Special Topics

Special Topics courses cover some of our most innovative and promising research directions.  They are often prototypes of new courses that we are developing.

Special Topics courses offer variable course content, so each semester's offerings are unique.

Winter 2026

We aren't offering any courses in Winter 2026.

Spring 2026

CSE 410 Machine Learning Algorithms on Embedded System (Lecture)
Section: BAKE
Instructor: Baker Albahri
Description: The course introduces ARM architecture and microcontrollers, focusing on programming KL25Z (FRDM board) and STM32 (Nucleo-64 board) using C language only. Students learn core embedded concepts such as timers, interrupts, DMA, and stack structure. The course emphasizes using FreeRTOS for real-time task scheduling and inter-task communication. Several machine learning algorithms on embedded systems will be covered and practically implemented such as neural networks, decision trees, and Q-learning. The course combines embedded systems (hardware) and ML algorithms (software) to build full embedded AI applications practically (lab experiments or projects) such as electronic games, digital control, pattern recognition, predictors, and classifiers using machine learning algorithms. The course does not require any prior machine learning courses. It is designed to be accessible to both computer engineering and computer science students.
Prereqs: CSE341
Instruction Mode: In person
Class #: 24149
Dates: 01/21/2026 - 05/05/2026
Days, Time: MWF, 1:00PM-1:50PM
Location: Clemen 123, North Campus
Credit Hours: 1-3
Enrollment: 4/30 (Active)
Info:
CSE 410 Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (Lecture)
Section: MAR
Instructor: Marina Blanton
Description: The course focuses on technical mechanisms for protecting data and meta-data about individuals when interacting on the internet. This includes the following topics: - Privacy definition, privacy abuses, and privacy laws. - Web tracking and defenses. - Protecting data at rest. - Protecting data in transit (building secure communication channels over the insecure internet). - Protecting data in use (computing on private data using secure multi-party computation). - Anonymous communication and de-anonymization attacks. - End-to-end encryption and messaging apps. - Additional topics such as zero-knowledge proofs and private database search as time permits. Cryptographic and networking background necessary for the course content will be covered during the course.
Prereqs: CSE 220 and CSE 250
Instruction Mode: In person
Class #: 21130
Dates: 01/21/2026 - 05/05/2026
Days, Time: TR, 12:30PM-1:50PM
Location: Clemen 21, North Campus
Credit Hours: 1-3
Enrollment: 10/27 (0/27 seats reserved: force registration only) (Active)
Info: