ART 4806 sec 2/4223 sec 2/3222C sec1 and ENG 4930 sec.2  
Videofish: TV Worth Catching

Spring04
TR 3:30-5:50 Location: FAH 279


Instructor: Prof. Robin R. Murphy (Computer Science), Prof. Hasan Elahi (Visual Arts), Dr. Bill Kearns (Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute)
John Peterson, TA


Course Objectives

This is the second semester of a two-semester Engineering/Arts Collaborative Project course focusing on "fins-on" multidisplinary research and development of videofish: underwater robots with video monitor "skins." Students working in small multidisciplinary teams will design, build, program, and evaluate ichthyologic automata for underwater art, floating displays in public aquariums, and the study of biological effects (mimicry and communication with other fish via color and patterns, camouflage, etc). In Fall Semester, students went through a series of guided labs to develop hands-on skills in soldering, simple programming, and physical properties and will gain an understanding of design from the engineering and arts perspectives. By the end of the Fall semester students constructed and programmed the basic components of a submersible robot and completed a video art project.

In the Spring, students will work as a single team to propose, design, build, and show a unique videofish. The team will have a materials budget of ~$3,000 through the Engineering/Arts grant.

The course is open only to those who participated in the Fall semester. The course is intended for seniors (and advanced juniors) in engineering, computer science, and visual arts who want to apply what they've learned to a large project; learn about new ways of thinking and different viewpoints on technology, design, and evaluation; and learn more about teamwork and project management. Students are expected to enroll for both semesters unless previous arrangements are made. Grading is based primarily on skill-development workshops and the final projects.

By the end of the Fall Semester, the student developed the following skills:

By the end of the Spring semester, the student should be able to:


Attendance Policy

Attendance is required. You will be responsible for material presented in class and changes in assignments. Please note that this is not a web-based instruction course: announcements in class supercede material posted on the web, and http://my.usf.edu is the course repository.

Grading Policy


 
number % total grade
Performance review of V1.0 1 10
Performance review of V2.0 1 10
Final paper 1 10
attendance 1 10
evaluation 2 (15) 30
Peer evaluation 2 (15) 30

 

There is no final exam, but a final paper on the lessons learned from the experience will be due electronically no later than the date and time of the regularly scheduled final.

Academic dishonesty All aspects of the USF and CSE policies on academic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. Cheating on a test, pop test, or laboratory will result in immediate removal from the class roll and an "FF" for the course.


Dates of scheduled exams, course outline including assignments and dates due

Click here for the syllabus and due dates of deliverables.


Notice of non-permission to sell notes or tapes of class lectures

All lecture and laboratory material is copyrighted. You may make notes and tapes of the lectures for your own use only.  

Required textbook or materials

There are no required books for this course; however students will have to supply a personal toolkit (pliers, screwdrivers, etc.). A list of tools will be provided- the cost is not expected to exceed $50. Suggested references are:

Policy on Missed Work

If you miss work: Material missed due to recognized absences (illness with doctor's excuse, death in the family) can be made up for full credit. Late material is accepted solely at the discretion of the instructor, assuming that at least 1 class period's prior notice was given. 


Reminder to student who anticipate being absent from class due to religious observances

Student who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the observation of a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second class meeting.