DEPARTMENT
OF MATHEMATICAL AND
INFORMATION
SCIENCES
Course Descriptions
Major
Minor
ACTING CHAIR: DAVID
K. RUCH
Computing Science
Program
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: DAVID
S. BURRIS
FACULTY: Janice
Carroll, Johnny Carroll, Cooper,
Crouch, Hartness, Ji,
Lu, McCoy
The Computing 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. In addition,
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 and
Novell networks for network training.
Computing Science students
are invited and 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.
Curriculum: Bachelor
of Science in Computing Science
The Computing Science major
requires a total of 39 hours of Computing Science course work distributed
as described below. All general degree requirements including a minor in
a non-Computing Science area must also be met.
The 39 hours of course work
for the Computing Science major should be distributed as follows (Note:
CS 133, CS 138, and CS 143 may not be used to meet this requirement):
Required courses: CS 164,
CS 165, CS 334, CS 437, CS 474 15 hrs.
Students are expected to
select an emphasis from the following tracks:
Computer Science: CS 272,
278, 333, 430, 431, 9 hrs. electives 24 hrs.
Information Systems: CS 278
(COBOL), 234, 334, 336, 463,
9 hrs. electives 24
hrs.
Industrial Technology: CS
272, 333, 396, 15 hrs. electives 24 hrs.
The total must include a
minimum of 21 upper division hours: Total 39 hrs.
CS 431 is recommended to
students electing to complete the Information Systems tract 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, STA 379, MGT 380
Information Systems:
MTH 199/299 or MTH 142/143, MTH 396, STA 379, ACC 231/232
The math sequence MTH 142/143
is essential for students interested in careers in aerospace and engineering
disciplines.
SUGGESTED
COURSES OF STUDY
Computing Science
(CS)
| First Year |
Credit |
|
Second Year |
Credit |
| CS 164, 165, 278 (Ada) |
9 |
|
CS 272, 333, 474 |
9 |
| MTH 199, 299 or MTH 142,
143 |
6-8 |
|
ART, DNC, MUS or THR |
3 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
|
BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL (one
field) |
8 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
|
ENG 265, 275, or 295 |
3 |
| KIN 215 , 1 hr KIN activity |
2 |
|
ENG (200 level or higher)
or SCM |
3 |
| Minor/elective |
3 |
|
POL 261, POL elective |
6 |
| Total |
32-34 |
|
Total |
32 |
| Third Year |
Credit |
|
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| CS 334, 430, 431, elective |
12 |
|
CS 437, 6 hrs. upper division
CS |
9 |
| STA 379 |
3 |
|
MGT 380 |
3 |
| BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL (one
field) |
8 |
|
Minor/electives |
21 |
| Criterion VI electives |
6 |
|
Total |
33 |
| Electives |
3 |
|
|
|
| Total |
32 |
|
|
|
SUGGESTED COURSES
OF STUDY
Computing Science
(IS)
| First Year |
Credit |
|
Second Year |
Credit |
| CS 164, 165, 278 (COBOL) |
9 |
|
CS 272, 333, 336 |
9 |
| MTH 199, 299 or MTH 142,
143 |
6-8 |
|
ART, DNC, MUS or THR |
3 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
|
ACC 231, ACC 232 |
6 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
|
ENG 265, 275, or 295 |
3 |
| KIN 215 , 1 hr KIN activity |
2 |
|
ENG (200 level or higher)
or SCM |
3 |
| Minor/elective |
3 |
|
POL 261, POL elective |
6 |
| Total |
32-34 |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
|
Total |
33 |
| Third Year |
Credit |
|
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| CS 334, 463, 474, |
|
|
CS 437, 6 hrs. upper division
CS |
9 |
| 3 hrs. advanced CS |
12 |
|
MTH 396 |
3 |
| STA 379 |
3 |
|
Minor/electives |
12 |
| BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL (one
field) |
8 |
|
BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL
(one field) |
8 |
| Criterion VI electives |
6 |
|
Total |
32 |
| Elective (CS 431 recommended) |
3 |
|
|
|
| Total |
32 |
|
|
|
SUGGESTED COURSES
OF STUDY
Computing Science
(IT)
| First Year |
Credit |
|
Second Year |
Credit |
| CS 164, 165, 278 (Ada) |
9 |
|
CS 272, 333, 474 |
9 |
| MTH 199, 299 or MTH 142,
143 |
6-8 |
|
ART, DNC, MUS or THR |
3 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
|
BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL (one
field) |
8 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
|
ENG 265, 275, or 295 |
3 |
| KIN 215 , 1 hr KIN activity |
2 |
|
ENG (200 level or higher)
or SCM |
3 |
| Minor/elective |
3 |
|
POL 261, POL elective |
6 |
| Total |
32-34 |
|
Total |
32 |
| Third Year |
Credit |
|
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| CS 334, 396, 6 hrs. CS |
12 |
|
CS 437, 6 hrs. elective
CS |
9 |
| STA 379 |
3 |
|
MGT 380 |
3 |
| BIO, CHM, PHY or GEL (one
field) |
3 |
|
Minor/electives |
|
| Criterion VI electives |
6 |
|
(CS 431 recommended) |
21 |
| Electives |
3 |
|
Total |
33 |
| Total |
32 |
|
|
|
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.
Curriculum:
Minor in Computing Science
A Computing Science Minor
consists of 21 hours of Computing Science course work of which at least
9 hours must be advanced. Three recommended minor plans are shown here.
Modifications may be made to meet individual student needs if approved
by the Computing Science program coordinator.
Computer Science Minor:
Required courses:
CS 164, 165, 278 (appropriate to emphasis) 9 hrs.
Students will select an
emphasis from one of the following tracks:
Information Systems: CS
143, 334, 336, 3 hrs. advanced CS 12 hrs.
Computing Sciences: CS 272,
333, 6 hrs. advanced CS 12 hrs.
Industrial Technology: CS
272, 333, 396, 3 hrs. advanced CS 12 hrs.
COMPUTING
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CS 133 INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTERS. 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. 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 or minor. 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. Prerequisite: CS 164. Credit 3.
CS 234 INTRODUCTION TO
BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT. 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 143. Credit 3.
CS 272 DIGITAL COMPUTER
PROGRAMMING. 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 INFORMATION SYSTEMS
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. Credit
3.
CS 333 DIGITAL COMPUTER
STRUCTURE. This course is a continuation of Computing 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 364 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.
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.
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. 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 NETWORKING. 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 474 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 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.
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