DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
COMP 121 Computing in the Arts and Sciences
4 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 22 or higher
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 will also learn a subset of an object-oriented programming language.
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. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 150 Computer Programming I
5 credits
Bogaerts, Steven
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 22 or higher
Introduction to computer science through the use of programming in the Python language. 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. 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 course grade is based on programming assignments, lab exercises, in‑class tests, and a final. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 253 Principles of Software Design
4 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: COMP 250
This course emphasizes modern software design and development techniques, as well as expanding upon topics introduced in Computer Programming I and II. Topics covered include object-oriented design issues, formal design languages such as UML, design patterns, use of APIs, exception handling and fault-tolerant computing, event-driven programming, threading and multithreaded code, elementary concepts in security, authentication and encryption, the client-server model of networking, verification techniques, and advanced data structures. Assignments will be both theoretical and applied. Every year. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
COMP 320 Numerical Analysis
4 credits
Stahlberg, Eric
Prerequisites: MATH 202, MATH 205, and COMP 150
An introduction to the numerical solution of mathematical problems. Primary emphasis is upon the development of use of computational algorithms to obtain an accurate numerical solution as well as methods for establishing error estimates and bounds for this solution. These algorithms will primarily be implemented on the computer using the Mathematica7 system. Some algorithms may also be implemented in C/C++ or FORTRAN. Some work will also be done by using a scientific graphing calculator such as the TI-83 or TI-86. This course should also be of special interest to students in the physical sciences. Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
