David Kauchak
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Email: dkauchak@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.5581
Office Hours: M/W 2:45 - 3:45 PM, T 2-3pm, Th 1:00 - 2:00 PM or by appointment
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Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
CSCI 0150 - Computing for the Sciences ▲
Computing for the Sciences
In this course we will provide an introduction to the field of computer science geared towards students interested in mathematics and the natural sciences. We will study problem-solving approaches and computational techniques utilized in a variety of domains including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Students will learn how to program in Python and other languages, how to extract information from large data sets, and how to utilize a common technique employed in scientific computation. The course has no prerequisites and assumes no prior experience with programming or computer science. 3 hrs. lect./lab
Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013
CSCI 0302 - Algorithms and Complexity
Algorithms and Complexity
This course focuses on the development of correct and efficient algorithmic solutions to computational problems, and on the underlying data structures to support these algorithms. Topics include computational complexity, analysis of algorithms, proof of algorithm correctness, advanced data structures such as balanced search trees, and also important algorithmic techniques including greedy and dynamic programming. The course complements the treatment of NP-completeness in CSCI 0301. (CSCI 0200 and CSCI 0201) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2012, Spring 2013
CSCI 0311 - Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the study of computational systems that exhibit rational behavior. Applications include strategic game playing, medical diagnosis, speech and handwriting recognition, Internet search, and robotics. Course topics include intelligent agent architectures, search, knowledge representation, logical reasoning, planning, reasoning under uncertainty, machine learning, and perception and action. (CSCI 0200 and CSCI 0201) 3 hrs. lect./lab
Spring 2013
CSCI 0312 - Software Development
Software Development
This course examines the process of developing larger-scale software systems. Laboratory assignments emphasize sound programming practices, tools that facilitate the development process, and teamwork. (CSCI 0200 previously or concurrently, and CSCI 0201) 3 hrs. lect./lab
Spring 2012
CSCI 0451 - Machine Learning ▲
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is the study and design of computational systems that automatically improve their performance through experience. This course introduces the theory and practice of machine learning and its application to tasks such as database mining, pattern recognition, and strategic game-playing. Possible topics include decision-tree methods, neural networks, Bayesian and statistical methods, genetic algorithms, and reinforcement learning. (CSCI 0200 and CSCI 0201) 3 hrs. lect./lab
Fall 2013
CSCI 0457 - Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing
In this course we will explore computational models for processing natural (human) language. We will introduce statistical and algorithmic techniques for processing language at the word, syntactic, and semantic levels in the context of a number of application areas including language translation, parsing, summarization, information extraction, and language modeling. Assignments will involve constructing and modifying systems and will incorporate a variety of large corpora. (CSCI 0200 and CSCI 0201) 3 hrs. lect./lab
Fall 2011
CSCI 0458 - Information Retrieval
Information Retrieval
In this course we will explore how search engines work. Topics to be covered include basic text processing, index construction, text similarity, evaluation, and searching other types of media. We will examine related application areas such as language modeling, clustering, classification and e-commerce. This course is project driven: through the assignments and final project we will build a functioning search engine. (CSCI 0201)
Fall 2012
CSCI 0500 - Advanced Study ▲ ▹
Advanced Study
Individual study for qualified students in more advanced topics in computer science theory, systems, or application areas. Particularly suited for students who enter with advanced standing. (Approval required) 3 hrs. lect.
Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
CSCI 1020 - Lego Robot Design Studio
Lego Robot Design Studio
This course gives students the opportunity to design, build, and program small, mobile robots using Lego pieces, tiny onboard computers, and a variety of sensors and actuators. In this context, we will explore important concepts from computer science such as structured programming, abstraction, reasoning under uncertainty, real-time control, and elementary robotics. We will also engage other disciplines, including creative design, mechanics, and electronics. The course will culminate with a light-hearted robot talent show featuring the robots created by each team of 3 students. No prior experience with programming or Lego is required.
Winter 2013