Computer Science Course Descriptions
| 350 | 360 | 401 | 410 | 420 | 425 | 430 | 437 | 440 | 475 | 480 | 497 |
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350 Theory of Computation
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 318 and Math 230) F. Introduction to the abstract concepts encountered in machine computation. Topics include finite automata, regular expressions, and formal languages, with emphasis on regular and context-free grammars. Questions related to decidability and undecidability are looked at by considering various models of computation including Turing machines, recursive functions, and universal machines. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
360 Introduction to Computer Graphics
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 318; Math 304 is strongly recommended) F. Principal topics include graphics devices, vector vs. raster graphics, lines and curves, animation, linear transformations, three-dimensional graphics and wire-frame models, and viewing objects with the synthetic camera. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
401 Programming Languages
(3) (Prerequisite or corequisite: 350) S. Study of formal language concepts, language syntax and semantics, language design and implementation, data types, data abstraction, control structures, procedure mechanisms, lexical analysis, parsing, and run-time organization as exemplified by a variety of programming languages and paradigms. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
410 Operating Systems
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 310 and 318) F. Sequential processes and concurrent program concepts and their application to operating system design; synchronization constructs: monitors, conditional critical regions, and the use of semaphores; resource concepts, resource allocation and management; dynamic protection and the structure of operating systems. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
420 Compiler Construction
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 318 and 350; prerequisite or corequisite: 401) AF. Syntax and semantic analysis of source and target language; language translation and translators; a one-pass compiler model; phases of a compiler; lexical and syntax analysis; parsing; error recovery; intermediate code generation; code optimization; final code generation. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
425 Numerical Analysis
(3) (Prerequisite: Math 203 and a grade of C or better in one of 212 or 227) (Same as Math 425) F. Study of techniques and types of errors involved in computer applications to mathematical problems. Topics include techniques for solving equations, systems of equations, and problems in integral calculus. Computer solutions for several problems will be required. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
430 Data Base Management Systems Design
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 313 or permission of school) AS. Close study of the goals of DBMS, various data models and their implementations, normalization, file organization, security, and integrity. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
437 Artificial Intelligence
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 318 and Math 230; 350 is recommended.) AS. An introduction to the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence: problem-solving methods, state-space representation, heuristic search, problem-reduction techniques, machine inference, game-playing, knowledge representation, and cognitive processes. Applications of these concepts to practical problems in society will be considered, looking at such areas as neural networks, expert systems, robotics, natural language processing, and computer vision. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
440 Computer Networks
(3) (Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in 310 and 318) AF. A consideration of the technology and architecture of computer networks, emphasizing principles and concepts of both logical and physical connectivity and communication. Particular attention will be placed on network topology, transmission media, medium access, standards, internetworking, and network management and security.
475 Internship in Computer Science
(3) (Prerequisites: A 2.5 overall GPA in the Computer Science major; approval by the student’s adviser, program coordinator, faculty member responsible for the course administration; and department chair.) F, S, SU. This course integrates a student’s classroom studies with work-based learning related to the student’s academic curriculum and/or career goals. At the work site, the student will engage in a number of supervisor-directed activities documented in a learning agreement that will subsequently be used as part of the student’s evaluation for the course.
480 Senior Seminar
(3) (Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of school) F, S. Students will be expected to plan, carry out, and present the results of research projects. Faculty and off-campus speakers will be invited to make presentations on current trends in the computer industry including social and ethical issues as well as technical topics. Students will participate in various forms of assessment of their academic preparation. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor.
497 Special Studies
(3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Permission of school) As Needed. Open only to juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses. A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned. Academic Committee approval required for each seminar and practicum. All individual research projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two different disciplines. Must have a 2.25 GPA or higher in all courses which are required in the computer science major or minor. May be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.