Computer Studies

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

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.

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. 

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. 

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). 

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.

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.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

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.

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. 

The fundamentals of logic design, the organization and structuring of the major hardware components of computers. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

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. 

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. 

Topics of current interest in computer science not covered in other courses.

Supervised experience in business, governmental, or non-profit institutions where work is related to student interest in computer science. Pass/fail grading only.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

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.

With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and/or a presentation.