COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Fall 2005
COMP 121 - Computing in The Arts and Sciences
4 credits
Herzog/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 a programming language that can be used 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 credits
Saks
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.
The course stresses the development of algorithms and data abstraction to solve problems. It begins with basic algorithm design, progresses through imperative programming and finishes with most of the features of object-oriented programming. Students write 10-12 programs using an industrial quality compiler and its integrated development environment (IDE) on the Wittenberg network. 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++.
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 255 - Principles of Computer Organisation
5 credits
Shelburne
Considers the organization and architecture of the computer from various "levels": digital logic, microprogramming, conventional machine level and the operating system level. Programming assignments in Assembly languages will be used to demonstrate and reinforce the various architectural structures and techniques studied. Grades will be based on in-class tests, programming and written assignments, and a final exam. The course will meet for three one-hour lectures and a two-hour lab each week.
Prerequisite : COMP 150. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 275 - Sequential & Parallel Algorithms
4 credits
Noyes
Systematic study involving the properties and complexity of several types of algorithms that could be implemented on sequential and parallel processing computers. The algorithms studied are designed to solve problems in both symbolic and numeric processing. Symbolic methods include string manipulation, pattern-matching, searching, and sorting algorithms. Numeric methods include vector and matrix algorithms, as well as data processing and simulation/optimization algorithms. The issues of algorithm efficiency will be examined. Grades will be based upon theoretical and programming assignments and exams. This course will assume a C++ background. Some work will be done in Mathematica®.
The class will meet twice a week. Grades will be based on assignments, projects, reports and exams.
Prerequisites : MATH 171 and COMP 250.
Co-requisite : MATH 205. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 350 Artificial Intelligence
4 credits
Noyes
Some of the primary areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be examined, such as: Knowledge Representation, Language/Speech Processing, Vision, Search, Deductive Systems, Expert Systems, Robotics, Machine Learning and Neural Networks. These will be investigated in terms of their applications and the underlying AI techniques necessary to implement them. Lisp and Mathematica ® will be used as the primary implementation languages. Some philosophical and humanistic issues of AI will also be addressed.
The class will meet twice a week. Grades will be based on assignments, projects, reports and exams.
Prerequisites: COMP 250 and MATH 205.
MATH 171 is a co-requisite. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
