CS 301 - Theory of Computation

Spring Semester, 2004-2005

Go straight to the course syllabus.

Each discipline typically has its fundamental questions. For example, some fundamental questions asked in the physical sciences include: What is the nature of matter? What is the basis of life? What is the origin of the Universe?

Computer science has its fundamental questions, too. What can and cannot be computed? How does one go about deciding what computers can and cannot do? When is an algorithm computationally feasible? For that matter, what is an algorithm? The theory of computation is the study of such basic questions and ideas.

CLASS INFORMATION:

• Meeting time: MWF 1:10-2:00
• Meeting room: Glatfelter 303

OFFICE AND OFFICE HOURS:

• Office: Glatfelter 206
• Office hours: MWF 11:00-11:50 and by appointment

TELEPHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL:

• Telephone: 337-6630
• E-mail: jfink@gettysburg.edu
• WWW page: http://cs.gettysburg.edu/~jfink/courses/cs301.html

EXAM DATES:

• Exam 1: Monday, February 14
• Exam 2: Wednesday, April 6
• Final Exam: Tuesday, May 3, 6:30-9:30 PM

PREREQUISITES:

• CS 201 - The Mathematics of Computation (C grade or better)

TEXTBOOK:

• Introduction to the Theory of Computation by Michael Sipser
  ISBN 0-534-94728-X

COURSE CONTENT:

• Topics from Chapters 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7
• Detailed syllabus

GRADING POLICY:

• Your grade will be determined by your scores on the following:
  • homework (25%);
  • programming assignments (10%);
  • two exams (15% each);
  • final exam (25%);
  • class attendance and participation (10%).
• ***There will be no make-up exams and late work will not be accepted.***

DAILY READINGS:

• Assigned readings should be done before class, and you should also attempt a problem or two from the textbook.
• Working problems is essential for an understanding of the material, and there are plenty of problems in the textbook.

HOMEWORK:

• Homework will be assigned, collected, and graded.
• Assignments may include material that will not be discussed in class. You are expected to learn this material on your own and to make use of the resources available to you to complete the assignments.
• Grading will be based on both the content and the quality of your write-up. NEATNESS COUNTS! Show all work necessary to justify your solutions. Answers alone are not sufficient.
• You may work with other students on the homework; in fact, I encourage that. However, your write-up should be your own.

ATTENDANCE:

• Prompt and regular attendance is required and roll will be taken.
• If you have 3 or fewer absences, you will receive an A for class attendance.
• Your class-attendance grade will be reduced one letter grade for each unexcused absence over 3.