Comp Sci 540 UW Madison is a graduate-level course that covers advanced topics in computer science, specifically focusing on algorithms and data structures. This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in computer science and are looking to dive deeper into the subject.
The course is offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their field. Students can expect to learn from the best in the industry and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
The course syllabus is divided into several sections, including algorithms, data structures, and computational complexity. Students can expect to learn about various algorithms and data structures, including graph algorithms, dynamic programming, and sorting algorithms.
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Course Information
Comp Sci 540 at UW Madison is a 4-credit course that meets for 3 hours a week.
The course covers advanced topics in computer networks, including network architectures, protocols, and security.
This course is designed for graduate students in computer science and related fields.
You can expect to learn about the design and implementation of computer networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet.
The course also covers network security, including threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and secure communication protocols.
The instructor for this course is a renowned expert in computer networks and has published numerous research papers on the topic.
Lecture and Assessment
You'll attend lectures in either Ingraham Hall 19 or Noland Hall 132, depending on your section, where the instructor will lecture, lead Q&A sessions, and deliver short quiz questions to clear up any confusion.
In each lecture, you'll participate in three blocks of content, with quizzes in between to check your understanding. The instructor wants you to participate in the quizzes whenever possible.
You'll have the option to record the lectures and watch them asynchronously outside of class time, which is convenient for those who need to catch up or review the material.
The instructor will use Piazza for Q&A, so be sure to check if someone has already posted a similar question before you ask.
Homework Policies
Homework assignments include written problems and programming in Python, and will be assigned in Canvas. You can find frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on homework assignments on Piazza.
Homework is due at 9:00am on the due date, and late submissions will not be accepted. If you have any questions about your assignment grading, you must raise them with the TAs within 72 hours after it is returned.
Two lowest homework scores are dropped from the final homework average calculation, which is meant for emergency usage. No additional drops, late days, or homework extensions will be provided.
We encourage you to use a study group for doing your homework, and students are expected to help each other out. If desired, you can form ad-hoc homework groups, but each student must produce and turn in their own, unique work.
Lecture Delivery
Lecture Delivery is a crucial part of the learning process, and it's great to see that the instructors are making an effort to make it engaging and interactive.
Each lecture will be a series of short mini-lectures, divided into three blocks. In each block, the instructor will cover some content, and then deliver short quiz questions to clear up any confusion before proceeding to the next block.
The instructors want all students to participate in the quiz, whenever possible. This is a great way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has a chance to ask questions.
You'll have the opportunity to ask questions anytime during the lecture and can post questions on Piazza after class. This will allow you to clarify any doubts you may have and get feedback from the instructor and your peers.
Here's a summary of what you can expect during a lecture:
- You'll attend real-time mini-lectures by the instructor
- You'll engage in Q&A, quizzes, and discussions
- You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the quiz
- You'll be able to post questions on Piazza after class
Note: The specific details of the lecture delivery may vary depending on the section you're in. Be sure to check with your instructor for more information.
Exams
Exams will be conducted online through Canvas, so make sure you're familiar with the platform.
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam, with tentative dates of 17 March and 6 May respectively.
Makeup exams won't be scheduled, so plan ahead and let your instructor know about any conflicts during the first two weeks of the semester.
If an emergency arises that conflicts with the exam times, email your instructor as soon as possible. Emergency exam conflicts will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Midterm: 17 March
- Final: 6 May
Exam grading questions must be raised with the instructor within 72 hours after the exam is returned.
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Sources
- https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~jerryzhu/cs540f23/index.html
- https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~jphanna/teaching/2023spring_cs540/index.html
- https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~sharonli/courses/cs540_spring2022/index.html
- https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~sharonli/courses/cs540_spring2021/index.html
- https://visp.wisc.edu/thematic-cs/
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