Courses

Explore the transformative power of machine learning in this thought-provoking conference talk from GOTO Copenhagen 2018. Delve into Erik Meijer's perspective on how modern computer scientists are embracing "software alchemy" through machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning. Discover the concept of "Software 2.0" or "Learning-based development" and its potential to revolutionize traditional software engineering practices. Learn about the development of new probabilistic frameworks and differentiable programming languages, and how they are reshaping the landscape of software creation. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by mechanically learning code from training data, and understand why this paradigm shift requires a fundamental rethinking of established programming practices.

Explore the foundations of algorithm analysis in this recreated 1969 Stanford lecture by renowned computer scientist Donald Knuth. Delve into the insights of the "Father of Algorithms" as he presents his inaugural Stanford University lecture, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of computer science education. Learn about fundamental concepts in algorithm analysis, gain historical perspective on the field's development, and benefit from Professor Knuth's unparalleled expertise in this 54-minute presentation from 2015.

This course will help you start thinking like a computer scientist. You'll work through instances of a problem and convert mental strategies into algorithms. Through a sequence of scheduling puzzles, you'll explore how different problem constraints lead to different greedy strategies — and when those strategies fail. You'll be introduced to formal tools like loop invariants and counterexamples gradually, to help you build the habits of algorithmic reasoning from the ground up.

Explore a DefCamp 2022 conference talk on combating credential stuffing attacks at Adobe. Delve into Sorin Portase's, Senior Computer Scientist II at Adobe, insights on developing effective strategies to counter botnets and protect user credentials. Gain valuable knowledge about the latest cybersecurity threats and defense mechanisms in this 31-minute presentation from one of Central and Eastern Europe's premier hacking and infosec events. Learn how Adobe tackles the persistent challenge of credential stuffing and discover potential solutions that could revolutionize botnet prevention in the digital landscape.

Explore the visionary insights of Alan Kay, a pioneer in personal computing, as he delves into the future of technology and innovation in this second part of his lecture for Stanford's Startup School. Gain valuable perspectives on inventing groundbreaking tools and improving cognitive processes from a luminary who conceptualized laptops and graphical interfaces long before their widespread adoption. Learn from Kay's extensive experience at influential organizations like XeroxPARC, Apple, HP, and Disney, and discover how his forward-thinking approach has shaped the development of mind-enhancing technologies.

Explore the inner workings of Chat-GPT and delve into crucial AI safety considerations in this thought-provoking TEDx talk by computer scientist Blaine Rogers. Gain insights into the mechanics behind Chat-GPT's functionality and understand the importance of addressing AI safety through technical alignment, interpretability research, and effective AI governance policies. Drawing from his expertise in formal verification, Bayesian statistics, and computer vision, Rogers presents a compelling case for proactive engagement with AI safety measures. Discover the potential implications of AI development and learn about the ongoing efforts to ensure responsible AI implementation in this engaging 16-minute presentation.

Explore the fascinating world of "dancing links" in this Stanford lecture by Professor Emeritus Donald Knuth. Delve into the simple yet effective data-structuring idea and its application to a new class of combinatorial problems called "exact covering with color controls" (XCC). Learn about the basic algorithms and witness their solutions to numerous XCC problems across various applications. Gain insights from Knuth's expertise as he compares this lecture to his 2000 talk on the same subject. Discover the intricacies of exact cover problems, DLX algorithms, and their practical implementations. Benefit from the wisdom of one of computer science's most influential figures, known for his seminal work "The Art of Computer Programming."

Attend a thought-provoking keynote address delivered by Virgilio Almeida at the ACM FAccT '24 conference. Explore cutting-edge insights and perspectives on fairness, accountability, and transparency in computing systems during this 75-minute presentation. Gain valuable knowledge from a leading expert in the field as they discuss critical issues and potential solutions shaping the future of responsible technology development and implementation.

Watch a keynote address delivered by Professor Emerita Susan Eggers at the 2020 Women's Research Day event. Gain insights from the distinguished computer scientist who was awarded the prestigious Eckert-Mauchly Award in 2018 for her groundbreaking work on Simultaneous Multithreading. Learn about her contributions to the field of Computer Science & Engineering during this 36-minute talk, which includes closed captions for accessibility.

Explore the life and career of Shafi Goldwasser, the 2012 ACM Turing Award recipient, in this comprehensive 3-hour interview. Delve into Goldwasser's family background, childhood in Tel Aviv, and educational journey from high school in Israel to Carnegie Mellon University. Gain insights into the influences that shaped her interest in mathematics and computer science, including the impact of encouraging professors and personal experiences. Discover Goldwasser's perspectives on Israeli culture, global politics, and women in STEM fields. Learn about her relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues like Adi Shamir. Understand the challenges she faced as an international student, her decision to defer army service, and her early interest in artificial intelligence. This in-depth conversation offers a unique glimpse into the formative years and experiences of one of computer science's most influential figures.

Explore the concept of "The Live Web" in this JSConf conference talk by Daniel Henry Holmes Ingalls Jr. Discover how drag-and-drop functionality can be implemented in cloud-based environments, revolutionizing web interactions. Gain insights into innovative approaches for creating more dynamic and user-friendly web experiences, as presented by a renowned computer scientist and pioneer in object-oriented programming.

