DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS,
COMPUTER SCIENCE, AND STATISTICS

Computer Science Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: DAVID S. BURRIS

FACULTY: Cooper, Gonzalez, Ji, McCoy, McGuire, Smith

      Due to an administrative reorganization since printing this catalogue, inquiries should be directed to Dr. Peter A. Cooper, Chair of the Department of Computer Science or Dr. Jaimie L. Hebert, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

      Computers are an integral part of our life. Computer Science is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses mathematics and logic, science, communication, and engineering. Fundamental to a study of Computer Science is the development of intellectual tools and practical skills in the design and implementation of technology-based solutions to real world scientific, business and human problems.

      Computing professionals support many scientific, governmental and commercial enterprises though network and communication systems management, application (computer program) development and maintenance, and hardware design. The management of computing resources within organizations is typically a mission critical activity and computing professionals occupy key organizational roles as network and database administrators, software engineers, systems analysts and programmers.

      The Computer Science program offers major study plans for students wishing to pursue careers as a programmer/analyst/software engineer or to prepare for advanced studies at the graduate level. Minor study plans are offered which can be tailored to the needs of students majoring in almost any field. A plan leading to secondary teacher certification in Computer Science is also offered.

      Sam Houston State University provides a comprehensive computing environment for students. The Computer Services Department operates several laboratories containing terminals, desktop computers, and work stations. A variety of operating systems, network protocols, programming languages and application packages are available. Students have full access to the Internet and E-mail facilities when on campus and through dial-up facilities from off-campus. The department also operates a laboratory equipped with a small self-contained LAN server, quad processor Xeon system, and an 8-CPU Beowulf cluster.

      Computer Science students are encouraged to join the Sam Houston Association of Computer Scientists. The Club sponsors field trips, campus visits by guest speakers and occasional student/faculty outings.

CS 431 is recommended for students electing to complete the Information Systems track or Industrial Technology track. In addition to the major requirements, computer science majors are required to complete the following support courses:
Computer Science/Industrial Technology: MTH 199/299 or MTH 142/143, MTH/STA 379, MTH/STA advanced elective.
Information Systems: MTH 199/299 or MTH 142/143, MTH 396, STA 379, ACC 231, MGT 380
The math sequence MTH 142/143 is essential for students interested in careers in aerospace and engineering disciplines.

Students with extensive high school programming experience may elect to begin a major or minor program with CS 165 or CS 272. Students who have taken the advanced placement computer science examination may be eligible for credit for CS 164 and CS 165.

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CS 133 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS. [COSC 1300] This is a computer literacy course. Basic computing concepts are presented. Assignments provide a hands-on experience in using microcomputer applications. Multimedia and the Internet are introduced. May not be taken for credit toward a CS major or minor. Credit 3.

CS 138 MULTIMEDIA AND NETWORK COMPUTING. This is an introduction to the computing technology underlying multimedia and network computing. The emphasis is on the use of this technology to improve communications. CD-ROMs, audio and video capture, electronic mail, groupware and other hardware and software resources are used to prepare documents and visual aids and to make interactive presentations. Students enrolled in this course should be seeking a teaching certificate. May not be taken for credit toward a CS major or minor. Credit 3.

CS 143 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES. [COSC 1401] This course develops the student's skills in the effective use of computing technology in the Social Sciences. Topics covered in depth include Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, database, integrated applications, local networking, the Internet and multimedia documents. . May not be taken for credit toward a CS major. Credit 4.

CS 162 INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMMING FOR ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS. This is an introductory programming course for students in numerically orientated fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics. Programming languages such as FORTRAN and C++ will be used in different semesters to meet the needs of different groups. Credit 3.

CS 164 INTRODUCTION TO ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING. This course is an introduction to programming. A software engineering approach to developing computer programs is stressed and object-oriented concepts are introduced. The development of procedures and the writing and testing of programs to implement them is emphasized. Prerequisite: Basic key-boarding and PC skills. Credit 3.

CS 165 PROGRAMMING ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES. This course is a continuation of CS 164 and emphasizes the relationships between the data objects in computer programs. Re-usability is stressed through the use of generic data abstractions such as the C++ Standard Template Library. Prerequisites: CS 164, MTH 199 or 170 or 142. Credit 3.

CS 234 NETWORKS I. Installation, usage, and management of computer hardware ad operating systems for business. Topics include scripting, macros, intelligent agents. Installation and management of networks, the Internet, and communications software is covered. Prerequisite: CS 164. Credit 3.

