Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 23:18:12 GMT Server: NCSA/1.5 Content-type: text/html 22c:5 Problem Solving & Computing

22c:5 Problem Solving and Computing

MWF 10:30 in the Information Arcade, Memorial Library


The instructor

Gregg Odén

[E221 SSH, 335-2444; also 101c MLH]
oden@cs.uiowa.edu

with the assistance of Nicolae Duta duta@cs.uiowa.edu


The course

Problem solving is a pervasive human activity but some people are better at it than others. Part of this difference in performance is due to differences in knowledge of effective problem solving methods. Because good problem skills are particularly important for computer programing, the art and craft of problem solving has become rather well developed within the field of computer science. The techniques that have evolved within computer science are general ones that apply to non-computer problem solving as well. In this class, we will examine these techniques as they apply to problems in general and in the context of being able to make computers do what you want them to do. Students will get extensive experience in performing exercises on the computer both in and out of class. These exercises will be done in a strongly supportive computing environment; no prior experience with computers is presupposed.


The assignments

There will be two midterms exams each covering one section of the course as shown on the schedule (over) and a final exam covering the third section plus the course as a whole. In addition, there will be homework assignments every week or so for the first half of the course and some sort of course project during the latter half. Exams 1 and 2 will count 10% and 20% toward the course grade respectively, the homework will count 20%, and the project and final exam will each be 25%.

Course grades will be determined on the basis of the resulting final distribution of numerical scores. My current expectation is that about a sixth of the class will get A grades (that is, A+, A or A-), about a third will get B grades, and another third will get C grades. However, I reserve the right to adjust these proportions to better reflect overall class performance. For example, if it turns out that this class does somewhat better than expected, then there will be more good grades; if it does worse, then there will fewer good grades. I will periodically provide updated information about the expected distribution of grades as we go along through the semester so you will know pretty much where you stand.


The texts













How to Solve Mathematical Problems by Wickelgren. [W]





The Analytical Engine: An introduction to computer science using HyperCard by Decker & Hirshfield. [AE]


The schedule

week. topics [readings]

Section I: Problem Theory & Computer Fundamentals
  1. Effective problem solving step-by-step; mind tools [W 1; AE 1]

  2. Representations & state spaces; adaptable tools [W 2; AE 2 & 3]

  3. Information & transformation; meta-adaptation [AE 4 + A.2]

  4. Decision & control; self-adaptability [AE 4 + A.2 continued]

EXAM 1: 9/20

Section II: Methods & Machines
  1. Inference; algorithmics [W 3]

  2. Action sequences; agents [W 4]

  3. Hill climbing; command hierarchy [W 5]

  4. Subgoals; recursion [W 6]

  5. ** HYPERCARD REVIEW **

  6. Reasoning from contradiction; Working backwards [W 7 & 8]

EXAM 2: 10/30

Section III: Formal Approaches and Extensions
  1. Implementation of computation [AE 5]

  2. Artificial intelligence [AE 8]

  3. Logic [AE 6]

  4. Computability and ultimate generic machines [AE 7]

  5. Creativity [W 9]

  6. Wrapup

FINAL EXAM: 12/15


The fine print

  1. 22c is the Department of Computer Science. Appointments with the department chairman, Dr. Joseph Kearney, can be made with Ms. Zwiener in the department office, 14 MLH.

  2. I will be happy to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

  3. My office hours will be (at least initially) 11:30 MW in 101C MLH and by appointment. In addition, the TA will be available in the MLH Instructional Technology Center (ITC) at times to be announced.

  4. You are expected to honor copyright laws pertaining to use of software packages that are available to you in the Information Arcade, the ITCs and in any other situation in this course.

  5. The Schedule of Courses incorrectly says that this class meets 12:30MWF.

  6. Makeup exams will be provided only for documented legitimate reasons. Homework is to be turned in by the start of the class period on the day it is due except that each student may have two days worth of late assignments without penalty. (That's one assignment two days late or two assignments a day late each. Any fraction of a day counts as one day; Saturday+Sunday count as one day.)

  7. Whether or not you attend class is up to you but most of the good stuff will happen in class.

  8. This syllabus is available at http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~oden/courses/cs5.html where it will be updated as the course progresses.

The class