Computer Studies
Professors Hontz, and Manning; Professor of Practice Watkins; Associate Professor Andreae; Assistant Professors Glotzer, Lada, and Starling; Assistant Professor of Practice Gass.
Mission Statement:
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Meredith College teaches courses with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, theory, and application. We engage our students intellectually and foster an appreciation for lifelong learning. We provide foundations for further studies and diverse careers that utilize logical reasoning and problem- solving abilities.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Students will acquire and develop:
- quantitative literacy and technological fluency; and
- the ability to solve problems through a process of conceptual and logical reasoning.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Mathematics Major
Students will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of the most important concepts in calculus, statistics, theoretical mathematics, and applied mathematics;
- solve a variety of problems using appropriate strategies;
- reason mathematically to construct logical arguments;
- use appropriate technological tools to support learning and research;
- work collaboratively and independently to learn mathematics; and
- communicate knowledge of mathematics in written and oral form.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Computer Science Major
A student who completes a degree in Computer Science will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of hardware, software, and computing fundamentals
- solve problems using current technologies
- integrate knowledge to create solutions to complex problems
- demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors and attitudes
Minors in mathematics, statistics, web development, applied mathematics, data science, and mathematics and computer applications are also offered, along with a variety of support courses for other disciplines.
In addition, the department offers the mathematics and methods courses for middle grades and secondary teacher licensure in North Carolina.
Academic credit for supervised professional employment related to mathematics and/or computer science is available through cooperative education, internships, and special studies.
The Vivian Kraines Freshman-Sophomore Mathematics Competition is held each January, and awards are given to the winners. Each spring the Vallie Tillotson Nelson Award is given to the outstanding freshman in mathematics courses. The Canaday Scholarship is given annually to a rising senior majoring in mathematics, and the Preston Scholarship is given to a student who has excelled in statistics.
Extracurricular activities include participation in national and regional mathematics and computer science competitions. The Canaday Mathematics and Computer Science Club sponsors guest speakers, programs on co- ops and careers, and various other activities. The North Carolina Mu Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, a national honor society in mathematics, also organizes events.
Dual Degree Engineering Program
A Dual Degree Engineering Program is available to Meredith College students. In this 5-year program, a student can receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Meredith College in Mathematics or Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from NC State University. For details of the program see the Focus on Careers section. Other engineering dual degree combinations can be found in Chemistry section. Interested students should contact the Engineering Program Director at Meredith through the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, before she registers for her first semester at Meredith College.
Mathematics Placement
A student without credit and advanced placement from high AP scores may request placement in MAT-212, with credit granted for MAT-191 upon completion of MAT-212 with a grade of C or higher. If a student requests placement in MAT-213, credit is given for MAT-212 and MAT-191 upon completion of MAT-213 with a grade of C or higher.
Degrees and Certificates
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Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts -
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science -
Web Development, Minor
Courses
CS-110: Ethics and Information Technology
Discussion of the ethical and legal issues created by the introduction of information technology into every day life. Codes of ethics for computer users. Topics may include, but are not limited to, information ownership, individual privacy, computer crime, communications and freedom of expression, encryption and security.
CS-120: Spreadsheets
Introduction to and development of skills in the creation and use of spreadsheets. The student will also learn how to set up and create graphs from spreadsheets and to create macros. Extensive use of microcomputer software such as Excel.
CS-121: Spreadsheets II
This course is a continuation of CS-120. Students will learn how to use Excel as a practical business tool with in-depth use of formulas and functions and efficient worksheet and workbook design. Some topics in Excel databases and the creation of simple macros will also be covered.
CS-120 or competency in spreadsheets.
CS-140: Databases
Creating a database structure, entering and updating data, generating reports based on querying the database. This course includes a project. Hands-on use of software such as MS Access.
CS-156: Web Site Design & Management
This course requires extensive use of HTML and CSS to create web pages and web sites. Specific topics and techniques include: text, images, links, tables, forms, multi-media, layout, and responsive design.
CS-160: SAS Programming
A course in programming in the high-level programming language of SAS which is used extensively in business, government, and education. By the end of the course the student will be able to immediately apply her skills in real-life programming solutions. Applications in data gathering and manipulation, report generation, and elementary statistical procedures.
Prerequisite: Computer Literacy
Recommended: Prior experience in statistics
No previous programming experience is required.
CS-188: Special Topics in Computer Studies
Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.
Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
May be repeated for credit.
CS-190: Beginning Programming
Students learn how a computer works and how to make it work as they design, code, debug and document programs to perform a variety of tasks. This course is intended for students who have not programmed a computer before, but may also serve as an introduction to Java (or other language) even if the student DOES know some programming.