CS 272 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION I. This course examines the functional components of computer systems. Topics discussed include processors, memory types and hierarchies, buses, I/O, interrupts, etc. with emphasis on how they affect program execution, parameter passing and inter-program communications between programs written in diverse languages. Prerequisite: CS 164, CS 165 (may be taken concurrently). Credit 3.

CS 278 SPECIAL TOPICS/PROGRAMMING. In-depth study of a programming language used to implement information systems. Real time components, visual techniques, and artificial intelligence will be utilized as appropriate. This course may be repeated for credit with the approval of the undergraduate advisor. A different language must be covered to receive approval for repeat credit. Prerequisite: CS 165. Credit 3.

CS 333 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION II. This course is a continuation of Computer Science 272. It is a study of computer systems organization and systems programming. Uni- and multi-processor, SMP, parallel and distributed systems are studied. Prerequisite: CS 272. Credit 3.

CS 334 DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. This course emphasizes the design of information systems using database software and query language/programming interfaces. Data warehouse concepts are introduced. Legacy systems, LAN and distributed systems based systems are used to give the student hands-on experience in systems development. Prerequisite: CS 165. Credit 3.

CS 336 INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT. This is a course in the design and implementation of large-scale file and persistent object-based information systems. Client/server systems are covered. Prerequisite: CS 278. Credit 3.

CS 362 DATA STRUCTURES. Introductory treatments of such topics as orthogonal lists, strings, arrays, linked lists, multilinked structures, indexed and direct files, and generalized data management and database management systems. Prerequisite: CS 165. Credit 3.

CS 394 NUMERICAL METHODS. This course develops the concepts underlying the use of the computer for interpolation, approximations, solutions of equations and the solution of both linear and nonlinear systems equations. Mathematical software and/or user written programs are utilized. Also offered as Mathematics 394. Prerequisites: CS 162 and MTH 143 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

CS 396 SWITCHING THEORY. This course is an introduction to Boolean Algebra and graph theory with emphasis on their applications in the design of digital computer software and hardware. Logic systems are designed and analyzed. Prerequisite: CS 272 . Credit 3.

CS 430 LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS. This course deals with the design and implementation of assemblers, interpreters and compilers. Topics include symbol tables, lexical scanning, syntactic analysis, object code generation and storage allocation. Programming assignments will involve implementation of functional components of a translator. Prerequisite: CS 362. Credit 3.

CS 431 COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS. This course is concerned with software organization of computer systems. It is intended to bring together the concepts and techniques of programming languages, data structures and computer organization by considering their role in the design of general computer systems. The problems which arise in multiaccessing, multiprogramming, and multiprocessing are emphasized. Prerequisites: CS 333 and CS 362. Credit 3.

CS 437 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING. This course is an introduction to formal methods of specifying, designing, implementing and testing software for large programming projects. Methods of estimating and predicting reliability are discussed. Prerequisite: 6 hours of advanced CS. Credit 3.

CS 438 COMPUTER GRAPHICS. This course introduces graphical API's used in developing graphical user interfaces and multimedia applications. Topics covered are selected from the PHIGS, Windows, Presentation Manager, X Windows, digital video and other appropriate technologies. Prerequisite: 6 advanced hours of CS. Credit 3.

CS 463 NETWORKS II. This course covers the architecture and protocols of local and wide area networks. Peer to peer and client/server configurations based upon DOS, OS/2 and Unix servers and clients are covered. Assignments involve the set-up, configuration and monitoring of Novell and Lan Server networks. Prerequisite: 6 advanced hours of CS. Credit 3.

CS 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE. Topics of general interest are offered on a timely basis. One such topic that will be offered is:
Cognitive Computing. This will be a course in constructing intelligent systems. Inference and neural engines will be used to create knowledge-based and adaptive learning applications. Fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, DNA, and neural networks will be covered. Prerequisites: For all CS 470 topics - 6 hrs. advanced CS. Credit 1-3.

CS 477 SIMULATION. This is an introduction to simulation methodology applicable to all disciplines. It covers the design of simulation experiments, validation of models and their computer implementation. The use of a generalized simulation language is introduced and applied in class projects. Prerequisites: 6 advanced hours CS and MTH 379. Credit 3.

CS 482 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES. This course emphasizes programming languages which support the Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm. Programming assignments are used to illustrate the features and weaknesses of the language and to develop the student's proficiency in the use of OOP technology. Prerequisite: CS 165. Credit 3.