ClassInfo

CSC 475 Introduction to Robotics (Formerly CSC 475)

Winter 2017-2018
Class number: 26160
Section number: 801
Th 5:45PM - 9:00PM
14EAS 00503 Loop Campus

Summary

This course presents an overview of robotics in practice and research with topics including kinematics, localization, motion planning, and sensors. During the course, students assemble robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot kit. The LEGO robot will be programmed by a variant of C language (RobotC) that provides a rich set of methods to interact with the robot sensor and actuators. These hands-on projects aim to reinforce the basic principles developed in course material. Students usually work in teams of two. Groups are typically self-formed but can be randomly assigned by the instructor when necessary. Depending on the availability of robot kits, the instructor may allow solo member groups. This course will also expose students to some of the contemporary happenings in robotics, including current robotics research, applications, and robot contests (via assignments, reports, and discussions).



Texts

Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots, 2nd Edition by Roland Siegwart, Illah Reza Nourbakhsh,‎ Davide Scaramuzza, MIT Press, 2011.

Related textbooks:
* Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control, 4th Edition by John J. Craig, Pearson Press, 2017.
* Introduction to Autonomous Robots: Kinematics, Perception, Localization and Planning, 2nd edition by Nikolaus Correll, Magellan Scientific, 2016.


Grading

The course grade will be apportioned as follows:
* Homework (written, in-class quizzes) 20%
* Lab Programming assignments 40%
* Competitive Challenges 30%
* Participation 10%


Prerequisites

You must have taken CSC 373 and CSC 374. In addition, for CSC 475 students: CSC 407.


Course Objectives

* Develop fundamental understanding of robotics
* Understand robot motion (kinematics)
* Understand robot sensing (perception)
* Learn concepts robot localization, motion planning.


Course Format

This is a hands-on course where you will spend most of the time assembling robots, writing code, and testing. In addition to the regular meeting on Thursday, you will be given access to the hardware material for carrying out the project work. The course primarily follows the flipped classroom concept. The course material that you need to be familiar with for the following class will be posted on D2L. The course provides the material you will need to understand the fundamental concepts covered during course.


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

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.

Online Course Evaluations

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

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.

Academic Policies

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 with Disabilities

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