For years, parallel programming advocates have been saying that someday we'd all have computers with multiple processors. That someday has finally arrived. Faced with the end of the Moore's Law ride of the last two decades, all of the major chip manufacturer have started producing CPUs with at least two cores, and some have announced plans for eight-core CPUs. Taking advantage of this processing power will be a major challenge in coming years. In this course, we will examine parallel languages and libraries that let programmers take advantage of multiple processors or computers. We will also study concurrent programming techniques especially suitable for high-performance computing. Topics to be discussed include both explicitly and implicitly parallel programming languages, threads, message-passing, events, non-blocking synchronization, and transactions. Students will gain experience programming using these systems and will also do a research-oriented project.

CMPSCI 701: Advanced Computer Science Topics

Professor: Immerman

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 711: Parallel Algorithms and Architectures

Professor: ** Section Deleted

This offering of CMPSCI 711 will focus on randomization in algorithms.Our emphasis will be on broadly applicable techniques for analyzing randomization, as well as the use of randomization in specific problem domains where it is helpful, or, in some cases, essential. Some of the topics to be covered include the following: - Tail inequalities: Chernoff, Hoeffding, Azuma, Second moment method.- The probabilistic method: basic counting arguments, Lovasz Local Lemma, derandomizations.- Universal hashing.- Markov Chains, Random walks, and Coupling Arguments.- Random graphs.- Entropy, Information, and Coding.- Randomization in approximation algorithms.Evaluation. There will be approximately four problem sets, as well as a take home final exam. In addition, each student will be responsible for taking detailed lecture notes on some topic, to be distributed to the class. Prerequisite: CMPSCI 611 or consent of the instructor. 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 791BB: Seminar - Advanced Machine Learning

Professor: Mahadevan

Geometry has always been central to machine learning. Conceptual advances in machine learning often emerge from new ways of modeling the geometric structure of hypotheses spaces. For example, kernel methods use a sparse dual representation that exploits the geometry of Hilbert spaces. New work in many areas of ML, from reinforcement learning to data mining and unsupervised learning, has begun to exploit the curved (non-Euclidean) geometry of many commonly used hypothesis spaces, with amazing speedups and performance improvement. Computational models of early development of the brain point increasingly to the role of early cortical layers as extracting the underlying geometry of the world from noisy sensors. This course will read and discuss papers from many parts of machine learning and other related areas, emphasizing the geometrical perspective. EXAMPLE TOPICS: geometrical foundations of kernel methods and graphical models, manifolds and information geometry, natural gradients, the geometric em algorithm, Fisher kernels and feature discovery using tangent spaces, optimization and duality in Banach and Hilbert spaces, non-Euclidean reinforcement learning, the geometry of relational learning, geometry and models of development of the brain, applications to bioinformatics, robotics, sensor networks, signal processing, and relational/text data mining. Students will be expected to read and present recent papers from the literature, and actively participate in class discussions. PREREQUISITE: CMPSCI 689.

CMPSCI 791J: Seminar - Game Theory: Applications to Computer Networks

Professor: Towsley

The Internet has emerged from complicated interactions among many independent and self-interested economic agents, such as service providers, network operators, users, etc. Game theory provides us with a set of effective tools to understand these interactions. In this seminar we will survey recent research at the interface between game theory and computer networks, with a focus on problems arising in the context of the Internet. Students will be introduced to key concepts from game theory and their applications in computer networks such as routing, congestion control, overlay networks, wireless and sensor networks, network formation, mechanism design, security, etc. In this seminar, we will also try to identify open research challenges and directions. This course can be taken for either 1 credit or 3 credits. Students are required to make one classroom presentation for 1 credit and, in addition complete a project for three credits.

CMPSCI 791Z: Seminar - Advanced Robotics

Professor: ** Section Deleted

CMPSCI 899: PhD Dissertation

Professor: Staff

CMPSCI H01: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 201

Professor: W.richards

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 semester projects, 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 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 H09: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 530

Professor: Wileden

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

CMPSCI H11: Honors Colloquium for CMPSCI 250

Professor: Barrington

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