Transcript PowerPoint

Introduction To CPSC 231 And
Computer Science
James Tam
James Tam
Administrative (James Tam: L01 & L03)
Contact Information
• Office: ICT 707
• Phone: 210-9455
• Email: [email protected]
Office hours
• Office hours: TR 12:00 – 12:50
• Email: (any time)
• Appointment: phone or call
• Drop by for urgent requests (but no guarantee that
I will be in!)
James Tam
Administrative (Leonard Manzara: L02)
Contact Information
• Office: MS 269
• Phone: 220-3518
• Email: [email protected]
Office hours
• Office hours: MWF 9:00 - 9:50
James Tam
Feedback
???
Dilbert © United Features Syndicate
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How You Will Be Evaluated
Assignments (30%)
• Assignment 1: Introduction to the Computer Science environment, number
systems and logic (Due Monday Sept. 30 worth 3%)
• Assignment 2: Algorithms and working with simple programs (Due
Monday Oct. 7 worth 3%)
• Assignment 3: Decision making and repetition (Friday Oct. 18 worth 3%)
• Assignment 4: Functions and 1D arrays (Due Friday Nov. 1 worth 3%)
• Assignment 5: Files and 2D arrays (Due Friday Nov. 15 worth 6%)
• Assignment 6: Lists - Version 1 (Due Friday Nov. 29 worth 6%)
• Assignment 7: Lists - Version 2 (Due Friday Dec. 6 worth 6%)
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How You Will Be Evaluated (2)
• Exams (70%)
• Midterm exam (30%)
• Final exam (40%)
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Course Resources
Course website: http://pages.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/~tamj/231
Course textbook (Pascal):
• Pascal Programming & Problem Solving, 4th Edition,
Leestma/Nyhoff (Prentice Hall)
Recommended textbook (Unix):
• A Practical Guide to Solaris, Sobell (Addison-Wesley)
• (Good alternative) Harley Hahn's Student Guide to Unix,
Hahn (McGraw-Hill)
Note: Neither the course notes nor the text books are meant as a substitute for regular
attendance to lecture and lab. They are provided to support and supplement the class.
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Introduction To Computer Science
What is Computer Science?
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Some Areas Of Study1
•Human-Computer Interaction
•Graphics
•Information Visualization
•Databases
•Theory
•Simulations
•Artificial Intelligence
•Computer Vision
•Software Engineering
•Games programming
1 This list provides only a brief listing and is far from comprehensive
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Human-Computer Interaction
Technological perspective
People perspective
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Human-Computer Interaction (2)
AutoCAD Mechanical
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Human-Computer Interaction (3)
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Graphics
Concerned with everything to do with producing images on the
computer.
Scene from MechWarrior 4: Vengeance © Microsoft
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Graphics (2)
Highly mathematical
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Information Visualization
Finding ways of representing information in a way that amplifies
cognition.
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Databases
Concerned with the efficient storage, retrieval and distribution of
information
It can be a difficult challenge!
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Databases (2)
Concerned with the efficient storage, retrieval and distribution of
information
It can be a difficult challenge!
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Theory
e.g., Distributed Computing
THINK © United Devices Inc. is part of a distributed Cancer research project. For more
information go to http://www.ud.com
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Theory (2)
Ensuring proper order
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Theory (3)
Section One
2nd
Section Two
1st
Section Three
3rd
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Simulations
Images from http://www.simlabs.arc.nasa.gov/vs.
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Simulations (2)
Recreating behaviour by an analogous model or situation to gain
information more conveniently or to train personnel.
Why simulate?
•
•
•
•
Complex systems
Dangerous experiments
Controlled conditions
Cost savings
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Artificial Intelligence
What makes a person smart?
Photo from www.startrek.com © Paramount
How do make a smart machine?
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Artificial Intelligence (2)
How do we know we have a "smart machine"?
• Turing test
???
?
?
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Computer Vision
Determining what an object is based on it's visual appearance
• e.g. Six?
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Software Engineering
Avoid "hacking-out" software
Involves develop systematic ways of producing good software on
time and within budget
Dilbert © United Features Syndicate
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Games Programming
Pulls together many areas of Computer Science
Interdisciplinary
The U of C is the only Canadian university to offer this area of
study.
Blatant
advertisement!!!
WarCraft III © Blizzard Entertainment
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