Additional Course Descriptions 2006-2007
CS 525S Sensor and Stream Data Management (Fall 06)
In this course we will study the emerging research area of sensor and stream data management. This area has recently been receiving a significant attention within and also beyond the database community. This novel technology in part is driven by ubiquitous computing, i.e., by computing through small devices, sensors, cell phones, PDAs, and the like that are embedded in the environment. Similarly, many applications ranging from scientific, energy, weather, environment, and health services in the future will
depend on such technologies. Performing computations on such an infrastructure cannot achieve its great promise without developing methods for guaranteeing real-time access to relevant data. This is one area where data management meets ubiquitous computing technology. Further, relevant data is typically pushed into the computing infrastructure for further processing, then termed 'data streams'. Data streams are prevalent: they are rapid and unbounded streams of data such as sensor readings, but also telephone call records, financial tickers, web usage logs, network packet traces, and so on. With streams everywhere, a new area, called Stream Data Management (SDM), has emerged aiming to produce generic software technology similar to that of Database Management Systems for streaming data. We will study this novel technology targeting to meet the need of online monitoring applications, in which continuous queries operate in near real-time over data streams. In summary, our objective will be to learn about these novel advances in the field, and also to gain an understanding of the fundamental similarities as well as differences between data stream processing and traditional data management. (Prerequisites: A beginning course in databases or equivalent knowledge would he helpful.). Course homepage at http://web.cs.wpi.edu/~cs525/f06s-EAR/
CS 525B Advanced Tutoring Systems (Fall 06)
(Note: this is different than the title listed on the Registrar's Web pages, but the name change has been requested)
This course addresses the use of artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology to build computer-based intelligent tutoring systems. Students will learn empirical and theoretical methods for creating cognitive models of human problem solving. Such models have been used to create educational software that has been demonstrated to dramatically enhance student learning in domains like mathematics and computer programming. This course will have three components: 1) a literature review of some of the fundamental papers in the field; 2) lectures on the needed cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction (HCI) background; and 3) a significant project component in which students will be practicing the use of methods used to design tutors. Students will create cognitive models written in a production-rule system (e.g., JESS). The culminating project will be building a cognitive model to be used in an intelligent tutoring system for a domain of their interest. At the end of this course a student should be able to do research in intelligent tutoring systems. Good class projects will potentially be used by thousands of students using our extensible web-based delivery mechanism. (Prerequisites: Good programming skills are required. Artificial intelligence would he helpful but not required. Knowledge of cognitive psychology or human-computer interaction would be a plus).
CS 525F Foundations of Internet Security (Spring 07)
In this course we will study some of the theory and tools relevant to the security of computing systems, such as cryptography, design and verification of secure protocols, and access control. The core of the course will be the study of the theoretical basis of system security, but we will emphasize theory's role as the foundation for tools for enhancing security. (Prerequisites: This is an advanced course, requiring a mix of skills, including considerable mathematical maturity -- at the level of, for example, CS 521 -- and some familiarity with application areas such as networks, operating systems, and Web services. Students are encouraged to speak with the instructor prior to registration).
CS 525U: Three-Dimensional User Interaction (Spring 07)
This course focuses on the design and evaluation of three-dimensional (3D) user interfaces, devices, and interaction techniques. Many current application domains require users to manipulate data in 3D, or to perform other tasks within 3D spaces, such as in gaming or virtual environments. However, accomplishing these tasks effectively and efficiently using traditional devices and techniques can be suboptimal. Through a combination of traditional lecture, literature review, and hands-on work, students will learn to critically evaluate different alternatives, build prototype systems, and design comparative evaluations to test the effectiveness of various techniques. Students will be expected to implement several techniques as part of this course. (Prerequisites: a graduate or undergraduate course in computer graphics or HCI).
CS 525X: Concepts of Systems Engineering (Spring 07)
Systems Engineers define, develop and deploy systems. Systems engineering is a multi-faceted discipline, involving human, organizational, and various technical variables that work together to create complex systems (Sage, 2000). This course provides a thorough overview, with specific integrated examples, projects and team building exercises, of the Concepts of Systems Engineering. Topics covered include; Introduction to Systems Engineering; Requirements Development; Functional Analysis and Requirements Allocation; System Architecture and System Design; Integration, Verification and Validation; Trade Studies; Systems Analysis, Modeling and Simulation; Specialty Engineering; Risk Management; and Technical Planning and Management. (Prerequisite: an undergraduate degree in engineering or science, or permission of the instructor.)
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Last modified: January 15, 2007 19:35:55