The CSCI 351 Syllabus serves to set forth what is expected during the semester from the instructor and the students and to guide the behaviors of both parties. More specifically, this syllabus delineates the responsibilities of students and of the instructor for various tasks, including attendance, assignments, examinations, and other requirements. It also describes appropriate procedures and course policies so that both students and the instructor know ahead of time how certain potential occurrences---such as missing an exam or submitting a late assignment---will be handled.1,2
This course presents the theoretical foundations of parallel computing and an overview of several parallel computing models. It exposes students to current parallel programming models and systems through projects and teaches students the ability to determine the most appropriate model for a given task.
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119.
Students are REQUIRED to have access to the textbook, An Introduction to Parallel Programming by Peter S. Pacheco. This course is based on the first edition of the book, thus, it is RECOMMENDED that students acquire this edition.
class meeting : A meeting scheduled during the time slot assigned to the course and during the university approved academic calendar for the relevant semester. Such meetings will normally take place in the assigned classroom and simultaneously via Zoom, however, they MAY occur elsewhere.
excused absence : An absence from a scheduled class meeting with prior permission from the instructor. In the event that prior permission cannot be obtained, the student MUST notify the instructor of the reason for the absence as soon as reasonably possible. Reasons for missing a class meeting that qualify as excused include, but are not limited to, documented illness, death in your family, varsity athletic events (MUST NOT be practices), or other performances.
unexcused absence : An absence that is not excused.
original work : An original work is one not received from others nor one copied from or based upon the work of others.
closed book : The book and any accompanying materials MUST NOT be used.
open note : A single 8.5" x 11" piece of paper, front and back with nothing attached MAY be used.
Attendance is REQUIRED at all class meetings. Each unexcused absence MAY result in a 1% reduction in the final grade for the course. Students who have more than three unexcused absences MAY receive a failing grade for the course. Habitual lateness in attending class meetings MAY be treated as unexcused absence.
I welcome emails and Outlook meeting invitations from students. However, you SHOULD use the following guidelines when sending either to me:
- start the subject line with CS351, CS 351, CSCI351, or CSCI 351
- provide a concise description in subject line
- use a salutation like, "Good afternoon Prof. Iverson" or just "Prof. Iverson"
- conclude your message with a signature like, "Sincerely, Jeremy" or even as simple as just "Jeremy", to indicate who the message is from
- use standard punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar
If you fail to incorporate any of the above suggestions when corresponding with me via email or meeting invitations, then I MAY NOT respond in a timely manner, or for grievous infractions, at all.
Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate in-class and online. Each of us must show respect for each other because our class represents a diversity of beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. It is this breadth of perspectives that will enrich all of our experiences together. Our individual differences will deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us, rather than divide us. In this class, people of all ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities are strongly encouraged to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences. If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from our classroom community or if you have a specific need, please speak with me early in the semester so that we can work together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community. (Adapted from Humbolt State University and Winona State University)
Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Furthermore, please notify the instructor if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable them to provide any resources that they may have. (From Sara Goldrick-Rab)
Students needing special accommodations or who have special needs are invited to share this information with the instructor as early as possible.
Work must be completed in a manner consistent with the College of Saint Benedict's & Saint John's University's codes for academic honesty. All outside work and/or ideas used in any part of this course must be properly attributed; all forms of plagiarism including — but not limited to — copying the ideas and the written and/or spoken words of others and copying or annexing computer files from other people are strictly prohibited. All acts of plagiarism, cheating, or other academic misconduct are considered forms of academic dishonesty and are strictly prohibited. Such instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate personnel and officials. Please refer to the most recent version of the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University's Academic Catalog for further relevant information and guidelines on this matter.
This is a challenging course and exposes students to several new algorithmic concepts and programming environments in a relatively short amount of time. Students are strongly encouraged to seek help from the instructor on course material when needed. Please contact me during office hours or by appointment to discuss a homework problem or any aspect of the course.