ITS102.1: Nanotechnology: Fact and Fiction
Gary Halada, Materials Science
Gary.Halada@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 11:20am-12:15pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Nanotechnology is the research, design and manufacture of functional materials or devices which rely on the unique properties materials have at a size scale of a few billionths to a few tenths of a millionth of a meter. Nanotechnology has not only begun to open new doors for engineering solutions, but has also been a major plot device for science fiction over the last thirty or so years. We will examine nanotechnology from the point of view of science fiction, and contrast that with the science, technology, risks and promise of nanotech research today.
ITS102.2: The Bionic Engineer
Gary Halada, Materials Science
Gary.Halada@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 11:20am-12:15pm
Location: Irving College Lounge
This seminar course will explore the role of nature-inspired engineering design in solving problems and developing solutions to the development of new devices, products and materials. In addition, we will explore the concept of biodiversity, its importance, and how the natural design space presented by diverse ecosystems around the world can provide solutions to many of the challenging issues facing our society today. This in turn will help us to see how engineering design presents yet another compelling reason for preserving biodiversity.
ITS102.3: Molecular Modeling for Scientists and Engineers
Dilip Gersappe, Materials Science
Dilip.Gersappe@stonybrook.edu
Day: F 10:40am-11:35am
Location: Engineering 236A
This course will deal with the use of computers and computational methods to solve problems in different science and engineering disciplines. Special emphasis will be placed on Biological problems and Materials problems.
ITS102.4: Modern Applications for Classical Materials Science
Charles Fortmann, Materials Science
Charles.Fortmann@stonybrook.edu
Day: M 10:40am-11:35am
Location: Irving College Lounge
Description TBA
ITS102.5: Nanomedicine
Molly Frame, Biomedical
Mary.Frame@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 3:50pm-4:45pm
Location: TBA
Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology have made major medical breakthroughs. They have been possible because scientists with vastly divergent areas of expertise have worked together in a cooperative and integrative manner. The challenge new scientists face is to communicate effectively with those of varied disciplines, both teaching their expertise, and learning that of others. This course both explores the fundamental nano-science behind these breakthroughs, and examines the communication challenges we all face to foster further scientific discovery at the nano-scale.
ITS102.6: Computer Graphics in Movie and Games
Xianfeng Gu, Computer Science
Xianfeng.Gu@stonybrook.edu
Day: W 10:40am-11:35am
Location: Irving College Lounge
Computer graphics is a fascinating field in computer science, which has broad applications in game industry, movie industry, digital media and many other engineering fields. We will introduce the foundamental priniciples of computer grpahics, including geometric modeling, efficient rendering, animation and interaction. The basic theoretic background in geometry, linear algebra and physics will be briefly introduced. The major data structures, algorithms and design methods of general computer games will be covered.
ITS102.7: Serious Games
Lori Scarlatos, Technology and Society
Lori.Scarlatos@stonybrook.edu
Day: W 2:20pm-3:15pm
Location: Computer Science 2205
Today's games are not just child's play. With their immersive environments, engaging activities, and social networks, games have the potential to influence large audiences in the 21st century the way that motion pictures did in the 20th century. Serious games are designed to inform, educate, persuade, train, test hypotheses, and build communities. This seminar will explore emerging technologies and trends in serious games, and give students the opportunity to design their own serious games.
ITS102.8: The 'Scientific' Theory for Designing a High School Mathematics Graduation Test
Alan Tucker, Applied Math
Alan.Tucker@stonybrook.edu
Day: M 12:50pm-1:45pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
The seminar will examine the issues involved in developing a high school mathematics graduation test. We will look at test design flaws which led to the 2003 New York Math A graduation test having such a high failure rate. The No Child Left Behind Act requires schools to have 10% more students achieve passing scores each year, with serious consequences if this objective is not met for two years in a row. This raises the question of how to design tests so that a passing score is of exactly the same difficulty in successive years.
ITS102.9: The Mathematics of Genetics
Steven Finch, Applied Math
Stephen.Finch@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 3:50pm-4:45pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Historically, mathematical statistics was developed to deal with the problems of genetic research. This course will present the mathematical models that were used originally. We will then present the techniques that were developed (specifically maximum likelihood estimation and tests of hypotheses). We will then discuss their extension to modern genetic association studies.
ITS102.10: Life 2.0: Defining a New Biology with Computers and Engineering
David Green, Applied Math
David.Green@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 11:20am-12:15pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Biology has traditionally been largely a descriptive science, differing in many ways from the quantitative nature of physics and engineering. However, great advances in biology, including the successful sequencing of the human genome, have led us to the threshold of a new approach to biology. In this "new" biology, computer models of complex biology systems are combined with advanced biological experiments to create an unprecedented level of understanding. As quantitative models are defined, we also become able to apply the principles of engineering to design new systems. In this course we will discuss some of the key successes that have been made in the recent past, as well as the major challenges that are open to be solved, in fields including: protein engineering and synthetic biology. We will also discuss the challenges of bridging traditionally separate fields, and how to become effectively "multidisciplinary".
