2009-2010 Bulletin – PDF - SEAS Bulletin - Columbia University

The analysis and retrieval of large collections of
image and video data, with emphasis on visual
semantics, human psychology, and user interfaces.
Low-level processing: features and similarity
measures; shot detection; key frame selection;
machine learning methods for classification.
Middle-level processing: organizational rules for
videos, including unedited (home, educational),
semiedited (sports, talk shows), edited (news,
drama); human memory limits; progressive refinement;
visualization techniques; incorporation of
audio and text. High-level processing: extraction
of thematic structures; ontologies, semantic filters,
and learning; personalization of summaries
and interfaces; detection of pacing and emotions.
Examples and demonstrations from commercial
and research systems throughout. Substantial
course project or term paper required.
COMS E6737x or y Biometrics
Lect: 3. 3 pts. Professor Belhumeur.
Prerequisites: A background at the sophomore
level in computer science, engineering, or like
discipline. In this course we will explore the latest
advances in biometrics as well as the machine
learning techniques behind them. Students will
learn how these technologies work and how they
are sometimes defeated. Grading will be based
on homework assignments and a final project.
There will be no midterm or final exam. This
course shares lectures with COMS W4737.
Students taking COMS E6737 are required to
complete additional homework problems and
undertake a more rigorous final project. Students
will only be allowed to earn credit for COMS
W4737 or COMS E6737 and not both.
CSEE E6824y Parallel computer architecture
Lect: 3. 3 pts. Professor Sethumadhavan.
Prerequisite: CSEE W8424. Parallel computer
principles, machine organization, and design of
parallel systems, including parallelism detection
methods, synchronization, data coherence, and
interconnection networks. Performance analysis
and special-purpose parallel machines.
CSEE E6831y Sequential logic circuits
Lect: 3. 3 pts. Professor Unger.
Prerequisite: CSEE W3827 or any introduction to
logic circuits. Generation and manipulation of flow
table descriptions to asynchronous sequential
functions. Coding of flow tables to satisfy various
design criteria. Delays, races, hazards, metastability.
Analysis of latches to determine key parameters.
Bounds of input rates. Clocking schemes for
synchronous systems. Synthesis of self-timed systems
using 4-phase or 2-phase handshakes.
CSEE E6832x or y Topics in logic design theory
Lect: 3. 3 pts. Professors Theobald and Ivancic.
Prerequisite: CSEE W3827 or any introduction to
logic circuits. A list of topics for each offering of
the course is available in the department office
one month before registration. May be taken
more than once if topics are different. Iterative
logic circuits applied to pattern recognition.
Finite state machines; alternative representations,
information loss, linear circuits, structure theory.
Reliability and testability of digital systems.
CSEE E6847y Distributed embedded systems
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Carloni.
Prerequisite: Any course numbered in the
COMS4110s, CSEE4800s, or ELEN4300s, or the
instructor’s permission. An interdisciplinary graduate-level
seminar on the design of distributed
embedded systems. Emphasis is put on system
robustness in the presence of highly variable
communication delays and heterogeneous component
behaviors. The course has a two-fold
structure: the study of the enabling technologies
(VLSI circuits, communication protocols, embedded
processors, RTOSs), models of computation,
and design methods is coupled with the analysis
of modern domain-specific applications, including
on-chip micro-networks, multiprocessor systems,
fault-tolerant architectures, and robust deployment
of embedded software. Common research
challenges include design complexity, reliability,
scalability, safety, and security. The course
requires substantial reading, class participation,
and a research project.
CSEE E6861y Computer-aided design of digital
systems
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Nowick.
Prerequisites: (1) One semester of advanced digital
logic (CSEE W4823 or the equivalent, or the
instructor’s permission); (2) a basic course in data
structures and algorithms (COMS W3133, W3134,
W3137, W3139, or W3157, or the equivalent) and
familiarity with programming. Introduction to modern
digital CAD synthesis and optimization techniques.
Topics include modern digital system
design (high-level synthesis, register-transfer level
modeling, algorithmic state machines, optimal
scheduling algorithms, resource allocation and
binding, retiming), controller synthesis and optimization,
exact and heuristic two-level logic minimization,
advanced multilevel logic optimization,
optimal technology mapping to library cells (for
delay, power, and area minimization), advanced
data structures (binary delusion diagrams), SAT
solvers and their applications, stati timing analysis,
and introduction to testability. Includes hands-on
small design projects using and creating CAD
tools. General Education Requirement: Quantitave
and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
COMS E6900x and y Tutorial in computer science
1 to 3 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. A reading
course in an advanced topic for a small number
of students, under faculty supervision.
COMS E6901x and y Projects in computer
science
1 to 12 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Software
or hardware projects in computer science. Before
registering, the student must submit a written
proposal to the instructor for review. The proposal
should give a brief outline of the project, estimated
schedule of completion, and computer resources
needed. Oral and written reports are required.
May be taken over more than one semester,
in which case the grade will be deferred until all
12 points have been completed. No more than
12 points of COMS E6901 may be taken. Consult
the department for section assignment.
COMS E6902x and y Thesis
1 to 9 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Available to MS and CSE candidates. An independent
investigation of an appropriate problem
in computer science carried out under the supervision
of a faculty member. A formal written report
is essential and an oral presentation may also
be required. May be taken over more than one
semester, in which case the grade will be deferred
until all 9 points have been completed. No more
than 9 points of COMS E6902 may be taken.
Consult the department for section assignment.
COMS E6998x and y Topics in computer
science, I
3 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: The instructor’s permission. Selected
topics in computer science. Content varies from
year to year. May be repeated for credit.
COMS E6999x and y Topics in computer
science, II
3 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: COMS E6998. Continuation of
COMS E6998.
COMS E9800x and y Directed research in
computer science
1 to 15 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: Submission of an outline of the proposed
research for approval by the faculty member
who will supervise. The department must approve
the number of points. May be repeated for credit.
This course is only for Eng.Sc.D. candidates.
COMS E9910x and y Graduate research, I
1 to 6 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: Submission of an outline of the proposed
research for approval by the faculty member
who will supervise. The department must
approve the number of credits. May be repeated
for credit.This course is only for MS candidates
holding GRA or TA appointments. Note: It is not
required that a student take Graduate research, I
prior to taking Graduate research, II. Consult the
department for section assignment.
COMS E9911x and y Graduate research, II
1 to 15 pts. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisites: Submission of an outline of the
proposed research for approval by the faculty
member who will supervise. The department must
approve the number of points. May be repeated
for credit. This course is only for MS/PhD track
students. Note: It is not required that a student
take Graduate research, I prior to taking Graduate
research, II. Consult the department for section
assignment.
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SEAS 2009–2010