Theory of Computation

Are there any limits to what computers can do? Does the answer to this question depend on whether you use a PC or a Mac? Is C more powerful than PASCAL? This seminar explores these questions by investigating several models of computation, illustrating the power and limitations of each of these models, and relating them to computational problems and applications. Topics include finite state automata, pushdown automata, grammars, Turing machines, the Universal Turing Machine, and computability.

Algorithms

How does Google Maps find the best route between two locations? How do computers help to decode the human genome? At the heart of these and other complex computer applications are nontrivial algorithms. While algorithms must be specialized to an application, there are some standard ways of approaching algorithmic problems that tend to be useful in many applications. Among other topics, we explore graph algorithms, greedy algorithms, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and network flow.

Developing Innovative Software

Tired of writing programs that nobody ever uses? Then, this is the course for you. Many people come up with novel ideas for software, but lack the resources or ability to develop the software. Students will apply their programming skills to develop and deliver software based on the requirements of a client. Students will learn critical communication skills required to work with a client, work in teams with classmates, and experience the software lifecycle from requirements elicitation through delivery.

Operating Systems

An introduction to the issues involved in orchestrating the use of computer resources. Topics include operating system evolution, memory management, virtual memory, resource scheduling, multiprogramming, deadlocks, concurrent processes, protection, and design principles. Course emphasis: understanding the implications of OS design on the programs you run and write (i.e., on their security, performance, etc.). This course is programming intensive.

History of Jazz

This course will follow the origins and evolution of jazz from the late nineteenth century to the present, with emphases on prominent stylistic trends and significant individuals. Along with some analysis of the musical language jazz employs, the music will be examined in its relation to the social contexts that helped produce and shape it. The ability to read music is not a requirement for this course.
Subscribe to