ITS102.11: How to Design Better User Interfaces
Rong Zhao, Computer Science
Rong.Zhao@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 9:50am-10:45am
Location: Irving College Lounge
This course will offer an introduction to the design and development of software user interfaces. Topics to be discussed in this course include: how to design high-quality user interface for desktop, Web-based, and mobile/handheld software applications; common mistakes that we make when designing software user interfaces; simple guidelines and principles of human computer interaction (HCI) and user interface design; major interaction styles such as graphical user interface (GUI), command language interface, and natural language interface; interaction devices used in various application areas; and fundamental Web interface development techniques.
ITS102.12: What Computers Cannot Do
Theodosios Pavlidis, Computer Science
Theodosios.Pavlidis@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 2:20pm-3:40pm
Location: Irving College Lounge
We discuss the limitations of computers and how such limitations are used in modern technology. Modern cryptography is based on limitations that are common in both humans and computers. On the other hand CAPTCHA (the strange letters you are asked to read when you visit certain web sites) is based on computer limitations that are not shared by humans. We will pay particular attention to the question why some things that are easy for humans are very hard for computers.
Note: This class does not start meeting until Tuesday, February 26th, 2008.
ITS102.13: Computer Problems: How to Solve Them
Annie Liu, Computer Science
Michael.Tashbook@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 12:50pm-1:45pm
Location: Irving College Lounge
This course introduces students to a number of well-known interesting problems in computer science, their applications, and solutions. In addition to presenting the solutions, we will introduce the basic ideas underlying a general method for developing efficient solutions to many problems. Previous experience with computer programming or problem solving is not required.
ITS102.14: Carbon Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Applications
Balaji Sitharaman, Biomedical Engineering
Balaji.Sitharaman@stonybrook.edu
Day: F 12:50pm-1:45pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Description TBA
ITS102.15: Opportunities in Science and Engineering
Tom Robertazzi, Electrical Engineering
Thomas.Robertazzi@stonybrook.edu
Day: M 2:20pm-3:15pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
A look at career possibilities in different science and engineering disciplines. Faculty and student speakers from a number of different departments will touch on what their degrees offer, what's it like to work in their field and career prospects. Also some discussion of ethics and entrepreneurship.
ITS102.16: Visualize This!
Klaus Mueller, Computer Science
Klaus.Mueller@stonybrook.edu
Day: W 3:50pm-4:45pm
Location: Irving College Lounge
Over 50% of the brain is dedicated to the processing of visual information, including the abstract visual representation of non-visual concepts. Visualization is the gateway to deeper and more complex structures in the brain, such as those dedicated to reasoning and creative problem solving, which are still hard to replicate on machines. This seminar will give an overview of the effective use of visualization in fields as diverse as medicine, science, engineering, biology, and business. It will also investigate, in simple terms and highly visual, some of the specific graphics algorithmic techniques and concepts in use, and it will discuss what's behind today's popular graphics boards and how they can be used in more "serious" applications. Finally, it will explore issues in human visual perception, computer vision, and the physics of image generation.
ITS102.17: Marvels and Perils of Engineering Systems Design and Their Societal Impact
Imin Kao, Mechanical Engineering
Imin.Kao@stonybrook.edu
Day: F 9:35am-10:30am
Location: Irving College Lounge
This ITS102 class will be a linking seminar with MEC102 in Spring 2008. Students who are taking this ITS102 must be enrolled in MEC102 at the same time. In this ITS102 course, students will have an opportunity to put what they have learned in MEC102 “Engineering Problem Solving” into practice by doing analysis and conducting research in the field of energy and technology. Issues and case studies including topics in Energy and Technology pertaining to: environment, daily life, transportation, power plant, energy production, energy consumption, reserve on earth, drinking water, biosystem, biodiversity, etc. Students are expected to produce a video podcast presentation, as their term project, to document and present their work and findings on a chosen topic.
Note: This class is a corequisite with MEC 102.
ITS102.18: Optics,Lasers, and Mechanical Engineering
Fu-Pen Chiang, Mechanical Engineering
Fu-Pen.Chiang@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 3:50pm-5:50pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
This seminar introduces the concepts of polarized light,(linearly polarizes, circularly polarized and elliptically polarized light) and its application to stress analysis of structures. Stress distribution can be visualized as colorful fringes called isochromatics. Examples of application include demonstrations of the possible failure mechanism of levee breakdown in New Orleans, bridge collapse in Minneapolis, The approach of using moire fringes or gratings for 3-dimensional shape measurement will be introduced. Laser techniques of holographic interferometry and speckle photography for measuring static and vibrational responses of small devices(such as electronic chips) and large structures(such aircraft and submarine) will be presented.
