This degree program is designed for the computer specialist and emphasizes courses needed for practical applications.
ROTATION OF COURSES
Required courses are offered
annually, and electives are offered on a regular, rotational basis.
Click Rotation of Courses to see the schedule,
and click Three-Year Offering to see what
is coming up. This schedule includes summer sessions, fall, spring, and
intersession offerings.
Requirements for the B.S. in Computer Information Systems major are given in the University College Catalog. The Department also offers an associate degree and certificate program in Computer Information Systems.
To view a typical program of study for the Computer Information Systems major, visit the Typical Programs page.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
MAT 1205 Precalculus Mathematics, 4 credits
The sole purpose of this course is to prepare students for courses in
calculus: MAT 1255, 1265 and 1275. Algebra concepts: factoring, simultaneous equations,
polynomials, rational and exponential functions, binomial theorems. Trigonometry:
basic functions, formulae, graphs. Analytis geometry: lines, circles and other
conic sections (This course replaces the old sequence MAT 1185-1195).
MAT 1255 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 3 credits
Equations of a straight line; distance formula; functions and graphs;
derivatives of algebraic functions; applications of derivatives;
optimization; integration; applications of the definite integral.
Prerequisite: MAT 1205 or equivalent
MAT 1265 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II, 3 credits
Calculus of trigonometric functions; methods of integration;
infinite series.
Prerequisite: MAT 1255 or equivalent
MAT 1275 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III, 3 credits
Vectors and parametric equations; differentiation of functions of
several variables; multiple integrals; differential equations.
Prerequisite: MAT 1265 or equivalent
MAT 1325 Introduction to Probability and Statistics, 3 credits
Elementary Probability, Bayes Theorem, discrete and continuous random
variables, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, linear regression,
nonparametric methods.
Prerequisite: MAT 1265 or equivalent
MAT 1575 Discrete Structures, 3 credits
Introduction to the basic concepts of discrete and structural mathematics,
with emphasis on application in the computer sciences.
Logic, sets, axiomatic systems, the propositional and predicate calculi,
combinatorics, and graph theory.
Prerequisite: MAT 1205
COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES
CSC 1305 Virtual Worlds and Robots, 3 credits
A gentle introduction to programming with user-friendly software (Alice and JKarel).
Students will use 3D animated interactive virtual worlds to develop an understanding
of basic programming constructs. Decisions, repetition (including recursion),
functions, interaction, and object-orientation. Open to all students. Computer
science majors may take this course to prepare for CSC 1405. Note that only one
of CSC 1305 or CSC 1345 may be used to satisfy a CSC requirement.
Presupposes no previous programming experiences.
CSC 1345 COBOL, 3 credits
This course examines in detail one of the most commonly used business
computer languages, COBOL. Dual emphasis is therefore placed upon
programming in COBOL and upon a consideration of the kinds of elements
necessary and common to all languages.
Prerequisite: programming experience in any language
CSC 1355 Introduction to Computer Software, 3 credits
Emphasis is on learning and using software applications for word processing,
spreadsheet and database management. This course will be a hands-on
introduction to popular software packages such as Word, Excel,
and Access.
CSC 1365 Web Design Using Front Page 2000, 3 credits
This course introduces the student to Web Site/Page design using Microsoft's
Front Page 2000. Through a combination of classroom presentations and
hands-on use of computers, the student will learn to plan, design and
build a Web Site and Web Pages. The student will use Microsoft
Windows to interconnect various software applications to Front Page.
Prerequisite: None
CSC 1405 Introduction to Computer Programming in Java, 3 credits
The use of the computer to solve problems. Students will learn general principles
of program design at first by using libraries of predefined program units, and
later by constructing complete programs. Emphasis is on developing techniques for program
design that lead to correct, readable and maintainable programs. A subset of Java will be
used.
Prerequisite: MAT 1205 or equivalent.
CSC 1605 Intermediate Programming, 3 credits
Intermediate programming techniques including the use of recursion. An introduction
to encapsulated data structures. Lists and list sorting will be used to introduce a
discussion of algorithm efficiency.
Prerequisite: CSC 1405 or permission of the instructor.
CSC 2005 Numeric Methods, 3 credits
Using computer algebra systems, students get a working knowledge of some models of
practical programs in the fields of sorting, merging, simulations, and graphical
representations.
Prerequisite: Any computer language.
CSC 2015 Computer Organization and Architecture, 3 credits
Analysis and synthesis of combinational and sequential logic circuits.
Data representation and arithmetic. Study of the CPU: its functional
units and operational cycles. Addressing schemes for registers, main
memory, and I/O. Machine language assembly, low-level systems software,
primitive tasks of operating systems, assemblers, linkers, and loaders.
Prerequisite: CSC 1405.
CSC 2145 Computer Graphics, 3 credits
Elementary 2D plotting of points, lines, curves; 2D animation. Concepts of
3D graphics, including projection, windows and clipping.
Prerequisite: CSC 2305
CSC 2305 Data Structures, 3 credits
The implementation of abstract data types (lists, trees, graphs, tables) with
applications for searching, sorting, and pattern matching. Analysis of the space
complexity of the data structures and the time complexity of the associated
algorithms and the trade off between them. Students will implement the various
data structures in a series of programming assignments.
Prerequisite: CSC 1605 or permission of the instructor.
CSC 2335 Systems Programming and Networks, 3 credits
The role of the operating system: multiprocessing and multi-tasking; interrupts,
system calls; device drivers; file systems; networks. The Unix environment is used
as an example, programming in C.
Prerequisite: CSC 2305
CSC 2405 Database Management Systems, 3 credits
The principles of database design and implementation, including the topics of
data models, data normalization, data definition and data manipulation languages,
file organization, security and integrity. Students use a relational database
system.
Prerequisite: CSC 2305
CSC 2475 Knowledge Base Systems, 3 credits
An investigation of how expert level performance of computer programs is
achieved. Models of human problem solving and models of knowledge; concepts,
principles and techniques of knowledge base systems; implementation of a
working expert system.
Prerequisite: CSC 2305
CSC 2485 Software Design, 3 credits
Principles of designing large programs, including such issues as specification,
documentation, design strategies, testing, maintenance. Students work in small
groups to design and implement a major software projects.
Prerequisite: CSC 2305
CSC 2495 Computer Simulation, 3 credits
Simulation modeling is used to evaluate the performance of existing or proposed
complex systems under various scenarios. This course introduces students to basic
queuing models, basic methods of statistical analysis, and simulation languages.
Students will use simulation software packages to model the operation of complex
systems found in business management and network communication.
Prerequisite: MAT 1325 or permission of the instructor
CSC 2555 User Interface Design, 3 credits
The integration of the user's conceptual model into the design of computer
applications. Cognitive issues; task analysis; interface evaluation; patterns for
interface design and implementation; storyboarding; toolkits. The course requires
the implementation of an interface using a platform independent tollkit.
Prerequisite: CSC 1605
CSC 2655 Web Design, 3 credits
This course will start with a quick introduction into the design of static
web sites and pages using HTML, and addresses some of the larger issues in
web design. Web programming, navigation design, usability issues, the integration
of a database backend will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on the unique
challenges of web design and the underlying design ideas common to well-built sites
and applications. Coursework will consist of several small programming projects
along with a single large design project.
Prerequisite: CSC 2485 or permission of the instructor
CSC 2855 Projects in Computer Science, 3 credits
An independent project under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor