CSC 489 Theory of Computation
Summary
In this class we will study what can and cannot be computed by a computer (computability), and how much computational resources are needed to solve problems (complexity). The course covers the basics of computational complexity, and computability including Turing machines, the halting problem, decidability, complexity classes, and randomized computation.
Texts
Required Textbook.
M. Sipser, Introduction to the Theory of Computation 3rd edition,
Cengage Learning, Boston, MA, 2013, ISBN 1-133-18779-X.
References
C. Papadimitriou, Computational Complexity,
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994, ISBN 0-201-53082-1.
Grading
Homework Assignments --- 40%
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the announced due date.
Midterm --- 20%
DL students can take the midterm anytime during the midterm exam window. The exam window starts on Monday, February 10, and ends at 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 16.
Final Exam --- 40%
DL students can take the final exam anytime during the final exam window. The exam window starts on Monday, March 17, and ends on Sunday, March 23.
Final grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
90--100 = A;
80--89 = B;
70--79 = C;
60--69 = D;
< 60 = F.
Prerequisites
(CSC 321 or CSC 344) for CSC 389;
(CSC 421 or CSC 444) for CSC 489.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296