2008-2009 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2008-2009 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, BS


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Outcomes

  1. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory and practice
  2. An ability to model, design, implement and test software systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design and implementation choices
  3. An ability to learn to use new design methodologies, operating systems, languages, and other software development tools within reasonable time constraints
  4. An ability to function effectively on teams related to software development
  5. An ability to communicate with others, both orally and in writing, about technical subjects
  6. An understanding of professional, ethical and social responsibilities
  7. Preparation to do continual learning throughout alumni careers, to include such things as pursuing advanced degrees, attending short courses, reading technical or trade journals, participating in sabbaticals, etc.
  8. Preparation to pursue careers in all branches of computer science including technical development, project management, and technical sales

Objectives

1. Illuminate—lifelong learning in computer science:

a. Alumni will be prepared to learn on their own whatever is required to stay current in their chosen profession, for example, learning new programming languages, algorithms, developmental methodologies, etc.

2. Investigate—demonstration of computer science principles:

a. Alumni should have the ability to find and access information relevant to an application under development.
b. Alumni should have the ability to model various problem domains and convert them into software solutions.
c. Alumni should have the ability to apply techniques of algorithm design and automata theory to new problem solving situations.
d. Alumni should demonstrate the ability to draw upon the expertise of others and negotiate solutions to a problem as a productive technical team member.
e. Alumni should demonstrate an understanding of the impact of computer problem solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.

3. Innovate—creative application of computer science principles

a. Alumni should be able to generate new and innovative solutions to solve problems or meet requirements in their discipline.
b. Alumni should be able to integrate global, economic, environmental, and societal considerations into their problem solutions.

Degree Requirements


The bachelor of science degree in Computer Science requires the following:

  • completion of at least 128 hours
  • a minimum2.0 average in all CS courses taken, in all CS 400-level (or higher) courses taken, and in all CU courses taken
  • completion of the Computer Science Major Field Assessment test. This test will be given on a Saturday morning about three weeks prior to the end of the fall and spring semesters. A student must have completed 110 credit hours before taking the exam.
  • CS majors must pass a Programming Proficiency Exam, which is a prerequisite for CS 330 and all 400-level CS courses. This exam is offered every semester and is typically taken after students have completed CS 145.

Course Requirements


The courses for the degree are outlined as follows:

Science (14 Semester Hours)


Computer Science Electives (9 Semester Hours)


CS 401-489 or 502-599 (9 credits)

Technical Electives (9 Semester Hours)


Select from following list:

  • COMPUTER SCIENCE (300 level or above)
  • ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING (2000 level or above, except ECE 2400)
  • MATHEMATICS (300 level or above, except MATH 465)
  • SCIENCE (additional courses fromthe list above or courses with prerequisites from above list)
  • BUSINESS (300 level or above, except 301, 302 or 303)

Humanities and Social Science (24 Semester Hours)


CS 305 . 1 credit hour, Social and Ethical Implications of Computing, REQUIRED.

The remaining 23 credit hours involve study in humanities, social sciences, arts, and other disciplines that serve to broaden the background of the student.

Courses in the following departments and programs satisfy this requirement:

  • Anthropology (except courses on human biology and ecology), Art History, Communication, Economics, English (150 or above), Film, Foreign Culture Studies, Foreign Languages, History, Humanities, Interdepartmental Studies 101,Music (except university choir and private instruction courses), Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Women’s Studies. Students may also petition to include selected other courses in Interdepartmental Studies, Theater, or other departments.

 

Free Electives (7 Semester Hours)


Any course that is a prerequisite course for a required course may not be counted as a free elective. Amaximumof 3 credit hours of CS courses numbered less than CS 110 can be used as free electives, provided they are taken prior to a CS course numbered 116 or greater. Six credit hours of 200-level CS courses may be taken as free electives. At most, 3 credit hours of free electives may be taken in a particular programming language. Students planning to later enter a graduate program in computer science or electrical engineering are advised to take at least 6 hours of CS or ECE electives at the 300 or 400 levels. Students who complete their ROTC programs and receive their commissions are allowed up to six semester hours of ROTC course work as free electives toward their computer science degree.

Sample Schedule


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Fall Semester (16 Semester Hours)


  • Technical Elective Course (3 credits)
  • Humanities/Social Science Electives (4 credits)

Spring Semester (16 Semester Hours)


  • CS Elective (CS 400-599) (3 credits)
  • Humanities/Social Science Elective (3 credits)

Senior Year


Fall Semester (15 Semester Hours)


  • CS Elective (CS 400-599) (3 credits)
  • Technical Elective (3 credits)
  • Humanities/Social Science Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester (15 Semester Hours)


  • CS Elective (CS 400-599) (3 credits)
  • Technical Elective Course (3 credits)
  • Humanities/Social Science Elective (4 credits)
  • Free Elective (2 credits)

Total Credit Hours (128)


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