Fall 2009

CSC 190C - Explorations in Robotics (CRN# 99940)

Syllabus

Handout:  2009-09-02
Revised:  2009-12-11
 
(Revisions are marked with a light green background.)
Links course schedule  |  assignments  |  resources
Description

CSC 190C is an introduction to computing using robots. Robots are fun, and increasingly useful, too, as the science and their abilities improve. In learning what robots are capable of, and how to specify their behaviors, you will learn much about the science of computing. You will learn to program in an important, modern language called Python, which you will use to teach your very own, personal robot to sing, dance, follow you around, and find its way through a maze, among many other challenges.

Prerequisites None.
Instructor Dr. Johannes A. Koomen
Computer Studies Building, Rm. 720
275-1351 during office hours, 275-4505 all other times
koomen at cs dot rochester dot edu
http://www.cs.rochester.edu/~koomen/courses/robotics/
Office hours: Mon & Wed, 18:15 - 19:00, or later by appointment
Teaching Assistant Kate Lang
Computer Studies Building, Rm. 617
245-1192
lang at cs dot rochester dot edu
http://www.cs.rochester.edu/~lang/
Office hours: Tue & Thu, 14:00 - 15:00, or by appointment
Lectures MW 16:50-18:05     CSB 601
Labs There is no formal Lab component to this course, but we will use occasional lecture time for lab exercises.
A lab space is available in Hylan 301 with some robotics supplies. Be sure to contact the undergraduate secretary, Marty Guenther, to obain access.
Exam I Wednesday, October 21, 16:50-18:05, CSB 601
Exam II Wednesday, December 9, 16:50-18:05, CSB 601
The official final exam time (Thu, Dec 17, 08:30 - 11:30) will be used for project demos.
(See also the Registrar's exam schedule.)
Textbook Learning Computing With Robots, edited by Deepak Kumar (Fall 2008, revised June 2009).
Available as a PDF both on line and locally, and in print from FedEx Office DocStore (was Kinko's).
Note also that the book's Editor maintains an errata: a list of known errors in the current edition. If anything looks odd or wrong to you, do check this page for updates and corrections.
Course Outline Learning from reading is essential in any course, and this one is no exception. You will not encounter in the lectures everything you need to know to successfully complete the assignments and the exams. More over, you are expected to read ahead, may be called upon in the lectures to summarize the readings, and are fully expected to participate in class discussions. The course schedule provides a lecture-by-lecture schedule of topics and associated readings.
Hardware / Software Scribbler Robot Kit
These will be available from Marty Guenther, Computer Science Undergraduate Secretary (CSB 701, across from the elevators).

A $50 use fee and a $100 security deposit is required.
CASH ONLY.

You must return the complete robot kit to the TA, Kate Lang, before the school closes at the end of this semester. If the robot kit is complete, in the state you received it, and in working order (which the TA will determine by running this testing software on your robot), you will be refunded your security deposit.

USB/Bluetooth Adapter
The Scribbler robot will be controlled with software running on a computer (yours or the department's). The robot and the computer communicate with each other via a wireless Bluetooth connection. If your computer does not have Bluetooth built-in, or if you plan to use a department computer, you will need a USB/Bluetooth adapter. These are NOT part of the Robot Kit furnished by the department. For more details, see this discussion and list of recommended adapters.

Python Software + IDLE + Myro
This software is already installed in the Computer Science Lab in Hylan 301. It is also available for your own computer (PC, Mac or Linux) from the CD included in your robot kit.

See also the course resources page.
Course discussion list / news group The course email list is urcs-robots-0910f@googlegroups.com, which you can also access on the Web at http://groups.google.com/group/urcs-robots-0910f, provided you are a member. Please subscribe so you can stay informed.
Grading Grades will be based on approximately the following distribution:

Assignments   55%
Exam I   20%
Exam II   25%
Plagiarism and Collaboration You are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the University's Academic Honesty Policy. Note especially that I do not make distinctions between those who plagiarize and those who, inadvertently or deliberately, make their materials available for plagiarism. First time offenders will automatically receive 0 points for that lab, assignment or exam; repeat offenders will automatically fail the course and both violations will be officially reported to the Academic Honesty Board. This may result in additional penalties, even dismissal from the University.