CE 210 – Digital Logic
Overview: Introduces the foundational principles of digital circuits, including logic gates, Boolean algebra, and basic digital system design.
Key Skills: Logic analysis, circuit troubleshooting, hardware design fundamentals
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Ahmed Sherif's teaching philosophy is grounded in practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world challenges in computer science and engineering. By combining theoretical instruction with project-based activities, Dr. Sherif encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a mindset of continual innovation.
Courses by Level
Below is an overview of courses taught, grouped by level. Each includes a short description and key skill outcomes.
Undergraduate Courses
CE 350 – Wireless and Network Security
Overview: Covers fundamental and advanced security techniques for wireless networks, including encryption protocols, intrusion detection, and secure wireless architecture.
Key Skills: Penetration testing, secure network design, security policy development
CE 420/260 – Computer Networks
Overview: Explores concepts in data communication, TCP/IP protocols, routing algorithms, and network architectures.
Key Skills: Network configuration, protocol troubleshooting, layered networking models
CE 450 – Advanced Security and Privacy Techniques
Overview: Delves into cryptographic protocols, access control models, privacy-preserving algorithms, and threat mitigation strategies.
Key Skills: Secure programming, threat analysis, privacy framework design
CE 430 – Senior Design Project
Overview: A capstone course where students collaborate on large-scale design projects, often involving real clients or industry sponsors.
Key Skills: Project management, team collaboration, professional communication
CE 230 – Computer Systems
Overview: Focuses on operating systems fundamentals, hardware-software interfacing, and performance optimization strategies.
Key Skills: Systems programming, kernel configuration, resource management
Graduate Courses
COS 781 – Topics in Computational Sciences
Overview: Investigates advanced themes in computational modeling, data analytics, and high-performance computing relevant to modern research.
Key Skills: Research methodology, algorithmic problem-solving, scholarly writing
COS 791 – Research in Computational Sciences
Overview: Guides graduate students through designing and conducting independent research projects, honing scholarly communication skills.
Key Skills: Experimentation, research proposal development, peer-reviewed publication process
COS 898 – Dissertation
Overview: Focuses on the planning, execution, and defense of doctoral research. Emphasizes original contributions to the field, rigorous experimentation, and academic writing.
Key Skills: Independent research, dissertation drafting, conference presentation
CSC 492 – Computer Science Problems I
Overview: Provides a deep dive into contemporary challenges in computer science, including emerging technologies, novel algorithms, and industry-case problem sets.
Key Skills: Analytical thinking, advanced programming techniques, system-level problem-solving
CSC 550 – Advanced Security
Overview: Delves into advanced encryption methods such as DSA and AES, focusing on robust security design strategies and hands-on implementation.
Key Skills: Cryptographic protocol design, secure encryption implementation, advanced threat analysis
CSC 650 – Advanced Cryptography
Overview: A deep dive into modern cryptographic algorithms, key exchange protocols, and privacy-preserving computing with real-world applications.
Key Skills: Key management, zero-knowledge proofs, quantum-resistant algorithms, secure protocol design
Student Project Highlights
- Secure E-Commerce Application: Built end-to-end encryption for a mock online marketplace in the "Advanced Security and Privacy Techniques" course.
- IoT Greenhouse Monitoring System: Created an IoT-based, real-time sensor network for energy efficiency in the "Computer Networks" class.
- Blockchain-Based Energy Trading Simulation: Demonstrated a secure and decentralized approach to energy transactions in the "Wireless and Network Security" course.
These standout projects showcase the practical, hands-on nature of Dr. Sherif's coursework, preparing students to address real-world industry challenges.
Contact & Office Hours
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sherif's teaching methods, course details, or potential collaborations, please reach out during his posted office hours or email at: Ahmed.Sherif@usm.edu.