CSC 280: Computer Models and Limitations CRN 28079 Prerequisites: *Either* CSC 172 or MTH 172 (CSC 173 is no longer required--please spread the word!) CSB 601, MW 3:25-4:40 Instructor: Joel Seiferas, joel@cs.rochester.edu, CSB 622 (high-probability office times: M10 (whole staff in 601), T10, W11) Grad TA: Curtis Menton, menton@cs.rochester.edu, CSB 617 (provisional office hours: M11-1, W4:40-6; others by appointment) Peer TAs (no grading role): Darcey Riley, dystopiananomaly@gmail.com Frank Ferraro, francis.ferraro@rochester.edu Easy-to-remember instructor site: http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/www/courses/280/spring2011 Departmental course site: http://www.cs.rochester.edu/courses/Spring/2011/280 (prerequisites wrong there!) Blackboard: http://my.rochester.edu (secure: https://bb.urmc.rochester.edu/webapps/login/?action=relogin) (Find course-repository location, id, and password there.) If your preferred e-address is not the one provided by the Registrar (or you aren't sure), please let me know. ==================================== Text: Sipser, but probably downplayed. (Watch web for corrections.) Other good references will be on reserve in Carlson, and we welcome feedback on their relative value. Can find all via Blackboard. Tests: Tentatively, 2 midterms and 1 final exam Tentative test dates: Wednesdays, March 2 and April 13 No required class April 18, 20, 25 Last regular class Wednesday, April 27 Final exam: Monday, May 2, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Quizzes: Random and short, for incentive, feedback, and inspiration Peer-led, highly recommended recitations led by peer TAs. Weekly, with two options, both in CSB 632 Tuesdays 4:50-6:05 and Thursdays 6:15-7:30 p.m. Recommended, but optional after first 2 weeks. (Can jump between the two, but always hope for 50-50 split.) Recitation agenda: Work on concepts, exercises, and problems suggested by class proceedings. Help and be helped. Test contents: Lecture- and HW-related material Grade weights: Each midterm 1/6, final exam 1/3, HW and participation 1/3. HW submission by midnight on due date (roughly weekly). If the deadline arrives before you have completed something, do submit a report on where you stand! As specifically as you can, say what seems to be the obstacle, or what lemma you seem to need but can't prove, or perhaps why what you're trying to prove actually seems false, etc. The very act of summarizing can sometimes give you the insight you were previously missing. If a problem stumps everybody, I would still like these reports. After some discussion or hints, I might again assign the same problem; but let's avoid ``extensions.'' Academic honesty: http://www.rochester.edu/College/honesty/ http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/AdviserHandbook/AcadHonesty.html HW collaboration: No nonvolatile writing (except in class or recitation) General rule: When in doubt, cite! Academic honesty (repeated for emphasis): http://www.rochester.edu/College/honesty/ http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/AdviserHandbook/AcadHonesty.html