Logistics

Last updated: Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:16:52 -0500

This page lists the websites and tools we’ll use in the course.

1 Web Browser

This website you are reading is the primary course website.

It frequently uses math notation, especially for the HW assignments, which requires a JS math library (MathJax) to render. Thus, to view the course content, you will need a modern web browser with JavaScript enabled.

If you can see the following, you’re all set: \mathcal{CS}{\large 420}

2 Blackboard

Here is the link to UMB’s Blackboard page.

For security, Zoom links for this course are only available via Blackboard.

Otherwise, Blackboard will only be used sporadically.

3 Discussion Board

We will primarily use Piazza to communicate outside of lecture.

Also, on Discord, there is a #cs420 channel on the UMB Server (but it won’t be checked as often).

4 Gradescope

Here is the Gradescope page for this course.

Homework and quizzes are submitted and graded via Gradescope.

See also Homework Submission Policy.

5 Zoom

Office hours will sometimes use Zoom.

For security reasons, the University requires accessing Zoom rooms via Blackboard.

6 Google Apps

I’ll occasionally use UMB’s Google Apps Suite to administer surveys.

These may be accessed by entering your full umb.edu email into the Google sign-in box. (You may need to sign out of other accounts first, or open the link in an incognito window.)

7 JFLAP

JFLAP is an application for experimenting with FSMs and other models of computation.

It’s not required for the course, but you may find it useful (use version 7.x).

The course staff may occasionally use it present ideas in class.

8 LaTeX

LaTeX is typesetting software that is particularly useful for writing documents that include math (such as the homework assignments).

It’s not required but illegible homework will not be accepted so it is recommended that you install LateX and learn to use it.