Introduction to efficient algorithm design paradigms and analysis of computational intractability.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
The course is consistently described as hard, requiring significant extra time outside of class. Workload includes challenging homeworks and a stressful final exam that varies in difficulty, with grading often relying on participation or bonus points.
COMPSCI 638 covers selected topics in computing, with content varying by instructor and offering.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Deborah Joseph, Laura Legault, Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau: Reviewers describe the course as generally easy, though one instructor is noted for requiring outside-the-box thinking.
Introduction to computer network architecture, protocols, and performance including TCP, IP, and security.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Paul Barford, Suman Banerjee: Workload includes multiple quizzes and programming assignments, with some reviewers noting a lighter load while others emphasize the need for extensive textbook reading and careful note-taking.
Senior-level introduction to information security covering cryptographic primitives, security protocols, and system security.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Earlence Fernandes, Rahul Chatterjee: Workload varies by instructor, with some describing simple, fun homework and others citing unnecessarily hard coding assignments. Exams are often open-book, but one review warns that OS security topics can be extremely difficult and heavily weighted.
COMPSCI 692 is a senior thesis course involving individual study and research arranged with a faculty member, serving as a continuation of COMPSCI 691.
COMPSCI 736 covers advanced operating system topics such as process communication, fault tolerance, and virtual machines.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Barton Miller: The course requires reading and a single project without tests or quizzes, though Miller enforces high expectations and takes class participation seriously.
COMPSCI 740 covers advanced topics in computer communications networks including congestion control, routing, and network services.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
One review criticizes class management and grading transparency, describing the experience as unfair due to mystery quizzes and exam proctoring issues.
COMPSCI 764 covers the implementation of database management systems, including distributed systems, concurrency control, query execution, and recovery mechanisms.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Alan Halverson: Reviewers suggest self-study via research papers is more effective than attending class, noting the professor explains little beyond the assigned readings.
COMPSCI 787 covers advanced algorithm design and analysis, focusing on randomness, linear programming, and semi-definite programming for optimization and distributed problems.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
The course is mathematically rigorous with heavy proof requirements, though one historical review notes an average workload of two homeworks and one exam under a different instructor.