Freshman and Sophomore Programs

Great Ideas in Computer Science Instructor(s): Mehran Sahami Prerequisites: Prerequisite: High School mathmatics
Computers have come to permeate many aspects of our lives, from how we communicate with each other to how we produce and consume information. And while it is all too easy to mistake computer science as simply a matter of “programming,” the intellectual foundations of the field go much deeper. Indeed, beneath the surface of the applications we use, the social networks we engage in, and the web of information we search, lays a field rich with fascinating, intellectually exciting, and sometimes unexpectedly surprising ideas. In this seminar, we will explore several of the great ideas in computer science, looking at both challenging problems and their impact on real applications. From understanding how search engines on the Web work to looking at mathematical theories underlying social networks, from questioning whether a computer can be intelligent to analyzing the notion of what is even possible to compute, this seminar will take us on a series of intellectual excursions that will change the way you look at computers. No prior experience with computer science or programming is required, but a high-school mathematics background, an interest in problem solving, and a healthy curiosity will go a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable experience. Students will work in small groups to research topics in computer science they find most interesting. The course will also leverage Stanford’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley by conducting field trips to local companies and institutions.

Mehran Sahami is an associate professor in computer science and the department’s associate chair for education. Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, he was a Senior Research Scientist at Google (where he continues to hold a consulting appointment and still occasionally eats a free lunch). He has published numerous technical papers on a variety of topics including web search, recommendation engines in social networks, and methods for automatically filtering spam email. His research has resulted in over 20 patent filings and has been deployed in several commercial applications. An award-winning instructor, he enjoys teaching a variety of courses in computer science. And for all the advances in computing, he wonders why his computer still doesn’t help him change his children’s diapers.