John Thornton's Teaching

Teaching

I have been teaching computing subjects at Griffith University since 1994. During this time I have lectured and convened a wide variety of courses mainly in the domains of artificial intelligence, database systems (particularly the relational model with practical applications in Oracle), programming languages (advanced C, C++, Prolog and Java), and data structures and algorithms. I have also diversified by developing a course looking at the social and historical context of information technology (see Foundations of Computing and Communication below).

Semester I, 2007:

Foundations of Computing and Communication (1004ICT): This is an undergraduate first year core course that takes a broader look at the historical and social context of information technology. It is particularly designed to develop communication skills and to promote a more informed and critical understanding of the costs and benefits of IT in the modern world. As of 2005 the subject has been taught in cross-campus mode, with David Tuffley convening the Nathan offering. For more details see the Foundations of Computing and Communication website.

Machine Learning and Perception (3511ICT): This is an undergraduate third year elective course that examines the key concepts and technologies used in the machine learning domain, including concept learning, Bayesian learning, decision tree learning, statistical learning and validation, and artificial neural networks. The course builds upon material introduced in the second year elective Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (2508ICT) and is run in cross-campus mode with Phil Sheridan convening the Nathan and Logan offerings. For more details see the course outline.

Research Methods and Presentation (6201INT) and Scientific Research Methods (7020INT): This subject is offered to both Honours level (6201INT) and Masters level (7020INT) students and provides a thorough introduction to the process of conducting research in the broad area of computer-related research. There is particular emphasis on the process of conducting a literature review, devising and refining an adequate research question, testing and validation via experimentation, and writing up and presenting a thesis. For more details see the course outline.

Honours Dissertation (6207INT): I am the convenor of the Gold Coast BIT Honours program and I also convene the dissertation component of the degree. This is a 40CP subject that comprises 50% of the honours degree, generally split over two semesters. The first semester culminates in a written research proposal and seminar (10CP) and the second semester culminates in the final research dissertation and seminar (30CP). For more details see the course outline.

Constraint Satisfaction and Over-Constrained Problems (6209INT): This honours level elective course covers the basic theory and practice of constraint satisfaction with particular reference to my own research area of local search techniques. It is designed as an introduction to the area for those interested in advanced problem solving techniques and as a preparation for further research in the area. For more details see the course outline.