Michael Larson

CURE-E Course: Programming and Algorithms I (CSCI 111), first introduced with CURE-E Fall 2023

Project Title: Improving Traffic Flow

The CURE-E being implemented in CSCI111 is titled Improving Traffic Flow. The project has two goals: measure the traffic through an intersection (both average daily and peak hours) and measure the traffic through the same intersection after making a proposed improvement to the intersection. An example improvement would be to reconfigure an intersection to utilize traffic lights rather than stop signs.

Students will use publicly available traffic data. The focus will be on intersections within Chico. This will allow students to perform sight visits, if desired. Students will be able to choose intersections in other cities if the data is available.

Students will be required to research their chosen intersections, intersection configurations, and average throughput of various intersection configurations. Students will need to utilize the programming skills and knowledge gained through the course to code a simulation program for the current intersection configuration and the proposed improved configuration.

Students will be split into small groups (size depending on enrollment) to complete the project. The project will be discussed at the beginning of the semester. The project will be formally introduced/assigned during the fifth week of the course. The final product will be due the Friday of the fifteenth week.

In addition, to the simulation source code and final report, students will be required to give a presentation at the end of the semester on their findings. Two milestone check-ins are planned during the eighth and twelfth week of the semester. Several small activities and discussions will be conducted throughout the semester.

The project entrepreneurial mindset focus will be on initiative and self-reliance, and communication and collaboration. The later will be achieved through group work, cross group discussions, and presentations. The former will be integrated throughout the course and project. Specifically, during the lectures/discussion on performing research and utilizing appropriate resources. In addition, self-care is important, and students will complete a Pink Time assignment. The Pink Time will enforce initiative and self-reliance. 

CSCI111's primary purpose is to teach students basic programming concepts, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking. The CURE-E project will reinforce the skills taught throughout the course with a real-world problem. Generally, programming course assignments are very objective with a specific method to accomplish the task, with a very specific expected outcome. This project’s goal is to allow the creativity of each student to be applied, with no specific method or outcome expected.

Currently, the plan for dissemination of work will be through an open invitation to Computer Science faculty and students for the final presentations. In the future, I hope to form a partnership with Civil Engineering to disseminate findings. Specifically, the faculty who teach CIVL 441 Transportation Engineering.