Computer Science
Computer science is a study of the structure, theory and application of computers and computer programs. It includes the study of algorithms, the representation and organization of information, the management of complexity, and the relationship between computers and their users. Computer science is a mathematical discipline. It utilizes mathematical techniques for abstraction and representation of complex systems. From another perspective, computer science is an engineering discipline concerned with the design and construction of systems in order to solve complex problems.
Computer science department homepage
Major requirements
CSC 171QR - Computer Science I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This is the first
in a two-semester sequence of courses that introduces students to
fundamental aspects of the field of computing; focusing on
problem-solving, software design concepts and their realization as
computer programs. Topics include procedural abstraction, control
structures, iteration, data types and their representation. An
introduction to a high-level language, for the purpose of gaining mastery
of these principles, will be provided in lectures and hands-on laboratory
experiences.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT090, an ACT math score of 20 or above
(SAT 510 or above), or a passing score on the MAT090 placement exam.
CSC 172WI - Computer Science II
(4 credits)(Writing intensive) This course moves students into the domain
of software design, introducing principles that are necessary for solving
large problems. Here, the classical software design process serves as a
basis for treating such topics as abstract data types, specifications,
complexity analysis and file organization. Basic data structures and
transformations are introduced as representative of the fundamental tools
that are used to aid in this process. A high-level language will be used
for the purpose of gaining mastery of these principles through lectures
and independent hands-on laboratory experiences.
Prerequisite: CSC171.
CSC 270 - Computer Organization
This course explores architecture and computer design issues in modern computers. Part of the course is spent looking at the basic building blocks used to design and build a computer. The rest of the course deals with how to work with the computer at the level of the central processing unit, main memory and registers. Programming assignments are done in assembly language to see what commands the computer really understands.Corequisite: CSC172.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 351 - Data Structures
This course deals with data structures and their algorithms. Emphasis is given to good data abstraction and efficiency. The data structures covered include arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs and strings. Other topics covered may include design patterns, analysis of algorithms, and complexity classes. Programming is done in an object-oriented language.Prerequisite: CSC172.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 371 - Concurrency and Parallelism
Modern computing architectures utilize multiple processing cores to improve
performance by executing multiple commands concurrently. In order to
effectively take advantage of this paradigm shift, programmers must adapt
their thinking, algorithm design, and coding practices. This class will
cover the basic principles of parallel algorithms, the analysis of parallel
and sequential algorithm efficiency, testing and debugging techniques, and
development tools for parallel programs. Multicore desktop processors,
massively parallel GPUs, and cloud computing architectures will be
considered. Prerequisite: CSC172WI. (4 credits; alternate years, consult
department)
CSC 381 - Programming Languages
This course discusses programming languages from a general viewpoint-what are the properties of all successful programming languages? Also discussed are various programming paradigms: iterative programming, object-oriented programming, functional programming, logic programming, concurrent programming, etc. Programming may be done all in one language (emulate other paradigms), in a few select languages (one for each paradigm), or in a large variety of languages.Prerequisites: CSC270 and 351.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
Choose one course: 4
CSC 220 - Web Development
This course will introduce the basics of web development. Various languages
will be used to design and develop a front-end web page including HTML, CSS,
and JavaScript. This will include a discussion of website accessibility
requirements and other legal and ethical considerations. The basics of
interacting with a back-end server and database may also be explored.
Co-requisite: CSC172WI. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 291 - Database Management Systems
This course examines database concepts, theory, design and management. Emphasis will be on the relational model. Topics will also include normalization, query languages, database recovery and security aspects. This course will include experience with a relational database system and programming database access into computer applications via a high-level programming language.Prerequisite: CSC171.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 321 - Principles of Software Engineering
Software engineering is the process used to gather requirements for a software
solution from a user and develop a piece of software to meet the
needs of that user. Several things usually contribute to a successful
project including proper version control, requirements gathering, software
design, software lifecycles, code reviews as well as testing and maintenance
of the software. This course will cover those topics and ask students to
work on a team to create a large software project to demonstrate mastery of
the topics covered in class. Prerequisite: CSC 172WI. (4 credits; alternate
years, consult department)
Choose two courses: 8
CSC 331 - Cybersecurity
This course will introduce the topic of computer security. Topics covered
will include user authentication and access control, malicious software,
firewalls, intrusion detection, buffer overflows, and website security. The
human aspects of security including legal and ethical concerns will also be
examined. Prerequisite: CSC172WI. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 361 - Networking
This course introduces the student to the field of computer networking. Students will develop an understanding of the general principles of computer communication as they are worked out in an appropriate protocol suite. Specific attention will be paid to principles of architecture, layering, multiplexing, addressing and address mapping, routing and naming. Problems considered include the writing of network software, the physical construction of networks, the Internet and its future development, and network security.Prerequisite: CSC172.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CSC 341 - Data Mining and Machine Learning
Data mining is the practice of analyzing large datasets using automated
computational methods to discover patterns and generate knowledge that would
not be detected by human inspection alone. Machine learning is the use of
algorithms and statistical models to analyze and draw inferences from the
patterns found in large data sets. Other closely related terms include
artificial intelligence, statistical learning, data science, and predictive
data analytics. This course will present the basic theories and foundational
mathematics behind machine learning. Students will implement these concepts
using an appropriate programming language and develop their own machine
learning project. Specific attention will be paid to the ethical and social
issues arising from the use of this technology. Prerequisite: CSC172WI. (4
credits; alternate years, consult department)
Cognate requirements
MAT 112QR - Calculus I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a
study of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with a strong
emphasis on both theory and applications.
Note: Meets four times per week.
Prerequisites: C- or higher in MAT109, or an ACT math score of at least
24 (SAT 570 or above), or permission of mathematics department chair.
Choose one course: 3-4
MAT 180WI - Logic and Discrete Mathematics
(3 credits)(Writing intensive) An introduction to the language and logic of
mathematical proof via topics in discrete mathematics. Topics will include
logic, elementary number theory, basic set theory and methods of
mathematical proof (direct proof, indirect proof, induction).
Note: Other topics will be chosen from counting, functions, relations,
recursion and graph theory.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 112QR or permission of instructor.
PHI 202QR - Logic
No course description available.