Spotlight on Courses

The Computer Science Department offer a wide variety of interesting courses. Short summaries are available on the following:

The Introductory Programming Sequence (CS139, CS239 and CS240)

---

In CS139, students learn fundamental problem-solving techniques using computer software tools that support algorithm development and procedural abstraction to analyze a domain and create reusable software applications. In CS239, students use various advanced problem-solving strategies to develop algorithms using classes and objects. Students also learn how to implement and use elementary data structures, including character strings, records, files, stacks and queues. In CS240, students learn to implement and analyze elementary data structures and the basic complexity classes of algorithms that use strategies such as greedy algorithms, divide-and-conquer algorithms and backtracking algorithms. This analysis is especially applied to problems in searching, sorting and parsing.

Computer Graphics, Music and Multimedia (CS349, CS488)

---

CS349 considers both theoretical and practical aspects of digital media. In particular it considers object-oriented programming techniques for multimedia applications, event-based programming, a variety of different individual media, the issues that arise when combining multiple media, and time-based media. CS488 is an introduction to the mathematical and algorithmic issues that arise in computer graphics and visualization. It covers the material from the bottom up. That is, it begins with the mathematical and algorithmic foundations and then moves to application-level programming.

The Information Security and Assurance Sequence (CS457, CS458)

---

CS457 covers the basic issues of information system security, including the roles of planning, management, policies, procedures and personnel in protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. CS458 is a hands-on, lab-based learning experience in which students engage in a series of mini projects to perform security assessment, penetration testing and hardening of networked systems. The Department also offers CS402, Introduction to Information System Security. This course does not satisfy any requirements for majors or minors in computer science -- it is designed for non-majors and provides an introduction to the design and management of operating systems and networks, focusing on those aspects that affect information security. It provides students with the skill or ability to design, execute and evaluate information system security procedures and practices.

The Networking Sequence (CS460, CS461, CS462 and CS463)

---

The networking courses cover local area networking (hardware, topologies, installation and management), wide area and metropolitan area networking (including audio, voice and data), network programming (C, Java, CORBA), and network analysis and design (including performance, cost, reliability and security).

View more information about current and future courses.