The discipline of computer science is concerned with the design, development, and characterization of algorithms and their realization as computer programs. However, at Allegheny College there is more to computer science than writing programs. We believe that majoring in computer science promotes the skills normally associated with a liberal arts education -- the abilities to generate and analyze ideas, to think logically, and to communicate with clarity and precision. Consequently, our graduates are prepared for much more than positions as programmers. Some of them have pursued careers as college professors, neurologists, consultants, graphic designers, data managers, Web developers, educational technologists, and presidents of corporations. Inside these Web pages you will learn more about the programs and courses we offer, the opportunities available to our students, and some of their achievements.
Announcements:
Congratulations 2008-2009 ACM Officers
This year's officers:
| Tierney Wirth | President |
| James Devine | Vice President |
| Joe Shaffer | Treasurer |
| Brian Kirklin | Secretary |
Expect to see great things as we finish out the year... We look forward to seeing everyone at the picnic!
April Fools!
Computer Science seniors celebrate turning in thier comps by filling Alden with balloons...
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DNA Sequencing: Algorithms for DNA Replication
Presentedt by: Computer Science Faculty Candidate, Dr. Christopher Taylor
Date: Friday, April 4, 2008
Time: 4:00 pm Alden Hall
Location: Room 101
Lecture Abstract:
We are entering an exciting era of genomic research that is being driven by constantly evolving DNA sequencing technologies. In just the last decade we have witnessed the completion of the human genome sequence (Human Genome Project 2001), nearly 1000 bacterial genomes, and over 165 eukaryotic species. The advent of DNA microarrays has significantly decreased the cost of many resequencing applications and a number of emerging ultra high-throughput sequencing technologies promise to move us ever closer to the much sought-after $1,000 genome.
This talk will present recent work using DNA microarray technology that investigates human DNA replication timing. The focus will be on algorithms developed to classify, visualize, and simulate the process of DNA replication and its timing. Due to the sheer size of the full human genome, efficiency of our algorithms are a paramount concern in terms of both time-complexity and memory requirements.
The Computational challenges involved with anticipated ultra high-throughout sequencing technologies provide an ideal realm for future research which can build on the same algorithmic techniques we use to analyze and process microarray data.
