Computer Models and Limitations (CSC 280) - Summer 2021

Course Description (from CDCS)

Students will gain an understanding of fundamental computer models and their computational limitations. Topics comprise: finite-state machines, the context-free languages, pumping lemmas, Turing machines, decidable and Turing-recognizable languages, undecidability, NP-completeness. Prerequisites: CSC 173 & MATH 150

Course outcomes

Course Webpage

Instructor Information

Name: Michael C. Chavrimootoo (he/him/his)
Email: michael (dot) chavrimootoo (at) r o c h e s t e r (dot) e d u (Students can generally expect a response within 24 hours on weekdays. This does not apply to homework questions sent within 24 hours of the due date. I highly recommend you start your work early.)
Office Hours: TBD (EDT) via Zoom. Link will be on Blackboard.

TA Information

Name: Henry Welles (he/him/his)
Email: hwelles (at) u (dot) r o c h e s t e r (dot) e d u Office Hours: Thursdays 11am-12pm (EDT) via Zoom. Link will be on Blackboard.

Lectures

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 1:00PM - 3:50PM (EDT) via Zoom. See Blackboard the the Zoom link. Attendance is required (See grading).

Course Material

Schedule

There isn't a fixed schedule for the course. What students can expect is the following:

Grading

You will be graded on the following basis: The different items in each category are equally weighted. Attendance is mandatory and counts towards your final grade. The in-class exercises will be to aid students learn the material. You can think of them as equivalent to homeworks, but done in class. Additional guidelines will be provided in class. Midterm dates are already posted in the syllabus.

Grade Disputes

All grade disputes must be taken up to the instructor within three (3) days from when the grade was assigned. Do not discuss issues of grading with tutors, grades, or peers.

Rescheduling Midterms

Midterms can not be made up except for real emergencies in which case proper documentation (like a doctor's note) will be required. If at all possible, you should contact me prior to the midterm. Oversleeping, cars that don't start, etc. do not constitute a valid excuse.

Disabilities and/or Accommodations

Please reach out to the relevant office and have them inform me if you need any accommodations. I will be more than happy to grant them.

Academic Integrity

UR's academic honesty policy will be strictly enforced. You should only submit work that is completely your own. Failure to do so counts as academic dishonesty and so does being the source of such work. Submitting work that is in large part not completely your own work is a flagrant violation of basic ethical behavior and will minimally be punished with failing the course.

If you're worried about your performance in the course, reach out to the instructor before considering academic dishonesty. If you're facing a grey area and aren't sure if you might do something dishonest, reach out to the instructor.

Zoom Etiquette

Lectures will be recorded. Office hours will not be recorded. You are expected to show mature and respectful behavior both in lectures and in office hours. Do not hesitate to add your preferred name and pronouns in your Zoom name.

Disclaimer

This page is subject to change throughout the term. Important changes will be announced in class.