The field of Geometric Algorithms studies the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms and data structures for geometric problems. These problems arise in a wide range of areas, including robotics, computer graphics, molecular biology, GIS, spatial databases, sensor networks, and machine learning. In addition to the tools developed in computer science, the study of geometric algorithms also requires ideas from various mathematical disciplines, e.g., combinatorics, topology, algebra, and differential geometry.
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the techniques developed in geometric algorithms as well as some of its application areas. The topics covered in the course will include:
The main textbook for this course:
M. de Berg, O. Cheong, M. van Kreveld, and M. Overmars, Computational Geometry: Algorithms and Applications. Springer-Verlag, 3rd ed., 2008.
Assignments: 40% weight
Four assignments will be given during the semester, which each student has to complete individually without searching the material online.
Lecture Scribe: 10% weight
Each student will scribe one lecture.
Research Project: 50% weight
Intended to produce a work of publishable quality, the project should consist of a comprehensive survey on a topic plus new research work. Due on May 2, 2016.