Computer Engineering

We are preparing to propose a new computer engineering degree. As it stands, it includes:

• 39 credits of computer science including much of our embedded concentration
• 19 credits of math (calc 1, calc 2, differential equations, discrete math, and statistics)
• 23 credits of physics (phys I and II, electronics, semi-conductors, and others we are still specifying)

We are hopeful that this will build a bridge between our degree and physics much like computer graphics created a bridge between us and the art programs. In addition, physics is considering revising their applied physics degree to include some of our embedded courses. We think building a stronger relationship with physics will strengthen our programs. What do you all think?

Game-related Clubs

The final word is: there are TWO game related clubs!!!!!

The mission of the Game Development Club is "to learn how to integrate various skills and talents through the development of video games . . . much attention will be paid to graphics, audio, and game-play." You can find them on facebook and they meet in MCT 165 on Fridays from 2 to 5.

The Game Programming Club in interested in the programming aspects of creating a game including artificial intelligence, networking, physics, graphics and game control. They meet Wednesdays at 6:00 in MCT 165.

Feel free to join the one that interests you more - or join them both!!!

Tutoring News

Over the past couple of years, we have used a graduate assistant to provide tutoring for all of our 100 and 200 level courses. This year is not exception. You can find Sarah Joseph in the office behind the seminar room throughout the week. We've posted her hours all around the floor, so you should be able to find her. She's finished all of our undergraduate degree, so she can help with most upper division courses, too.

However, this year is special! The Learning Center has hired Tristan Dalius to also be a tutor for our 100 and 200 level courses. He's a great choice for that position and we are very excited that the Learning Center is helping.

It's important that we talk about the role of tutoring in our department. Our faculty work hard to teach their classes well and are always available to give help during office hours. You should avail yourself of those opportunities. However, sometimes you need a different perspective on a topic to understand it well. That's where tutors come into play. Since they are students, they can offer a different take on the material. In addition, they can give you studying tips and practice problems with you. They can be a great help in many ways.

Meeting times for fall

Fall semester is well under way and our student organizations are getting organized. I thought I'd give some pointers to what they are up to.

Programming Team is planning on meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 in MCT 165. EVERYONE is welcome! In particular, freshmen should consider attending. We know that you don't know much about programming, but the things you see there will give you another perspective on the material you see in CS1.

Our WiCS team will be meeting on Mondays at 6:30 in the cuboid. This semester they are working on building a computer controlled water fountain which will be WAY cool!!!

I'm still waiting to hear from Game Development Club about their meeting times, but I'll keep you posted when I hear . . .

Department Faculty Retreat and Academic Day

Last week's preparations for class went well.

On Thursday, our faculty met for a daylong meeting off campus. We reviewed assessment data from all of our classes from last year and made some revisions to the curriculum. In particular, we changed the learning objectives to CSC 110, CSC 211, and CSC 220. In addition, we initiated review of CSC 371 Database Management Systems and CSC 350 Computer Graphics. Our big curricular goal for this semester is to propose a Computer Engineering degree. I'll keep you posted.

While we were retreating, the freshmen were moving in. In addition to lots of facebook posts about bingo, on Friday, they participated in an Academic Day conference. I gave two talks on Google in Academia that were well-attended and I was happy that students asked questions and talked about other talks they thought were interesting.

Now, on to classes!

Folding@Home Update

This summer, the macs, the PCs in room 162, one play station and a couple of individual machines continued to participate in Folding @ Home. At this point, we are 172nd out of 158008 teams and we continue to make progress. We're hoping to move up even faster once we get the machines in 164 going (had to turn them off when the air conditioning was turned down for the summer). The goal: to beat NC State (where I got my PhD) so that I can gloat!!! They are currently 92nd. We can do it! If you want to join us, you can find instructions for how to set your machine up at http://clipper.ship.edu/folding/ Let us know when you join!

Preparing for Fall

Our new freshman class is due to arrive in less than two weeks. With that in mind, we're busy preparing. We are creating new email accounts, setting up accounts on clipper, creating course websites and finishing up some other details. We're on schedule and we'll be ready to go as they arrive.

Returning students will notices some significant improvements in the setup of our labs and servers. We've created a google site for information about a variety of technologies we've deployed. You can find it by logging into you cs.ship.edu email account, clicking "sites" and clicking "Browse . ." We've even made it so everyone can edit those pages - add your wisdom and we'll all be better informed.

This year, the schedule for academic day has been changed and there are some interesting seminars throughout the morning. I'll be running a couple on "Google for Academia" and one on advising. Check out the schedule by logging on to info.ship.edu.

One goal for this year: one blog entry every week. Nag me if I miss!!!!!!