Syllabus for Error correcting codes, Spring 2001-2

We will discuss bounds, Shannon's theorem, and examples of specific codes (Golay, LDPC, Hamming codes, ...).

Two papers due: one biography, one math paper (with at least one proof).

Computer projects: assigned MAPLE, GAP, MAGMA projects.

Homework: assigned.

Final draft of project due: April 19.
Presentations: Last week of class

Tests, quizzes: announced in class.

There will be a final exam.

Text: Applied abstract algebra notes by D. Joyner, R. Kreminski, J. Turisco

Online course notes: AAA.

Talks of interest:

  1. Feb 25, Toni Bluher, NSA
  2. April 22, David Hamer
  3. April 25, Carl Pomerance, Bell Labs
Policy statement for SM486, Spring 2001-2002
Prof. David Joyner
Office: Ch. 328
Phone: X36738, email: wdj@usna.edu
Office Hours: Wed 2nd period, F 2nd period (Math lab).

Assigned homework will be due at 6 week, 12 week, and 16 weeks. Late homework will be penalized 10 percent. Any help you receive on the homework you hand in must be clearly indicated. There are computer projects due along with the homework. They should be treated like homework. The last homework set is due the last day of class and no class work can be turned in after that. There will be a paper due which will be also presented in class. It will be due the day of the final. Grading formulas:

final grade=(.1)F+(.05)T+(.05)Q+(.2)H+(.2)CP+(.25)P+(0.05)B,

where T is the test average, Q is the quiz average, F is the final exam, H is the homework, CP is the computer projects, B is the biography, and P is the final project (.2 for the project and 0.05 for the presentation). The 6- and 12-week grades will be pro-rated.

Downloading GAP 4.3 (including share packages and all documentation) for windows: go to the web page installing gap 4.3 for windows

David Joyner last modified 4-4-2003