Buy Knowledge Based Systems (ICS 2405) and learn more about the design and implementation of systems that use knowledge representation, reasoning, and inference techniques to solve complex problems, including expert systems, rule-based systems, and AI applications.

Program structure refers to the organization and arrangement of various components within a software application or system. It defines how the program's elements, such as functions, modules, classes, and data structures, are organized and interact with each other. A well-structured program enhances readability, maintainability, and scalability by dividing complex tasks into smaller, manageable units. It also ensures efficient collaboration among developers, clearer documentation, and easier debugging. The structure can vary depending on the programming paradigm used, such as procedural, object-oriented, or functional programming, but its primary goal is to ensure that the program is logical, efficient, and easy to understand.

A review of pointers and memory allocation covers fundamental concepts in programming related to managing memory in a computer's RAM. Pointers are variables that store memory addresses, allowing indirect access to other variables. Understanding how to allocate and deallocate memory is essential for efficient resource management, especially in languages like C and C++. Memory allocation can be static (predefined at compile time) or dynamic (requested during runtime using functions like malloc and free). Proper memory allocation ensures that programs run efficiently, while improper handling can lead to issues like memory leaks and segmentation faults. This topic emphasizes pointer arithmetic, dereferencing, and techniques to ensure memory is correctly managed and freed when no longer needed.

Shells are command-line interfaces that allow users to interact with the operating system by typing commands. These commands can range from simple file manipulation to complex program execution. Scripting, on the other hand, involves writing a series of commands in a script file to automate tasks, streamline workflows, or execute repetitive actions. Shell scripting uses specialized languages such as Bash or PowerShell, enabling users to automate processes, manage system operations, and interact with programs efficiently. Understanding shells and scripting is essential for system administration, software development, and automating various computing tasks.

Introduction to UNIX systems programming involves learning how to interact with and develop software within the UNIX operating system. This includes understanding the system's architecture, its file management system, and the process control mechanisms. It covers essential concepts such as system calls, file descriptors, signals, and inter-process communication. The programming environment typically focuses on using the C programming language to interface with UNIX's kernel and libraries, enabling developers to create efficient, scalable applications. The goal is to provide a solid foundation for writing robust and optimized software that runs on UNIX-based systems.

Writing your own shell involves creating a command-line interpreter that allows users to execute commands, manage processes, and interact with the operating system. This typically requires knowledge of system calls like fork(), exec(), and wait(), as well as handling user input, parsing commands, and implementing built-in functionalities such as changing directories or managing environment variables. A shell program continuously reads user commands, interprets them, and executes the appropriate actions, either by launching external programs or handling built-in operations. Advanced features can include piping, redirection, and job control, making the shell more powerful and user-friendly.

Introduction to SQL (Structured Query Language) provides a foundation for managing and manipulating relational databases. SQL is a standardized language used to create, retrieve, update, and delete data within databases. It consists of various commands categorized into Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Control Language (DCL), and Transaction Control Language (TCL). SQL enables users to define database structures, query data efficiently, and enforce security through permissions and access controls. Widely used in applications ranging from small-scale software to enterprise-level systems, SQL is essential for database administrators, developers, and data analysts.

Introduction to Software Engineering Principles provides an overview of the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and best practices used in software development. It covers essential topics such as the software development lifecycle (SDLC), software design principles, requirements analysis, testing, and maintenance. The course emphasizes structured and agile development approaches, coding standards, and software quality assurance. By understanding these principles, students learn how to design reliable, scalable, and maintainable software systems, preparing them for real-world software engineering challenges.

An Artificial Intelligence (AI) course typically covers fundamental concepts, techniques, and applications of AI. The syllabus often includes an introduction to AI, search algorithms, knowledge representation, machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Advanced topics may cover deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and ethical considerations in AI. The course involves theoretical lectures, hands-on programming exercises (using languages like Python and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch), and real-world AI applications in fields such as healthcare, finance, and robotics. Assessments may include quizzes, coding assignments, and project-based learning to develop AI models.