CS-210: Introduction to MATLAB
This course provides an introduction to MATLAB. It is designed to give students basic fluency in MATLAB, including an introduction to basic built-in functions as well as writing scripts and functions. The course will consist of interactive lectures with students doing sample MATLAB problems in real time. Problem-based MATLAB assignments will be given.
CS-212: Object Oriented Programming
A continuation of programming concepts with an emphasis on object-oriented fundamentals (abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism) and more advanced programming projects. Industry best practices will be discussed.
CS-190 with a minimum grade of C or better
CS-230: Web Programming with Databases
This course focuses on the server side of client server programming for the Web, especially database programming. There will be a study of fundamentals of databases including normalization and security, and students will apply this knowledge to real web database applications. Current tools: JavaScript (prerequisite),PHP (programming language), SQL (Structured Query Language).
CS-240: Visual Basic
An introduction to programming in Visual Basic. Emphasis will be placed on the event-driven, graphical nature of Visual Basic, as opposed to procedure-oriented programming. Topics include form layout, event-driven Windows programming concepts, variables and data types, objects and properties, control structures, file management, accessing databases, linking applications, Web page development from a Visual Basic application, and developing and using ActiveX controls.
CS-190
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent
This course is intended for those with programming experience.
CS-262: Discrete Mathematics
An introduction to various topics chosen from combinatorics, propositional logic and graph theory. Topics include counting techniques, permutations and combinations, induction and recursion, Boolean algebra, planarity, minimal paths and minimum spanning trees.
Recommended for middle grades and secondary mathematics licensure students.
Also offered as MAT-262.
CS-288: Special Topics in Computer Studies
Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.
Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
May be repeated for credit.
CS-299: Intro to Computer Studies Research
This course will provide opportunities for freshman and sophomores to participate in original research in computer science. Students will submit findings in a formal written report and/or will give a presentation. Students will be expected to work approximately three hours per week on the research project for each semester hour of credit.
May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
CS-301: Data Structures & Algorithms
Topics include the sequential and linked allocation of lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Students gain maturity by writing complex algorithms and through studying run time analysis and program integrity.
CS-212 with a minimum grade of C or better
CS-311: Computer Organization
The fundamentals of logic design, the organization and structuring of the major hardware components of computers.
CS-190 with a minimum grade of C or better
CS-312: Information Systems Management
The main theme of the course is solving problems and creating opportunities with technology in an organizational setting. Topics include how information systems affect and are affected by organizational goals and strategies; basic overviews of the components of an information system; hardware, software, data storage and retrieval, and network communications; the Internet; the information systems development process; and systems development as planned organizational change.
Completion of the General Education fundamental computer skills competency requirement.
CS-326: Networking and Operating Systems
In the ever shifting and related fields of operating systems and networking, this course teaches the fundamental aspects of computing systems including security, memory management, job scheduling, synchronization, client-server programming and distributed programming. There will also be significant hands-on application of principles in the lab.
CS-212 with a minimum grade of C or better
CS-355: Computer Graphics & Modeling
This course is about visualizing models on the computer screen, including 2D and 3D images, perspective, shading, animation and stereo. The course will use and study numerical models of such interesting phenomena as geometric objects, fractals, trajectories, and propagation of waves.
CS-212 with a minimum grade of C or better
CS-360: Numerical Analysis
A computer-oriented study of analytical methods in mathematics. Topics include solving non-linear equations, least squares and approximation, interpolating polynomials, numerical differentiation, and numerical quadrature.
Also offered as MAT-360.
CS-388: Special Topics in Computer Studies
Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.
Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
May be repeated for credit.
CS-407: Software Engineering
Introduction to the principles of design, coding, and testing of software projects; the software development cycle; and managing the implementation of large computer projects. Students undertake a large team project.
CS-420: Computer Science Seminar
A seminar course for computer science majors. Students will research and present current developments and topics in computer science. Post-graduation opportunities will be explored and preparation for these opportunities will be discussed.
12 credit hours of Computer Studies courses.
Juniors and Senior Standing
CS-421: Topics in Computer Science
Topics of current interest in computer science not covered in other courses.
Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
CS-480: Computer Studies Internship
Supervised experience in business, governmental, or non-profit institutions where work is related to student interest in computer science. Pass/fail grading only.
12 credit hours of Computer Studies courses.
Computer Science majors with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major.
Instructor consent required.
May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours.
CS-488: Special Topics in Computer Studies
Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.
Prerequisites vary with topic studied.
May be repeated for credit.
CS-498: Honors Thesis in Comp Studies
With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and presentation. The research project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the computer science faculty.
Seniors or second semester Junior Computer Science majors in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs.
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
CS-499: Computer Studies Research
With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and/or a presentation.
Juniors and Senior Standing majoring in Computer Studies, or others with permission of the department.
May be repeated for credit for a maximum of six hours.
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.