computer science

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Overview

Students in Computer Science have the opportunity to participate in the creation of an evolving science. They can share both the challenges and the potential of a scientific discipline that is so early in its development that a significant number of its fundamental precepts and methodologies have only recently been identified and are even now undergoing significant refinement.

Those students who are interested in Computer Science as a profession or who may wish to pursue graduate study in Computer Science should consider the major in Computer Science. The student who undertakes this program should have a fundamental aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving. The goal of the major is to provide groundwork in the theoretical foundations of computer usage together with an understanding of the practical techniques of computer programming, algorithm analysis, computer-based file and data structures, and the translation and implementation of computer programs.

A major in Computer Science provides the student with a sound basic training for a professional career in computer science and related areas of computer application. Those students who are oriented toward the application of a computer to a specific professional objective, such as industrial or business management, medicine, engineering, or law, should consider a Computer Science minor in consultation with the advisor for those programs. Most notably, those students looking toward a career in which they apply computer technology to commerce should seriously consider the major in Business Economics with a major or minor in Computer Science.

Introduction to Computer Science, CS110, is designed specifically for students wanting a course in Computer Science to fulfill the College's Learning Across the Disciplines in Mathematical and Natural Sciences requirement.

Major Requirements

The Computer Science major consists of the following courses:

• CS151 - Computer Programming I - Introduction to Programming
• CS152 - Computer Programming II - Data Structures and Algorithms
• CS251 - Principals of Computer Organization
• CS252 - Algorithms
• CS253 - Theory of Computation
• CS351 - Programming Language Theory and Compiler Construction
• CS451 - Senior Independent Study Semester I
• CS452 - Senior Independent Study Semester II

and two courses from:

• CS353 - Operating Systems
• CS354 - File and Database Systems
• CS356 - Computer Graphics
• CS357 - Machine Intelligence

and three Mathematics courses:

• Math111 or Math108 - Calculus
• Math123 or Math223 - Discrete Math or Combinatorics and Graph Theory
• Math211 or Math241 - Linear Algebra or Probability and Statistics I

The Computer Science major meets the College requirement of a third unit Junior Independent Study) of Independent Study through the independent work done as part of the required courses numbered above 200 in Computer Science and Mathematics.

Only grades of C- or better are acceptable in Computer Science and Mathematics courses for the major or minor. It is necessary to pass prerequisite courses for a Computer Science course with a grade of C- or better before enrollment in the course.

Minor Requirements

The Computer Science minor consists of three Computer Science courses:

• CS151 - Computer Programming I - Introduction to Programming
• CS152 - Computer Programming II - Data Structures and Algorithms
• CS251 - Principles of Computer Organization

and three other Computer Science courses numbered above 200.

Two Mathematics courses are also required:

• Math111 or Math108 - Calculus
• Math123 - Discrete Math

A thorough background in algebra is the only mathematical prerequisite to begin this curriculum. However, students should note that CS 252 and CS 253 both require Math 123 (Math 223) or Math 211 (Math 241).