Fall 2011 Courses

101. Introduction to Computer Science
Daniela Oliveira M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
What is computer science, what are its applications in other disciplines, and what is its impact in society? A step-by-step introduction to the art of problem solving using the computer and the Java language. Provides a broad introduction to computer science and programming through real-life applications. Weekly labs provide experiments with the concepts presented in class. Assumes no prior knowledge of computers or programming.
210. Data Structures
Laura Toma M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
Solving complex algorithmic problems requires the use of appropriate data structures such as stacks, priority queues, search trees, dictionaries, hash tables, and graphs. It also requires the ability to measure the efficiency of operations such as sorting and searching in order to make effective choices among alternative solutions. Offers a study of data structures, their efficiency, and their use in solving computational problems. Laboratory exercises provide an opportunity to design and implement these structures. Students interested in taking Computer Science 210 are required to pass the computer science placement examination before class starts.
231. Algorithms
Laura Toma M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introductory course on the design and analysis of algorithms building on concepts from Computer Science 210. Introduces a number of basic algorithms for a variety of problems such as searching, sorting, selection, and graph problems (e.g., spanning trees and shortest paths). Discusses analysis techniques, such as recurrences and amortization, as well as algorithm design paradigms such as divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms.
240. Operating Systems
Daniela Oliveira M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
An introduction to OS concepts, design, and implementation. Operating systems (OS) are essential to any computer system and, although we have witnessed rapid changes in applications and in the use of computers, the fundamental concepts that underlie an OS remain the same. Students get hands-on experience experimenting with Linux, a real, widely used, open source OS. However, the core concepts are applicable to most operating systems: Windows, OS X, FreeBSD, Solaris. Compares differences in design choices among these other OSs. Topics include process management (scheduling, threads, interprocess synchronization, and deadlocks), main memory and virtual memory, file and I/O subsystems, and the basics of OS protection and security.
281. Mobile Computing
Eric Chown T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
As computer science enters the "post PC" era basic computing paradigms are shifting to take advantage of mobile platforms such as phones and tablets. Covers all aspects of programming for mobile devices including development environments, programming languages, the use of touch screens for input and associated sensors such as accelerometers and gps. Students will engage in a series of introductory projects before taking on a large self-designed term project designed to highlight the differences between mobile applications and more traditional applications designed for the desktop.
320. Robotics
Eric Chown T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
Robotics is a challenging discipline that encourages students to apply theoretical ideas from a number of different areas—artificial intelligence, cognitive science, operations research—in pursuit of an exciting, practical application: programming robots to do useful tasks. Two of the biggest challenges are building effective models of the world using inaccurate and limited sensors, and using such models for efficient robotic planning and control. Addresses these problems from both a theoretical perspective (computational complexity and algorithm development) and a practical perspective (systems and human/robot interaction) through multiple programming projects involving simulated and actual robots.