Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

CSCI 1010
Introduction to Computers & Applications [Course/Lab] (2 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
This is an introductory course on computers and their applications in cross-disciplinary areas. The course includes both lecture and hands-on exploration of computer applications in a laboratory format. Lecture topics include an introduction to computer hardware and software, input/output devices, data representation and storage, networking, operating systems, the history of computing, and social issues. In the laboratory, students are introduced to commercial and open-source application software packages. The applications studied are typical applications used in both professional and personal computing environments. Course fee applicable.

CSCI 1030
Introduction to Microsoft™ Excel [Course/Lab] (1)
This course is a hands-on introduction to the creation of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The student will gain practical skills in the use of formulas and Excel functions, the design of spreadsheets, and the creation of charts. The course focuses on Excel skills that will be required in business and other non-scientific environments. Prerequisite: CSCI 1010 or or familiarity with Microsoft Windows

CSCI 1040
Introduction to Microsoft™ Access [Course/Lab] (1)
This course is a hands-on introduction to the use and creation of databases in Microsoft Access. The student will learn to understand the design of database fields, sort and filter data, and create queries, forms and reports. Prerequisites: CSCI 1010 or familiarity with Microsoft Windows

CSCI 1070
Applied Technologies [Course/Lab] (2) (Liberal Arts)
This course will explore the use of the computer to augment a student's studies in a variety of disciplines--the humanities, business, math, and the sciences. Students will be required to create a portfolio demonstrating the use of computing technologies within their specific discipline. Applications may include, but are not limited to, an advanced examination of the standard computing tools (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database tools) and the use of existing networks to support research and collaborative work environments. The application of Computer Managed Instruction and Computer Aided Instruction within the workplace will be explored. Prerequisite: CSCI 1010 or equivalent experience.

CSCI 1080
Introduction to Intuit™ QuickBooks [Course/Lab] (1)
This course offers a hands-on introduction the QuickBooks application as it would be used in a small business environment. Emphasis is placed on setting up accounts, processing transactions, selecting appropriate reports, and performing financial analysis. Prerequisite: ACCT 2010

CSCI 1120
Excel for Science and Engineering [Course/Lab] (1)
The focus of this course is to give the incoming student a background in using Microsoft Excel as a computational tool for use in a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. It provides a basic introduction to working with numeric data in Excel, with an emphasis on being able to convert problems expressed in mathematical, scientific, and engineering terms into Excel. This is an introductory course. It is designed to be taken very early in the student’s college experience, only HS math and science knowledge and basic computer skills will be expected of the students. Since this is a course that has lab content, it may meet for more than 1 hour per week.

CSCI 1180
MATLAB Programming [Course/Lab] (1)
This course is primarily designed to teach the MATLAB programming language and development environment to engineering and science students who already know how to write computer programs. The emphasis is on numerical problem solving, simulation, and programming techniques unique to the MATLAB environment. Good programming skills are assumed. Programming projects will be required in the course.

CSCI 1510
Introduction to Management Information Systems [Course] (2) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines the role of information collection and dissemination processes and information technology (IT) resources as they relate to effective decision-making within knowledge-based organizations. The conceptual foundations of IT and knowledge management are surveyed and relevant advances in both IT and business are addressed. A conceptual foundation for synergistic cooperation between IT and business professionals is presented, and the role of project managers, and other boundary-spanning professionals, is explored. The course prepares students to be significant contributors to the implementation of effective organizational information systems both within and outside their functional areas.

CSCI 2010
Computer Science I [Course/Lab] (4) (Liberal Arts)
This is an introductory course in Computer Science primarily geared to majors, minors, and other mathematics/science students. This course will introduce students to structured, disciplined programming using an object-oriented language. Additional topics will include the history of computing and basics of computer operation. Students will learn to design, code, document, test, and debug their own programs. This course involves three credits of lecture and one credit of hands-on programming in a laboratory format. Prerequisite: High school algebra or trigonometry or permission of the Computer Science Department. Course fee applicable.

CSCI 2020
Object-Oriented Programming [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will provide a solid foundation in object-oriented programming. The students will learn to use encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism to develop programs. The student will explore the use of arrays and other data structures, recursion and event-driven programming to solve programming problems. There will be a focus on using library routines (APIs) for GUI development, file I/O, and data structures. Prerequisites: CSCI 2010

CSCI 2110
Computer Organization and Architecture [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course introduces students to the machine-level abstractions such as digital logic, machine language, computer architecture, data representations, and data communications. Prerequisite: CSCI 2020.

CSCI 2280
C/C++ Programming [Course] (1)
This course is primarily designed to teach the C/C++ programming language to engineering and science students who already know how to write computer programs. The emphasis is on the syntactic details of C/C++ and programming techniques unique to the language. Good programming skills are assumed. Programming projects are expected. Prerequisite: CSCI 2010.

CSCI 2500
Introduction to Computer Professions [Course] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This is a survey course of the computer professions. The student will be introduced to career areas within the computer and technology fields, including exposure to professionals working in the field. This course will review the basic forms of information available within the computer disciplines. The student will be introduced to the professional qualifications and standards of professional conduct in the discipline.

CSCI 2610
HCI:Issues and Methods [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course emphasizes the human and machine information processing components and the methods/techniques to adapt them to each other. The development, design, and testing of interfaces, are studied. Prerequisites: CSCI 1510 and CSCI 2010; or CSC 2020. (Offered alternate years)

CSCI 2630
Intermediate Excel - Data Analysis and Modeling [Course/Lab] (1)
This is an intermediate-level course in Excel intended for Accounting and other Business students. The focus of the course is on working with financial modeling and the analysis of large data sets. The student will be introduced to a broad range of financial and statistical functions that are provided by Excel. There will be an emphasis on creating extensible, well-designed worksheets. The student is expected to already be familiar with the basics of using Excel through an introductory course or practical experience. Some knowledge of accounting, finance, and other business topics is expected. Since this is a course that has a lab content, it may meet for more than 1 hour per week. Prerequisite: CSCI 1030 and CSCI 1040

CSCI 2640
Information Security [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will introduce the students to the broad area of security and some of the specifics of computer and network security. It is designed as a survey course and is not designed to teach all of the details of implementation of the various techniques we will be studying. We will focus not only on security technology, but also emphasize the policy, procedural, and human sides to security issues. Prerequisites: CSCI 1010 or comparable experience.

CSCI 2710
Data Structures [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will deal with the design, implementation, and use of data structures within the context of an object-oriented language. The Java collection classes will be explored in depth, both as to their construction and use. Formal methods of program analysis and evaluation will be introduced. Methods to estimate and measure time and space complexity of programs will be discussed. Prerequisites: CSCI 2020; MATH 1085 or MATH 2281.

CSCI 2810
Web Design I [Studio Art Course] (3)
This course is an introduction to the Web design process. Students participating in this course will develop the basic skills required to create, publish, and maintain websites from technical and aesthetic perspectives. An exploration of computer graphics as a primary tool in image processing, and interactive design. Students will acquire an awareness of the development of computer-based electronic media, content management systems, user interface design, and a critical appreciation of current work in the field. The course builds from a basic foundation of HTML 5 and CSS, and eventually incorporates other programs such as Adobe XD. Also listed as ARTS 2810. Prerequisites: ARTS 1050, 2730, and/or 2740 - or permission of instructor. Course fee applicable.

CSCI 3000
Special Topics: Computer Science [Course/Lab] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course acquaints students with topics in computer science that are not otherwise covered in the curriculum. It is designed to improve the preparation of students for graduate study or professional careers. The course will focus on current problems, developments, or research areas in computer science. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor, other requirements vary by topic. (Offered on demand)

CSCI 3110
Operating Systems [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an introduction to the major concepts and principles of operating systems. Topics such as the following are included: process management, scheduling, deadlock, semaphores, memory management, operating system structure, virtual memory, recovery techniques, types of operating systems, and relationships between operating systems and computer hardware and other programs. Programming assignments may include development of system utilities and/or operating system simulations. Prerequisites: CSCI 2110. CSC 2710 is recommended. Offered alternate years.

