Our Programming Team Rocks!

In preparation for the ACM regional competition, our programming team competed in an internet contest last night. Our first team (Philip Diffenderfer, Keith Porter, and Casey Boone) solved five problems in 227 minutes coming in first place! Our second team (Logan Kennedy, Robert Koch, and Emily Bruckart) also solved five problems but took a slightly longer 312 minutes coming in second place. Our third team had two members who were competing in their first competition ( Philip Hagar, Brendan Johnston, Steve Jurnach) but still solved two problems.

Our first two teams beat Dickinson, Millersville, University of Delaware, and Washington College. We'll see them all again on November 7th at the regional competition. Here's hoping we beat them there, too!

P =? NP in the NY Times!

Yesterday, one of the classic computer science problems was discussed in the New York Times. They give a reasonable description of the P =? NP problem and why it is fundamental challenge in computer science. However, there are some errors that come from trying to explain the problem in general terms. Can you find them?

The source of this article is an article in the Communications of the ACM which gives a much more clear description of the problem. It's an article every computer science student should read! Let me know what you think!

More lab improvements!

We have recently made a number of improvements to our subnet. After getting single-sign-on to work for our Linux machines, Macs, and servers, we have started to work on improving off-campus access for our students. With that in mind, we have installed OpenVPN to give our student virtual private network access to our machines. This means that, even when they are at home, it can feel like they are on our floor (behind the campus firewall). We've even made that work with our single-sign-on configuration so that credentials are automatically retrieved.

Even on our floor, VPN access can be beneficial. The wireless points on our floor are connected to the campus network - not our subnet. This means that access to our servers isn't direct and you run into firewall issues. Using the VPN access bypasses those problems. Therefore, my Mac laptop always has TunnelBlk (the mac Open VPN client) on. And, as a great side benefit, that makes my wireless connection a secure connection even though we don't have secure wireless access points.

Students can read more about how to take advantage of these features by reading about them on the "Equipment Support" website on the cs.ship.edu accounts.

We are working hard to continue to improve our infrastructure. If you have ideas for other changes we should make, please let us know!

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 . . .