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Course Description and Goals

Images bring meaning to our world. They are used to document, to inform, to entertain, and to influence, among other applications. Control over images is linked to power in each of these contexts.

Most images today are processed by computer at some point or another. This course will examine a variety of basic deterministic image processing techniques, exploring implementation, applications, and the ethics of their use.

Student Responsibilities

Successful learning is best motivated from within! The most important thing you can bring to the course is your engagement and genuine interest in exploration and discovery. Building a personal connection between professor and student, and from student to student, is also crucial. The people in this course are the ones who will help you succeed, and see you through to the end.

Students will be responsible for weekly or bi-weekly assignments related to the current topic. As this is a four-credit course meeting for three hours per week, students should expect to spend approximately nine hours outside of class on readings and assignments. The course will conclude with a final project.

Instructor Responsibilities

As a professor, I aim to create an environment that is welcoming for all and as equitable as I can make it. My responsibilities to you center around ensuring that every student in my class has access to the full range of learning opportunities in this course. It is natural that needs may vary widely. If a particular aspect of the course isn't meeting your needs, or if there is anything I can do to better accommodate your learning, I would appreciate your feedback so that we can make the necessary adjustments. Certain accommodations require registration with Smith's Office of Disability Services; others can be implemented immediately.

Course Materials

Recommended text: Digital Image Processing, 4th Edition, by Rafael C. Gonzalez

Collaboration

Collaboration and discussion are encouraged in this course, because they promote the growth of knowledge. You are responsible for your own learning. All work submitted under your name must accurately reflect your own understanding and not that of someone else.

As a matter of fairness, you should properly credit ideas that originated with someone else, whether from a classmate or from a text or other resource. Please cite the sources of your ideas on homework and projects. When in doubt, err on the side of including a citation, and consult the professor if you think you might be in danger of leaning too heavily on a source. You may choose to follow either the ACM or IEEE citation styles.

Electronic Device Policy

Used properly computers can serve as a learning tool. Students should bring a laptop to class if possible for use during lab activities. Many students also like to use their laptops to take notes, and perhaps to follow along during in-class demonstrations.

On the other hand, cell phones and at times laptops themselves can also serve as a source of distraction. Studies also show that the act of making handwritten notes brings cognitive benefits not seen with typing. Students are asked to be responsible in their use of electronic devices during class, and to ensure that they do not detract from their own educational experience or that of their fellow students. Activities such as email, text/chat, online shopping, etc. are not welcome during class time.

Grading

In most classes we will do lab activities to practice skills and build intuition. These may be ungraded in some cases. In others, you will be asked to turn in results as part of the next homework assignment.

Normally, homework submitted late will receive no credit. However, students may take some extensions on a limited basis by adhering to the extension policy. Extensions that have not been properly requested will result in assignments considered late and receiving no credit.

Students may also wish to view the instructor's policy for computing averaged grades.

A simple rubric guides the assignment of homework grades. Work that is incomplete or does not run due to errors will receive a low grade, possibly failing.

Course Details

Professor:
Nick Howe
nhowe@smith.edu
Office hours
Teaching Assistant
Meetings:
Lecture: 1:40-2:55 PM Mondays & 1:20-2:35 PM Wednesdays, Ford 241
TA Hours:
  • Sundays 7-9 PM
  • Tuesdays 7-9 PM
  • Thursdays 7-9 PM

Additional Considerations

Please read the list of frequently asked questions.

I strive to make this course welcoming to all. Mindful that privilege can leave blind spots, I humbly ask your help in realizing this goal if and when I might fall short. Feedback is always appreciated.