CSCI 10: Designing and Building a Desktop Computer
This course introduces the student to computer hardware and the methods used to design and construct a fully working system. Students will also learn about operating systems, wired and wireless networking, firewalls, viruses, software productivity packages and other tools for Windows, Mac and Linux. We will look at emerging computer technology, trends and theoretical computer advancements. For the hardware there will be in–depth study of the purpose of each part and of the different options available when purchasing. Research will include finding suppliers to acquire the parts online and will require deciphering and explaining the jargon used. The students will have the choice of purchasing their own parts to assemble a computer which they can take home, or using existing spare parts from OIT to end up with a computer suitable for donation off campus or to use as a campus email station. After assembly the student will install an operating system, find and download appropriate drivers and install useful diagnostic software. The class will be in a lab equipped with the hardware, spare parts and tools for assembly. Evaluation will be based on research papers, quizzes and the completion of a working system along with presentation to the class.
Prerequisites: None.
Enrollment limit: 15 – preference given to upperclass students.
Cost: $0, unless the student chooses to build their own computer.
Meeting time: Afternoons.
SETH ROGERS (Instructor)
FREUND (Sponsor)
Seth Rogers is the Director of Desktop Systems in the Office for Information Technology. He handles computer purchasing for the college as well as hardware and software support for personal computers.
CSCI 12: Using a Computer to do the Math You Cannot Do
Math is an excellent tool to understand an idealized world, but in the ugly real world there are integrals that cannot be solved analytically (e.g., the normal distribution), functions that need to be maximized without being differentiable or even continuous, equations that need to be solved when there is no closed–form solution (e.g., a fifth degree polynomial). In this course we will introduce the programming and math skills you need to handle such real life calculation problems. At the same time you will learn the basics of a programming language of your choice. We will use social media and peer–instruction for parts of the course for teaching, learning, evaluation and assessment. Requirements: weekly assignments, presented in class or on the web.
Prerequisites: MATH 103.
Enrollment limit: 20 – if overenrolled, selection will be based on seniority.
Cost: $0.
Meeting time: Mornings.
Website: http://cortland.cs.williams.edu/~balter
OLLE BALTER (Instructor)
FREUND (Sponsor)
Olle Balter is an associate professor at KTH—Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden where he is researching Technology Enhanced Learning. He was a research scholar in Computer Science at Williams College in 2008.
CSCI 13: 3D Printer Construction: A Self–Replicating Printer (Same as PHYS 13)
3D printing is a technology used to create three dimensional objects from digital information. The field is expanding rapidly, creating vast opportunities for research and business. Low–cost 3D printing has the potential to put the capability for creating physical objects in every business and home, much in the way the personal computer changed the paradigm of computing from expensive, centralized mainframe computers to low–cost, widespread personal computers. One direction of development is pursuing an open–source approach to making the technology widely available. A central goal of this effort is the capability for 3D printers to “self–replicate”. That is, for one printer to be able to create the parts required to assemble additional 3D printers. We will explore this technology and its implications for society by building an operational “RepRap” 3D printer. Additionally, we will investigate how 3D printing technology may disrupt the traditional manufacturing economy and create new opportunities. Time permitting, we will fabricate the parts required to build a “child” 3D printer. A presentation, including a demonstration of the printer, and documentation of the project on a web site will be required. The class will utilize a multi–discipline team approach with opportunities for concentration in basic mechanical and electrical fabrication, software, 3D object modeling/CAD, or web–based documentation.
Requirements: attendance and participation.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Enrollment limit: 12 – preference will be based on enthusiasm and background in any of the indicated areas.
Cost: $25.
Meeting time: Afternoons.
MICHAEL TAYLOR and MCGUIRE
Michael Taylor is Design Engineer/Model Maker in the Bronfman Science Center with extensive background in design, CAD and prototyping.
CSCI 23: Introduction to Research and Development in Computing
An independent project is completed in collaboration with a member of the Computer Science Department. The projects undertaken will either involve the exploration of a research topic related to the faculty member’s work or the implementation of a software system that will extend the students design and implementation skills. It is expected that the student will spend 20 hours per week working on the project. At the completion of the project, each student will submit a 10–page written report or the software developed together with appropriate documentation of its behavior and design. In addition, students will be expected to give a short presentation or demonstration of their work. Students should consult with the instructor before the beginning of the Winter Study registration period to determine details of projects that might be undertaken. Requirements: final paper and presentation/demonstration.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Enrollment limit: 10 – preference given to sophomores and juniors.
Cost: $0.
Meeting time: TBD.
CSCI 31: Senior Honor Thesis
To be taken by students registered for Computer Science 493–494.