CS 410 Top: Nonstandard Computation
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Coordinator: | N/A |
| Course Description: | This course will cover several "nonstandard" computational methods and theories, including quantum computation, DNA and molecular computation, cellular automata and cellular neural networks, and the physics of computation. After covering the basic concepts underlying each approach, we will read and discuss recent papers detailing specific theory and applications in each of these areas, and compare these results to those of classical computational methods. Students can expect to come away from this course with an understanding of the basic issues, prominent results, and open research questions in each of these areas. They will also come away with an understanding of the promise and possible future applications of technologies based on the novel ideas encountered here. |
| Prerequisites: | Undergraduate-level courses on linear algebra, probability theory, and the theory of computation (automata, formal languages, computability, and computational complexity). No prior knowledge of quantum mechanics or other areas of physics is necessary. |
| Goals: | 1.) Introduce students to several active areas of research on nonstandard approaches to computation, including quantum computation, DNA and molecular computing, cellular automata and cellular neural networks, and the physics of computation.
2.) Give students experience with reading research papers, writing review papers, peer-review, and giving class presentations. |
| Textbooks: | None |
| References: | - |
| Major Topics: | Quantum computation, DNA and molecular computing, cellular automata and cellular neural networks, and the physics of computation. |
| Laboratory Exercises: | None |
| CAC Category Credits |
Core | | Advanced |
| Data Structures |
| |
| Algorithms |
| 1.5 |
| Software Design |
| |
| Computer Architecture |
| 0.5 |
| Programming Languages |
| |
| Oral and Written Communications: | Every student is required to submit at least one written report (not including exams, tests, quizzes, or commented programs) of typically 10-20 pages and to make one oral presentation of typically thirty minutes duration. |
| Social and Ethical Issues: | None |
| Theoretical Content: | All topics will have significant theoretical content. |
| Problem Analysis: | None |
| Solution Design: | None |
|
