Syllabus for CMSC 515

Fall Term 2021 3:10 MWF Mr. Gregg

Course Description and Objectives

CMSC 515 is a course in the theoretical underpinnings of computer science. We will study abstract models of computing devices, limitations of computing devices, and some applications that arise directly from theory.

How this Course is Structured

We will meet three times a week for lectures. I will assign daily homework problems that will be collected approximately once a week.

We will have two midterm exams and a final exam. Midterm exams are tentatively scheduled for weeks four and eight.

Grading Policy and Late Policy

Assignments and exams have the following weights:

Problem sets - 40% Midterm exams - 17% each Final exam - 26%

Late policy for problem sets is that problem sets may be turned in one class meeting after the initial due date for a 10% penalty. If you turn in a portion of a problem set on time and the remainder late, the 10% penalty will only apply to those problems you submitted late. I will waive the 10% penalty if you have a valid excuse such as illness; however, you must contact me before the initial due date to ask for an extension.

Textbook

Our text is Introduction to the Theory of Computation, Third Edition by Michael Sipser.

Office Hours

If you need assistance with anything, you are welcome to see me in office hours or send me a question by email to greggj@lawrence.edu. My office hours this term are 9:00-10:30 MWF, and 2:00-4:00 TTh. Office hours this term will be held remotely: I will send out a Zoom link by email at the start of the term.

Course Web Site

The course web site is at http://www.lawrence.edu/fast/greggj/cmsc515.html

Schedule of Topics