CSCI 3120
Introduction to Computer Networks & Distributed Systems [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will provide a familiarity with and a working knowledge of the connectivity issues, performance issues, and the standards and protocols of a variety of networking configurations. Students will also explore the design, implementation, and management of distributed systems. Prerequisites: CSCI 2020 and CSCI 2110. CSCI 2710 is recommended. Offered alternate years.

CSCI 3210
Introduction to Sequential and Parallel Algorithms [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines the design and efficiency of sequential and parallel algorithms. In addition, students will examine various classes of problems and the strengths and weaknesses of different problem solving strategies. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these tools using an appropriate computing environment. Prerequisite: CSCI 2710. Offered alternate years.

CSCI 3310
Computer Graphics [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an introduction to hardware and software support for graphical displays. Topics will include the development of 2D and 3D objects. Included are discussions of geometric transformations, interactive technologies, clipping and windowing, and hidden-surface removal. Prerequisites: CSCI 2110 and CSCI 2710. Offered alternate years.

CSCI 3500
Internship Preparation [Course] (1)
This course is designed to help prepare the student for the internship experience with emphasis on resume writing, interviewing, and networking. (Offered on demand)

CSCI 3610
Database Management Systems [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides a study of the theory and implementation of database systems. The course will focus primarily on the design and implementation of a relational database. Additional topics may include the advantages and disadvantages of various storage devices, database administration, database security, and data integrity. Students are required to design and implement database applications. Prerequisite: CSCI 2710. Offered alternate years.

CSCI 3620
Computer Forensics [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to be an introductory course in the area of Computer Forensics – the science of obtaining and analyzing evidence from computers. As a cross-disciplinary course, this course deals with both the legal and technical aspects of gathering evidence that will be admissible in a court of law. The technology of gathering data from computers and/or networks is presented both through lecture and hands-on lab exercises. Prerequisites: CSCI 1010 or equivalent experience; CSCI 2010 and CSCI 2110. (Offered alternate years)

CSCI 4120
Artificial Intelligence [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course introduces the student to artificial intelligence, expert systems, and intelligent agents. The fundamental concepts of searching, reasoning, and planning are presented. Students will use expert systems software tools to design and build an AI project. Prerequisites: CSCI 2710. CSCI 3210 is recommended. (Offered on demand)

CSCI 4210
Introduction to Programming Languages [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course explores the connection of computer languages to the problem solving process. Students will use formal methods to verify the syntax and semantics of a programming language and a computer program. Students will examine languages using the procedural, functional, object-oriented, and logical paradigms. Opportunities to use a variety of languages on appropriate platforms will be available. Prerequisites: CSCI 2710. CSCI 3210 is recommended. (Offered alternate years)

CSCI 4500
Computer Science Internship [Practicum] (3 - 6)
Internship provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in an actual computing environment with a local business or institution. The student works under the direction of an on-site supervisor and a faculty advisor. The internship is designed to utilize knowledge gained in the classroom while exposing the student to the latest developments and methodology in the field. Prerequisites: senior standing and 12 credit hours of computer science work, including at least 6 at the upper-division level. BUAD 3500 is recommended. (Offered on demand)

CSCI 4710
Software Engineering [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on the complete software process from requirements gathering and design to test and maintenance. There will be special emphasis on design for change and reuse. The course will explore methods to developing well-structured, readable, and efficient programs. Various software development tools will be explored. Roles and responsibilities of various computer professionals will be presented. Prerequisites: CSCI 2710; MGMT 3900 is recommended. (Offered alternate years)

CSCI 4910
Intro to Computer Science Research [Course] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This course will provide the student with experience in searching, reading, and analyzing literature in the computer sciences. The student will also learn about research in the computer disciplines including how to write a research proposal. Students will be exposed to gathering experimental results and the presentation and publication of those results. Prerequisites: CSC 245, CSCI 2110, and junior standing. (Offered alternate years)

CSCI 4950
Independent Study [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

CSCI 4980
Senior Project [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will provide an opportunity for students to develop an application incorporating a range of activities extending beyond the material covered in the classroom. The project may be theoretical or practical in nature. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of the Computer Science Department. (May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 semester hours.) (Offered on demand)