Embark on a transformative journey through the Himalayas with accomplished mountaineer and computer science professional Kuntal Joisher in this inspiring TEDx talk. Discover how a life-changing experience during the devastating 2015 Everest avalanche reshaped Joisher's perspective on life and the universe. Explore the profound insights gained from standing amidst the majestic mountains, where ego dissolves and one's true place in the grand scheme of things becomes clear. Learn about Joisher's unique journey as the first vegan to conquer Mount Everest, and how his experiences have redefined his outlook on life. Gain valuable perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and inspire personal growth through this captivating 16-minute presentation.

Explore a thought-provoking 12-minute TED talk where computer scientist Jennifer Golbeck examines the current state and trajectory of artificial intelligence advancement. Dive into a critical analysis of prominent AI claims, as Golbeck methodically separates genuine technological breakthroughs from exaggerated promises. Learn to distinguish between realistic AI capabilities and overhyped predictions while gaining insights into which developments truly merit attention in the field. Recorded at TEDxMidAtlantic in June 2024, gain a clearer understanding of AI's current limitations and actual potential through an expert's perspective that cuts through industry hyperbole to reveal the authentic state of artificial intelligence progress.

Explore the fascinating connections between twintrees, Baxter permutations, and floorplans in this Stanford lecture by renowned computer scientist Donald Knuth. Delve into three seemingly unrelated concepts that are actually in one-to-one correspondence through beautiful algorithms. Learn about the data structure involving pairs of binary trees introduced by Dulucq and Guibert, the class of permutations introduced by Baxter, and the geometric understanding of rectangle decomposition introduced by Murata, Fujiyoshi, Watanabe, and Kajitani. Discover insights on binary tree insertion, pi mutation, sub-rectangles, canonical forms, and junctions as Professor Knuth, the esteemed author of "The Art of Computer Programming," presents his annual Christmas Tree Lecture.

Explore a thought-provoking TEDx talk that delves into the transformative power of technology and its impact on human destiny. Learn from Abhijit Shukla, a B.Tech graduate with 5 years of experience in banking and finance, as he shares insights from his work on government projects and his vision for financial inclusion. Discover how Shukla aims to bridge the gap between technology and finance, bringing essential financial services to people in tier-2, 3, and 4 cities through innovative mobile applications. Gain perspective on the potential of fintech to disrupt traditional industries and empower underserved populations with financial literacy and confidence. This 25-minute presentation offers a glimpse into the future of technology and its role in shaping human progress, particularly in non-mainstream areas.

Explore the intricate connections between Twintrees, Baxter Permutations, and Floorplans in this Stanford lecture delivered by renowned computer scientist Dr. Don Knuth. Delve into three seemingly unrelated concepts that are, in fact, linked through one-to-one correspondence via three elegant algorithms. Discover the Twintrees data structure introduced by Serge Dulucq and Olivier Guibert in 1998, the class of permutations developed by Glen Baxter in 1964, and the geometric understanding of rectangle decomposition presented by Hiroshi Murata, Kunihiro Fujiyoshi, Tomomi Watanabe, and Yoji Kajitani in 1997. Gain insights from Professor Knuth, the esteemed Professor Emeritus of the Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University, known for his seminal work "The Art of Computer Programming," widely regarded as one of the most significant scientific writings of the century.

Explore the complexities and uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence in this thought-provoking lecture by computer scientist Melanie Mitchell. Delve into the challenges of defining intelligence, the limitations of current AI technologies, and the interdisciplinary approaches needed to advance the field. Examine how AI research intersects with theories of cognition, human learning, and the role of sociality in intelligence. Gain insights into the ethical implications of deploying AI systems without fully understanding their decision-making processes. Discover how research in evolution, neuroscience, and childhood development may hold keys to developing AI with true common sense and thinking abilities. Consider the broader societal impacts of AI advancements and the importance of developing a unifying theoretical framework to guide future progress in the field.

Explore revolutionary proposals for understanding, leveraging, and safeguarding AI in this thought-provoking talk featuring renowned computer scientist and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier, moderated by Brian Greene. Delve into cutting-edge ideas about artificial intelligence, its potential impact, and the importance of responsible development. Gain insights from Lanier's expertise in virtual reality and computer science as he discusses innovative approaches to AI. Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technology, and discover strategies for ensuring its safe and beneficial integration into society. This engaging discussion, part of the Big Ideas Series supported by the John Templeton Foundation, offers a unique perspective on the future of AI and its implications for humanity.

Explore a thought-provoking colloquium lecture where Professor Tim Roughgarden, a distinguished computer scientist from Columbia University and Founding Head of Research at a16z crypto, delves into the concept of Turing-complete blockchain protocols like Ethereum as a "computer in the sky." Learn how these protocols create an open-access, transparent computing environment that operates without centralized ownership or control. Discover the interdisciplinary challenges of building such systems, drawing from distributed computing, cryptography, algorithmic game theory, mechanism design, macroeconomics, finance, and political science. Understand how this technology enables unprecedented digital ownership rights and examine Professor Roughgarden's contributions to the field and their practical applications. The lecture, delivered by an acclaimed academic whose numerous accolades include the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award and the Gödel Prize, offers valuable insights into the intersection of computer science and economics.

Explore the fundamental concepts of invariant theory and its applications in computer science through this lecture by Avi Wigderson from the Institute for Advanced Study. Delve into topics such as linear groups, graph isomorphism, and environment polynomials. Examine algorithms, group actions, and natural actions while understanding the importance of gradients and general theorems. Investigate local minimums, moment polytopes, and their relevance to computational problems. Conclude with a discussion on open problems and future research directions in this fascinating intersection of algebra and computer science.