This course examines how mathematics has influenced computer science, and how computer science has influenced mathematics. It covers a range of topics which sit at the intersection of mathematics and computer science, such as encryption, randomness, computational geometry, fractals, prime numbers, numerical methods, image processing, and simulations. Most topics are approached through developing static and animated visualizations of mathematical concepts.
Prerequisites:
CSE 271 and (MTH 231 or MTH 331)
Topics vary by semester, but will typically include several of the following:
Encryption algorithms
Image processing
Mandelbrot and Julia Set fractals
Algorithmic complexity
Complex numbers
Computational geometry
Prime numbers
Infinity
Vectors
Matrices
Buffon’s needle problem
Monte Carlo Simulations
Monte Carlo Integration
Numerical analysis
Newton's method
Random number generators
Perlin noise
Random walks
L-Systems
Learning Outcomes:
Summarize and explain historical and current topics in which mathematics has influenced the development of computer science.
Summarize and explain historical and current topics in which computer science has influenced the development of mathematics.
Solve mathematical problems in a variety of domains related to computer science (such as number theory, numerical methods, random numbers, computational geometry, vector operations, and complex numbers).
Write computer programs to create static and animated visualizations of mathematical concepts.
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
