CSE 361: Mathematical Foundations for Autonomous Systems

4 Credits · Fall 2025/26

Umer Huzaifa, PhD

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to mathematically model a given dynamical system.
• Be able to determine system representations like input-output differential equations, state space, and transfer functions.
• Be able to determine key properties from finding the solutions to differential equations.
• Be able to design a feedback controller for these systems.

Mid Exam (Week 8) — during class time, Location: CDM 309

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Respect for Diversity and Inclusion at DePaul University as aligned with our Vincentian Values

At DePaul, our mission calls us to explore “what must be done” in order to respect the inherent dignity and identity of each human person. We value diversity because it is part of our history, our traditions and our future. We see diversity as an asset and a strength that adds to the richness of classroom learning. In my course, I strive to include diverse authors, perspectives and teaching pedagogies. I also encourage open dialogue and spaces for students to express their unique identities and perspectives. I am open to having difficult conversations and I will strive to create an inclusive classroom that values all perspectives. If at any time, the classroom experience does not live up to this expectation, please feel free to contact me via email or during office hours.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Please see this page for additional information.

Honor Code

This course adheres to DePaul University's policy on Academic Integrity. For complete information, please see academicintegrity.depaul.edu.

Cheating is any action that violates university norms or instructor guidelines for the preparation and submission of assignments. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unauthorized access to examination materials prior to the examination itself.
• Use or possession of unauthorized materials during the examination or quiz.
• Having someone take an examination in one's place.
• Copying from another student.
• Unauthorized assistance to another student, or acceptance of such assistance.

Plagiarism involves the presentation of the work of another as one's own, and includes, but is not limited to:

• The direct copying of any source, such as written and verbal material, computer files, audio disks, video programs, or musical scores, whether published or unpublished, in whole or part, without proper acknowledgment that it is someone else's.
• Submitting as one's own work a report, examination paper, computer file, lab report, or other assignment that has been prepared by someone else (including research papers purchased from any other person or agency).
• The paraphrasing of another's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment.
• Working so closely with another person so as to produce identical code.

Avoid any form of, or the appearance of, academic misconduct, which will result in a minimum penalty of zero credit for the work in question, and may result in a maximum penalty of a failing course grade.

Course Content and Copyright

All course content is copyright protected by the instructor or relevant individuals and organizations. No part of the course content may be uploaded or shared to any entity. One specific example of this violation would be uploading any solutions to Chegg or CourseHero. If this violation is discovered, strict action will be taken against the perpetrator.

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade is a special, temporary grade that may be assigned by an instructor when unforeseeable circumstances prevent a student from completing course requirements by the end of the term and when otherwise the student had a record of satisfactory progress in the course. All incomplete requests must be approved by the instructor of the course. Only exceptional cases will receive such approval. Information about the Incomplete Grades policy can be found here.

Preferred Name & Gender Pronouns

Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the quarter so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. Please also note that students may choose to identify within the University community with a preferred first name that differs from their legal name and may also update their gender. The preferred first name will appear in University related systems and documents except where the use of the legal name is necessitated or required by University business or legal need. For more information and instructions on how to do so, please see the Student Preferred Name and Gender Policy.

Students with Disabilities

Students seeking disability-related accommodations are required to register with DePaul’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) enabling them to access accommodations and support services to assist with their success. There are two office locations:

• Loop Campus · (312) 362-8002
• Lincoln Park Campus · (773) 325-1677 · Email: csd@depaul.edu

Students who register with the Center for Students with Disabilities are also invited to contact the Center privately to discuss how they may assist in facilitating the accommodations to be used in a course. This is best done early in the term. The conversation will remain confidential to the extent possible. Please see Services and Contact Information.