COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPRING, 2004
COMP 121 COMPUTING IN THE ARTS AND SCIENCES
4 SEM HRS
SAKS
This introductory course is intended for non-majors, and assumes little computer experience beyond using word processing software. COMP 121 is designed to help students become familiar with microcomputers and their use in problem-solving and their impact on society. Students will create spreadsheets, databases, and Web pages. Students will also learn a subset of JavaScript, a language for creating interactive web pages.
The course meets for four hours each week, and includes extensive time for hands-on practice. The final grade will be based on labs, homework, and exams. Prerequisite is Math Placement Level 22 or higher. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 150 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I
5 SEM HRS
SHELBURNE
Introduction to computer science through the use of programming. Designed primarily for the student who expects to take further courses in computer science. Also very valuable for any student who expects to do programming that is related to another discipline (e.g., in the sciences). This course is required for the Computer Science major and minor, the Mathematics major and minor, and the new Computational Science minor. It is also recommended or required by certain science programs.
All programming will be done using the computers located in the new BDK Science Center computer laboratory. The course includes an introduction to an industrial quality compiler and its integrated development environment (IDE) on the Wittenberg network. The course stresses design of algorithms, how to construct programs, imperative and object-oriented programming, structured programming style, program documentation and testing, control and data constructs, input-output, abstraction, and the role of computing in society.. Particular emphasis is placed on problem solving. The class has three 1-hour lecture/demonstrations plus a 2-hour lab per week. Much of the work for the course is done outside of class using the laboratory computers to write, debug and run programs. The language to be used will be C++.
This introductory course assumes little computer experience beyond such activities as using word processing software and “web surfing.” The only prerequisite is Math Placement Level 22 or higher (an ability in high-school algebra and problem solving). The course grade is based on programming assignments, lab exercises, and in class tests. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 250 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II
5 SEM HRS
SAKS
This course is an intensive study of program design, abstract data types and object-oriented programming in C++ using data structures common in computer science. The course begins with the concept of abstract data types and how they may be implemented using object-oriented mechanisms. From there, it covers pointers and dynamic arrays. We then examine common data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, trees and graphs, along with operations appropriate to each structure (e.g., insertions and deletions, backtracking, tree traversals). Along the way, we look at recursion, multiple source file projects, template functions and classes, iterators, derived classes, and some of the Standard Template Library. Applications are drawn from the fields of operating systems, compilers, and simulations, among others. Students will be expected to design and implement moderately sized programming projects on their own, but there may be an opportunity for some small group projects.
The course will meet three times a week for lecture, and once each week for a structured lab. Students are expected to do significant work outside of class. Course grades will be based on programming assignments and in-class tests. Great emphasis will be placed on good programming style. COMP 150 is the prerequisite. WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 260 COMPUTATIONAL MODELS & METHODS
5 SEM HRS
NOYES
Computational science is the field of study that integrates science, computer science, and applied mathematics. This course is an introduction to the principles and approaches of computational science. This includes the understanding, development, and use of mathematical models as well as their effective computer implementation using languages such as Mathematica ® , C/C++, and FORTRAN (the student will have his or her choice among the last two). It is specifically designed to be accessible to a wide range of students, especially those with an interest in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or Psychology. A spectrum of problems taken from these sciences will be addressed. Topics include: using Mathematica®, Sources of Errors, The Experimental Method, Types of Science Models, Formula Evaluation, Dimensional Analysis, Model Sensitivity, Visualization Methods, Solving Equations, Computer Simulation (deterministic and stochastic), Floating-Point Arithmetic, Limits of Computation, Data Fitting, Optimization Methods, and Ethical Issues. Each student will undertake a realistic modeling project in one of the sciences. Laboratory required.
Prerequisites: (1) MATH 131 or MATH 201 (2) COMP 150 or equivalent experience as determined by the instructor. The student will be expected to be familiar with the use of a scientific graphing calculator. This course is cross-listed as MATH 260. Students may enroll in either COMP 260 or MATH 260, but not both. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 265 PRINCIPLES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
5 SEM HRS
NOYES
This course emphasizes the principles and programming styles (procedural, functional, object oriented, logic oriented) that govern the design and implementation of contemporary programming languages. Topics include language syntax and translation, data types and operations, sequence control, data control, subprograms, and environments. Languages to be studied include those taken from the following: Ada, APL, C, C++, FORTRAN, LISP, Mathematica ® , Modula 2, Pascal, Prolog, Scheme and Smalltalk. Much of the work for the course will be done outside of class; this includes the use of the University computer and microcomputers together with appropriate library research. COMP 250 and MATH 201 are prerequisites. MATH 171 is a co-requisite.
Grades are based upon assignments, reports, presentations, and exams. This course will meet three times a week and have a weekly two hour lab session. It is a WRITING INTENSIVE course. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 351 OPERATING SYSTEMS
4 SEM HRS
SAKS
The study of operating systems is essentially the study of resource allocation, and much of this course will focus on managing processes, memory, storage, and external devices. During the latter part of the course, we will also be studying networks and distributive operating systems. Students will be expected to write a paper on a particular operating system, and make a classroom presentation. Grades will be based upon assignments, exams, and the paper/presentation. Prerequisite: COMP 255. This course is WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 460 SENIOR SEMINAR
2 SEM HRS
NOYES
TOPIC: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
This course will address the area of software engineering through the presentation, discussion and use of recognized software engineering principles. The primary emphasis is on the design, development, and documentation of a group project, but outside readings, presentations, and discussions may be required. This course is required of a senior majoring in computer science. The grade is based upon a combination of independent and group activities. WRITING INTENSIVE. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