Note: This class is a corequisite with MEC 102.
Note2: This class meets for 2 hours a week for the first 7 weeks of the semester.
ITS102.19: Nanotribology
Chad Korach, Mechanical Engineering
Chad.Korach@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 9:50am-10:45am
Location: Irving College Lounge
Inherent with surfaces there exists multiple length scales associated with the topography and properties. The science of tribology, the study of friction, wear, and lubrication has applications in manufacturing processes, sensors, biological systems, chemistry, and surface physics. Alteration of surface materials and topography at the nanoscale falls under the sub-topic of nanotribology which this seminar will address, and has applicability to systems where nanoscale surface interactions are of a greater concern. The seminar will discuss the basics of nanotribology, the fractal nature of surfaces, techniques for measuring nanotribological properties, and application examples.
ITS102.20: Societal Impact of Nanotechnology
David Ferguson, Technology and Society
David.Ferguson@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 9:50am-10:45am
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
This course will focus on the applications and societal implications of nanotechnology. After a brief introduction to research in nanotechnology (applied science and technology at the molecular level), attention will turn to the myriad of potential applications of nanotechnology. Special consideration will be given to scientific, social, political, economic, behavioral, legal and ethical aspects of the development and applications of nanotechnology.
ITS102.21: From Microelectronics to Nanoelectronics
Ridha Kamoua, Electrical Engineering
Ridha.Kamoua@stonybrook.edu
Day: TH 9:50am-10:45am
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Since the early days of microelectronics, there was a drive to build more complex and faster circuits and systems in a chip. According to the well known Moore’s Law, circuit complexity (roughly the number of transistors) and computer performance doubles every 24 months. This has been achieved mainly by scaling down the dimensions of the building blocks (MOS transistors) from several microns to less than 0.1 mm or 100 nm (nanometer) at present. At this scale, new physical effects start to manifest themselves and change the behavior of conventional devices. In addition, completely novel nanoscale devices are being proposed that could hasten the transition from microelectronics to nanoelectronics. This course will give a general overview of microelectronics and introduce few of the novel nanoscale devices being pursued.
ITS102.22: Modern Communication Systems
Monica Fernandez-Bugallo, Electrical Engineering
Monica.Fernandez-Bugallo@stonybrook.edu
Day: M 11:45am-12:40pm
Location: Light Engineering 152
The modern telecommunication age is here. We live in a world of cordless phones, electronic mail (e-mail), mobile telephones, cable TV, satellite TV, inexpensive long-distance, national and international communications via fiber optic cables and satellites, personal computers (PC), data communications networks, and intelligent telecommunication systems. This rapidly advancing field of science and technology will continue to have an immense impact on human, social, and industrial life in the foreseeable future. The emphasis of this course is placed on fundamental principles and understanding of some of these modern communications systems including cellular systems and the Internet.
ITS102.23: Wireless Sensor Networks and Their Impact on Future Industries and the Way We Live
Peter Djuric, Electrical Engineering
Petar.Djuric@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 2:20pm-3:15pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
In recent years wireless sensor networks have become an integral part of many industries. These networks are composed of inexpensive tiny low-power devices that communicate across short distances while performing measurements of events of interest and extracting globally meaningful information from them. The sensors in the networks can sense various physical properties of an observed system including temperature, vibration, pressure, speed, and electromagnetic signals. They already have significant impact on the way we live, work and interact with the physical environment. In this course, the basics of wireless sensor networks are addressed and their importance to today’s and future industries is examined. Glimpses of the future of how wireless sensor networks will affect our lives are also provided
ITS102.24: Microchip Technology
Milutin Stanacevic, Electrical Engineering
Milutin.Stanacevic@stonybrook.edu
Day: W 2:20pm-3:15pm
Location: O’Neill College Lounge
Modern computers perform computation using high precision, high speed digital processors. On the other hand, brain uses imprecise components operating on time scales on the order of milliseconds. We will discuss the concepts of neuromorphic engineering hardware that explores these differences. We will present examples of artificial neural systems, such as vision systems, auditory processors, and autonomous robots, whose physical architecture and design principles are based on those of biological nervous systems.
ITS102.25: Engineering and Diversity: : What’s the Connection?
Michelle Nearon, Mechanical Engineering
Michelle.Nearon@stonybrook.edu
Day: TU 11:20am-12:15pm
Location: Library S1410D
Theodore Von Karman once said," Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was." Is that creativity in any way suppressed when we fail to embrace and celebrate the richness of diversity contained within each individual? Is there a connection between life experiences and creativity? What are some of the stereotypes of engineers in the US compared to other countries? Have these stereotypes impeded innovative technological developments? These and other questions focusing on the connection between engineering and diversity will be explored in a fun, relaxing, positive environment. While being introduced to the exciting and rewarding engineering profession, students will have an opportunity to explore their cultural similarities and differences.
