2009-2010 University Catalog

Computer Science, BS

Banner Code: VS-BS-CS

School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering

The objectives of the BS in Computer Science Program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation. The objectives include:

Foundation for successful careers in industry: Graduates of the program will have a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications of computer science. They will have the educational foundation that leads to successful careers in the computing industry.
Foundation for graduate study: Graduates of the program will have the academic preparation for successful completion of rigorous graduate programs.
Professional preparation: Graduates will have effective written and oral communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively in a professional and ethical manner.

This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700.

Degree Requirements

For the BS-CS degree, students must complete 120 credits, including the university general education requirements and all the following:

Computer science core (33 credits):

CS 101 - Preview of Computer Science Credits: 2
CS 105 - Computer Ethics and Society Credits: 1
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4
CS 211 - Object-Oriented Programming Credits: 3
CS 262 - Introduction to Low-Level Programming Credits: 1
CS 306 - Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional Credits: 3
CS 310 - Data Structures Credits: 3
CS 330 - Formal Methods and Models Credits: 3
CS 367 - Computer Systems and Programming Credits: 3
CS 421 - Software Requirements and Design Modeling Credits: 3
CS 465 - Computer Systems Architecture Credits: 3
CS 483 - Analysis of Algorithms Credits: 3
ECE 301 - Digital Electronics Credits: 3

Note:

Students must take CS 101 within their first year at the university. Students should take CS 105 during their second semester. A grade of C or better must be earned in CS 306 for this course to satisfy the university general education synthesis requirement.

Senior computer science (12 credits):

Any four of the following:

CS 440 - Language Processors and Programming Environments Credits: 3
CS 450 - Database Concepts Credits: 3
CS 451 - Computer Graphics Credits: 3
CS 455 - Computer Communications and Networking Credits: 3
CS 468 - Secure Programming and Systems Credits: 3
CS 471 - Operating Systems Credits: 3
CS 475 - Concurrent and Distributed Systems Credits: 3
CS 480 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Credits: 3
CS 482 - Computer Vision Credits: 3
CS 484 - Data Mining Credits: 3
CS 499 - Special Topics in Computer Science Credits: 3

Note:

Only three credits of CS 499 can be used toward the Senior computer science requirement.

Mathematics (23 credits):

MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 114 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Credits: 4
MATH 125 - Discrete Mathematics I Credits: 3
MATH 203 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 213 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus III Credits: 3
STAT 344 - Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I Credits: 3

And one of the following:

MATH 446 - Numerical Analysis I Credits: 3
OR 481 - Numerical Methods in Engineering Credits: 3

Note:

MATH 105 and MATH 108 cannot be counted toward this degree.

Computer science-related courses (6 credits):

Two courses chosen from:

STAT 354 - Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II Credits: 3
OR 335 - Discrete Systems Simulation Modeling Credits: 3
OR 441 - Deterministic Operations Research Credits: 3
OR 442 - Stochastic Operations Research Credits: 3
ECE 280 - Electric Circuit Analysis Credits: 5
ECE 431 - Digital Circuit Design Credits: 3
ECE 447 - Single-Chip Microcomputers Credits: 4
ECE 450 - Introduction to Robotics Credits: 3
ECE 511 - Microprocessors Credits: 3
SWE 432 - Design and Implementation of Software for the Web Credits: 3
SWE 437 - Software Testing and Maintenance Credits: 3
SWE 443 - Software Architectures Credits: 3
SYST 371 - Systems Engineering Management Credits: 3
SYST 470 - Human Factors Engineering Credits: 3
PHIL 371 - Philosophy of Natural Sciences Credits: 3
PHIL 376 - Symbolic Logic Credits: 3
Any MATH or CS course numbered above 300 (except MATH 351)

Note:

Students may need to choose electives to satisfy prerequisites for these courses. Those planning to take MATH 352 may replace STAT 344 with MATH 351.

Natural Sciences:

12 credits in courses intended for scientists and engineers. Two of the courses for this requirement must have laboratory components and constitute a sequence. A list of relevant courses can be obtained from the department office.

COMM 100 (3 credits):

Computer science students must make a technical presentation. The course fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication for Volgenau School students.

And:

Three credits in arts, humanities, or social science in addition to the general education requirements.

Additional Information:

Students should consult the sample schedule below and ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied. Students should obtain computer-generated audits periodically to ensure that degree requirements are being met.

Sample Schedule

First Semester

Western civilization course Credits: 3

CS 101 - Preview of Computer Science Credits: 2
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4
ENGL 101 - Composition Credits: 3
MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4

Total: 16 credits

Second Semester

Arts course Credits: 3
Literature course Credits: 3

CS 105 - Computer Ethics and Society Credits: 1
CS 211 - Object-Oriented Programming Credits: 3
MATH 114 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Credits: 4

Total: 14 credits

Third Semester

Natural science course Credits: 4
Social and behavioral science course Credits: 3

CS 262 - Introduction to Low-Level Programming Credits: 1
ECE 301 - Digital Electronics Credits: 3
MATH 213 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus III Credits: 3

Total: 14 credits

Fourth Semester

Natural science course Credits: 4
General elective Credits: 3

COMM 100 - Public Speaking Credits: 3
CS 310 - Data Structures Credits: 3
MATH 125 - Discrete Mathematics I Credits: 3

Total: 16 credits

Fifth Semester

Global understanding course Credits: 3

CS 330 - Formal Methods and Models Credits: 3
CS 367 - Computer Systems and Programming Credits: 3
ENGL 302 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3
MATH 203 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3

Total: 15 credits

Sixth Semester

Humanities course Credits: 3
Natural science course Credits: 4

CS 421 - Software Requirements and Design Modeling Credits: 3
CS 465 - Computer Systems Architecture Credits: 3
STAT 344 - Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I Credits: 3

Total: 16 credits

Seventh Semester

Senior computer science course Credits: 3
Computer science-related elective Credits: 3

CS 306 - Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional Credits: 3
CS 483 - Analysis of Algorithms Credits: 3

AND one of the following:

OR 481 - Numerical Methods in Engineering Credits: 3
MATH 446 - Numerical Analysis I Credits: 3

Total: 15 credits

Eighth Semester

Senior computer science course Credits: 3
Senior computer science course Credits: 3
Senior computer science course Credits: 3
Computer science-related elective Credits: 3
General elective Credits: 2

Total: 14 credits

Change of Major

Students requesting a change of major to computer science must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and successfully completed two of the following: CS 112. CS 211; MATH 113, MATH 114, or MATH 125.

Advanced Placement, Credit by Exam

Some students may receive credit for CS 112 by passing departmentally administered exams. In addition, a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam qualifies the student for credit in CS 112. An AP score of 4, together with demonstrated competence in the programming language used in CS 211, qualifies students for credit in CS 211. A score of 4 on the International Baccalaureate computer science exam qualifies students for credit in CS 112, and a score of 5 or more qualifies students for credit in CS 211.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

Computer science majors complete the writing-intensive requirement through a sequence of projects and reports in CS 306 and 421. Faculty members provide feedback on students’ expository writing.

Grades

Students must earn a C or better in any course intended to satisfy a prerequisite for a computer science course. Computer science majors may not use more than one course with grade of C- or lower toward department requirements.

Cooperative Education

Students may participate in the Mason cooperative education program or a work-study program in the Washington, D.C. area.

Computer Science, Computer Engineering Double Major

Computer science majors can earn a double major in computer science and computer engineering if they complete an additional 28 credits of courses beyond the 120 credits required for the computer science degree. The additional 28 credits must be part of an approved plan of study. For more information, visit the department web site.

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