The computer science laboratory is a
flexible multi-use space where computer science students and
professors can find the equipment and room to build things,
do experiments, develop systems, or just hang out.
Typical uses include:
System
Administration Laboratory
We give each student a working system. Then a
professor breaks in and vandalizes each system in a
different way. The student must repair the system and
get it working again.
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Robot Building
Each team of two students is given a micro-processor board
and various sensors. They choose their own robot body
from examples like a remote controlled car or person
carrying scooter. The team constructs a robot from
these parts. This activity can take an entire
semester.
Robot Programming
Each team of two students gets a small pre-built robot.
They must program the robot to navigate on a table top
without falling off. Any bug in their program causes
the robot to crash to the floor (and brings a professor over
quickly).
Video Game Programming
A small group of students is working on a video game.
They will typically have the video game world drawn on large
papers scattered around while coding their world. Loud
explosion noises and background music dominate the room.
Experiments
This is one of several places we have for computer
experiments. Each experimental group can have a space
to themselves where they work. The room itself is
filled with posters announcing the results of past
experimental groups. Experiments have included
measuring the performance of computer systems under various
loads, creating new forms of life using various artificial
intelligence techniques, and using computers to write
original music. Many such teams go on to give
conference presentations at regional and national
conferences.
Hanging Out
This is a nice place to go between classes. There will
almost always be other students to talk with, and
occasionally a movie or cartoon will be playing.
Art Competition
For some reason an art competition has become a tradition in
the lab. Students doodle on the chalkboard, professors
avoid using that part of the chalk board, and the best
doodle wins. Some of the art is quite sophisticated
(for chalk board art).Equipment
Equipment varies with needs, but is
always kept up-to-date. Currently it includes:
- 30 up-to-date workstations
- 2 video game workstations with
specialized graphics cards, controllers (i.e. car
steering wheel, joystick, etc.) and 3D Game Studio
- 16 Robots
- 36 Network Jacks (plus wireless)
- DVD and VCR players, Overhead
Projector, Sound System, and furniture for your lounging
pleasure.
Computer Labs
Linux Lab | NERL Lab | BREVE-Cluster | CAT-Cluster |
