CSCI 380
Theory of Computation

Time

MWF 9:10am - 10:00am

Location

MCREY 316

Instructor

Dr. Mark Goadrich
goadrich@hendrix.edu
(501) 450-1367
Office Hours


Overview

Covers basic topics in automata, computability, and complexity theory, including: models of computation (finite automata, Turing machines and RAMs); regular sets and expressions; recursive, recursively enumerable, and non-recursively enumerable sets and their basic closure properties; complexity classes; determinism vs. non-determinism, with and without resource bounds; reductions and completeness; practice with NP- and P-completeness proofs; and the complexity of optimization and approximation problems. Prerequisite: MATH 240

Learning Goals

Upon completing this course, our goal is for you to be able to:

Resources

We will be covering most of the recommended textbook following the format in the table of contents. We will also be using additional supplemental material such as relevant web-pages and background material. Additional readings will be assigned before material will be covered in class. You are expected to review the material and come to class prepared.


Schedule

This is where you will find all of your assignemnts and due dates.


Coursework

There will be three methods used to reinforce your understanding of the course material: small individual worked problems which focus on the fundamentals, large group problems and presentations which focus on proof and abstraction, and exams which focus on transfer and application.

Individual Homework

Checkins

Three times throughout the semester, you will be expected to check in for detailed feedback on your individual and group homework assignments and understanding. These should be scheduled via office hours with me in the week directly before each exam.

Group Presentations

Exams

There will be three take-home exams and will cover material from the homeworks and group presentations.

Grading Rubric


Commitments

It is my ultimate goal for this course, and my teaching, to develop your academic skills, advance your learning of computer science concepts, and support the liberal arts in general. To do so will require commitments from myself and from you toward meeting this goal.

Active Participation

I will be prepared and on time for class each day, ready to use class time to help you understand the course material. I will respectfully listen to, understand, and answer questions asked in class.

You are expected to attend class and actively participate in discussions every day, answering questions, asking questions, presenting material, etc. Your participation will be respectful of your classmates, both of their opinions and of their current point in their educational journey, as we each approach the material with different backgrounds and contexts.

Constructive Feedback

I will keep office hours and be available for outside appointments, and respond to emails within one business day (not including weekends). I will provide feedback on group presentations within one day. For exams, projects, and homeworks, I will provide graded feedback within two weeks.

You are encouraged to provide constructive comments for improving this course for furthering your learning throughout the semester. There will be an opportunity for anonymous course feedback at the end of the term, in which I hope you all participate. Through your feedback I can improve this course and others for future students.

Academic Integrity

I will abide by the above syllabus and grade your work fairly.

As stated in the Hendrix Academic Integrity Policy, all students have agreed to adhere to the following principles:

  • All students have an equal right to their opinions and to receive constructive criticism.
  • Students should positively engage the course material and encourage their classmates to do the same.
  • No students should gain an unfair advantage or violate their peers' commitment to honest work and genuine effort. It follows that any work that a student submits for class will be that student's own work. The amount of cooperation undertaken with other students, the consistency and accuracy of work, and the test-taking procedure should adhere to those guidelines that the instructor provides.
  • Members of the Hendrix community value and uphold academic integrity because we recognize that scholarly pursuits are aimed at increasing the shared body of knowledge and that the full disclosure of sources is the most effective way to ensure accountability to both ourselves and our colleagues.
More details of our departmental stance on integrity can be found in the Hendrix Computer Science Academic Integrity Policy

Learning Accomodation

I will make this classroom an open and inclusive environment, accommodating many different learning styles and perspectives.

Any student seeking accommodation in relation to a recognized disability should inform me at the beginning of the course. It is the policy of Hendrix College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Students should contact Julie Brown in the Office of Academic Success (505.2954; brownj@hendrix.edu) to begin the accommodation process.

Diversity and Inclusion

Hendrix College values a diverse learning environment as outlined in the College's Statement on Diversity. All members of this community are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the community. If you believe you have been the subject of discrimination please contact Dean Donna Eddleman at eddleman@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1222 or the Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Fulbright at titleix@hendrix.edu or 501-505-2901. For more information on Hendrix non-discrimination policies, visit hendrix.edu/nondiscrimination.

Physical and Mental Health

I am willing to work with you individually when life goes off the rails.

Coursework and college in general can become stressful and overwhelming, and your wellness can be impacted when you least expect it. You should participate in self-care and preventative measures, and be willing to find support when you need it.

  • The Office of Counseling Services welcomes all students to see a counselor in a private and safe environment regardless of their reasons for making an appointment. Counseling services are available to all Hendrix students at no cost.
  • Student Health Services provides free healthcare to Hendrix students. Services are provided by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in collaboration with a local physician.

The Offices of Counseling Services and Student Health Services are located in the white house behind the Mills Center for Social Sciences at 1541 Washington Avenue. Your health is important, and I care more about your health and well-being than I do about this class!