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Topics Classes for Spring 2020

Three topics classes will be offered for Spring 2020.

CSC 495/693 Data Mining

Prof. Prashanti Manda

Class: Tues/Thurs 2:00-3:15

Large databases have become the norm across domains such as science, finance, and business. These databases are often explored using data mining techniques to provide actionable business insights and generate hypotheses. This course will introduce students to a variety of data mining algorithms and applications to examine the description, classification, prediction, pattern mining, and clustering of data. Concepts used for the retrieval and extraction of interesting and useful information or patterns, stored in large databases will be discussed. The course will highlight the application of data mining algorithms in a variety of domains including but not limited to bioinformatics, fraud detection, and marketing.

Prerequisite: CSC 471 or CSC 671 or permission of instructor.

CSC495/693 Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Prof. Nancy L. Green

Class: Tues/Thurs 11:00-12:15

The goal of the course is to raise students’ awareness of ethical issues involving certain types of AI software in use now or in the near future such as AI-controlled weapons, autonomous vehicles, mining “big data”, and AI caregivers/companions. The seminar-style course will involve readings, discussion, written and oral reports, and participation in the Spring 2020 Ashby Dialogue on AI Ethics. The Ashby Dialogue is a university-wide series of meetings, co-sponsored by the faculty in the Philosophy Department, which will include discussion of readings and science fiction films and guest speakers.

Official prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: Artificial Intelligence (CSC540/442/642)

CSC495/693 Virtual Reality Systems Design and Research

Prof. Regis Kopper

Class: Mon/Wed 2:00-3:15

This course will give an overview of virtual reality (VR) devices, applications, methods and techniques with a focus on the design and evaluation of immersive user experiences. The course will have theoretical and practical components where fundamental topics will be taught and research papers will be presented by students and discussed in class. Students will complete a semester-long project involving the design and evaluation of a VR application that proposes to solve a practical problem. The student should have knowledge of computer programming, preferably with some experience with Unity3D or Unreal Engine.

Official prerequisite: Permission of instructor