CIS 301: Theory of Computation - Fall 2009

• Professor: Susan Haller, Computer Science Department
• Office: Dunn 303
• Voice: 315-267-2216
• E-mail: hallersm@potsdam.edu
• Class Time/Place:
  •   M,W, F, 10-10:50am, Dunn 206
    

• Office Hours:

  Tues  10:00am - 12:00pm

            Thurs 10:00am - 1:00pm

  
  

• In this document:
  General Class Information
  Course Requirements and Procedures
  Homework Policy
  Quiz Policy
  Course Schedule
• Links
• Class Announcements
• Sample Quizzes
  
• Sample Midterms and Final
  
• JFLAP Tutorial
  
• NEW Grades on line (read announcements)

• Web source for this document: http://www.cs.potsdam.edu/Classes/301

General Class Information

• Class Time/Place
  •  M,W, F 10-10:50am, Dunn 206

• Required Text:
  • Michael Sipser Introduction to the Theory of Computation,2nd Ed., Thomson Course Technology

• Examination Dates: (Tentative)
  • Midterm I: Monday, Oct. 5
    
  • Midterm II: Monday, Nov. 16
    
  • Comprehensive Final
    • Wed, Dec. 16, 8:00 - 10:00am
      

Course Requirements and Procedures

1. Distribution of your grade: I will grade your course work using the following distribution:

   Quizzes:	20%
   Two Midterm Examinations:	45%
   Final Comprehensive Examination:	35%

2. Grading procedure: Your course-grade average (on a scale of 0 -- 100) will be calculated as the weighted average of your averages on assignments, midterm exams, and your final exam using the weight distribution that is listed above. Each of the three averages that are used for the weighted average is calculated as:

   number of points earned / total number of points x 100

   For example, if you earn 65 points out of a total of 80 points that it is possible for you to earn on quizzes your quiz average would be:

   65 / 80 x 100 = 81.25

   Final course grades are determined using a curve based on the course-grade averages. No special arrangements will be made for extra credit for improving grades.

   You can verify all of your grades and check your projected final course grade on line starting after the first midterm examination.
   

3. Reading assignments:   Each week, you are assigned reading from the textbook. (See tentative class schedule below.) Reading the chapter material ahead of class discussion will really help you understand the concepts and examples.
4. Exam make-ups: You should give me prior notice if you cannot take an examination at the scheduled time for good reason and preferably, documenation to justify a makeup. If you must miss an examination without notifiying me, you must supply appropriate documentation (examples: note from doctor, police report) for your absence to justify a makeup.
5. Grading questions: If you have a question about a grade, you should see me within one week of the day the graded work is returned to you. You lose the right to re-grading after that.
6. Incompletes: Incomplete grades (I) are granted very rarely. Incompletes are not to be used as a shelter from potentially low grades. According to SUNY Potsdam policy, a grade of Incomplete may be given "when a small amount of the course requirements (such as the final paper or exam) cannot be completed for reasons beyond the student's control. An Incomplete form indicating the work that must be completed and a timetable for completion must be filed in the office of the appropriate Dean. If all work for an Incomplete is not finished by the end of the next semester, the Incomplete will automatically be converted to a failure (0.0)."
7. Absences: I take attendance in class. You will not be penalized for poor attendance. However, a good record of class attendance and participation may help your final grade in borderline cases. Making up material from missed classes is your responsibility.
8. Information dissemination: You may find class announcements, lecture-, lab-, and assignment-specific information not discussed in class at the following URL:

   http://www.cs.potsdam.edu/Classes/301/announce.html

9. Academic dishonesty: Students are expected to do their own work on quizzes and  exams  unless specifically directed otherwise by the instructor. Copying is strictly forbidden.  Repeated offenses will result in dismissal from or failure in the course and possible disciplinary sanctions by the college. Students are expected to abide by the SUNY Potsdam Academic Honor Code.
10. Accommodative Services: Anyone who has special needs that must be accommodated to fulfill the course requirements should notify the instructor and Sharon E. House, Director of Accommodative Services, S128 Sisson Hall, 267-3267. The college has resources available to assist qualified students with their academic studies.
15. Course Withdrawal: The last day to withdraw or choose the S/U option without receiving a failing grade is Tuesday, October 27th.
    

Homework

1. I will assign homework on a regular basis. You should do these homeworks to reinforce concepts.
2. Homeworks are written. You are to do these on your own and check your answers with the solutions at the back of your text or that I distribute. Assigned homework problems are the material for quizzes (See below).
   
3. If you have a question on a homework question, ask at the beginning of class or see me.
4. The  homework is the basis for the quizzes.

Quizzes

1. There will be a ten-minute quiz each week on Monday relating to the previous week's lecture material and the homework assigned. The selected and assigned homework exercises will be the basis for each quiz.
   
2. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped. If you are absent from a class where there is a quiz, this will count as your lowest quiz grade.

Course Topics