Comp 375: Data Theory of Computation

Course Promises / Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will have developed the following knowledge and skills:

• understanding the various machines and mathematical techniques used to model computation
• study the strengths, weaknesses and uses of each model of computation
• become familiar with the proof techniques uses to contrast the models of computation
• learn to apply the provlem-solving techniques developed in other computer science courses to a more theoretical setting.

Student Responsibilities

We have outlined the skills and objects this course promises to provide you. For this promises to be upheld, you will need to commit towards the policies outlined below. Comp 375 is unlike any other Computer Science course, it will challenge you in somewhat different ways than other courses. To succeed you should:

• Attend class / Watch class videos in time.
  The primary introduction to course material is through class lecture. Additionally, we often do learning exercises during class, which give you immediate experience with the material we are covering. While I am more than happy to help with any material in office hours, priority will be given to students who attend and participate in lecture. Office hours are not to make up for missed lecture.
• Participate actively in learning process.
  Showing up is necessary, but not sufficient to succeed in the course. To fully develop your analytical skills, you are expected to participate in class discussion. This includes asking questions during lecture portions and engaging your peers during short class exercises. Studies show active involvement is the number one determinant of student success.
• Start the assignments early.
  I realize this one is not always easy to do, but if you can get in the habit of doing this, you will be much better off. As the assignments get more difficult, starting early will give you plenty of time to mull over the problems even when you aren't actively writing your solution.
• Practice, practice, practice.
  The only effective way to learn the material and pass the quizzes and exams is to consistently do the labs.
• Seek help early and often.
  Because course material builds on previous material, it is essential to your success in this class that you keep up with the course material.