Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008
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DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

 

Computer Science Course Descriptions

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CS 133 Introduction to Computers. [COSC 1300] This is a computer literacy course. Basic computing concepts are presented. Assignments provide a hands-on experience in using microcomputer applications. Multimedia and the Internet are introduced. May not be taken for credit toward a CS major or minor. This course may be taken as a classroom based course or as an Independent Study/Internet course. Credit 3.

CS 138 Multimedia and Network Computing. This is an introduction to the computing technology underlying multimedia and network computing. The emphasis is on the use of this technology to improve communications. CD-ROMs, audio and video capture, electronic mail, groupware and other hardware and software resources are used to prepare documents and visual aids and to make interactive presentations. Students enrolled in this course should be seeking a teaching certificate. May not be taken for credit toward a CS major or minor. This course may be taken as a classroom based course or as an Independent Study/Internet course. Credit 3.

CS 143 Introduction to Computing for the Social Sciences. [COSC 1401] This course develops the student’s skills in the effective use of computing technology in the Social Sciences. Topics covered in depth include Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, database, integrated applications, local networking, the Internet and multimedia documents. May not be taken for credit toward a CS major. Credit 4. *Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

CS 146** Introduction to Algorithms and Programming. This course is an introduction to programming. A software engineering approach to developing computer programs is stressed and object-oriented concepts are introduced. The development of procedures and the writing and testing of programs to implement them is emphasized. This course includes a 2-hour lab-based component. Prerequisites: eligibility for MTH 199, MTH 170, or MTH 142, basic keyboarding and PC skills. Credit 4.

CS 147** Programming Algorithms and Data Structures. This course is a continuation of CS 146 and emphasizes the relationships between the data objects in computer programs. Re-usability is stressed through the use of generic data abstractions such as the C++ Standard Template Library. This course includes a 2-hour lab-based component. Prerequisites: CS 146, MTH 199 or 170 or 142. Credit 4.

CS 160 Visual Programming. This course is an introduction to programming using the visual paradigm, aimed at students with little or no background in programming. The core notions of problem solving through programming are introduced, following an object-oriented approach to visual programming.

CS 234 Networks I. Installation, usage, and management of computer hardware ad operating systems for business. Topics include scripting, macros, intelligent agents. Installation and management of networks, the Internet, and communications software is covered. Prerequisite: CS 146. Credit 3.

CS 272 Computer Organization I. This course examines the functional components of computer systems. Topics discussed include processors, memory types and hierarchies, buses, I/O, interrupts, etc. with emphasis on how they affect program execution, parameter passing and inter-program communications between programs written in diverse languages. Prerequisite: CS 146, CS 147 (may be taken concurrently). Credit 3.

CS 278 Special Topics/Programming. In-depth study of a programming language used to implement information systems. Real time components, visual techniques, and artificial intelligence will be utilized as appropriate. This course may be repeated for credit with the approval of the undergraduate advisor. A different language must be covered to receive approval for repeat credit. Prerequisite: CS 147. Credit 3.

CS 333 Computer Organization II. This course is a continuation of Computer Science 272. It is a study of computer systems organization and systems programming. Uni- and multi-processor, SMP, parallel and distributed systems are studied. Prerequisite: CS 272. Credit 3.

CS 334 Data Base Management Systems. This course emphasizes the design of information systems using database software and query language/programming interfaces. Data warehouse concepts are introduced. Legacy systems, LAN and distributed systems based systems are used to give the student hands-on experience in systems development. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: CS 147. Credit 3.

CS 336 Information Systems Design and Management. This is a course in the design and implementation of large-scale file and persistent object-based information systems. Client/server systems are covered. Prerequisite: CS 278(COBOL). Credit 3.

CS 362 Data Structures. Introductory treatments of such topics as orthogonal lists, strings, arrays, linked lists, multilinked structures, indexed and direct files, and generalized data management and database management systems. Prerequisites: CS 147, MTH 299 or MTH 143. Credit 3.

CS 373 Human-Computer Interaction. This course presents a comprehensive introduction to the principles and techniques of human-computer interaction. The course examines the event-driven model through the development of applications utilizing graphical design environments and the use of rapid application prototyping to explore a variety of techniques for HCI, particularly in relation to mobile and other non-traditional devices. Prerequisites: CS 147 or CS 165 or CS 160.

CS 394 Numerical Methods. This course develops the concepts underlying the use of the computer for interpolation, approximations, solutions of equations and the solution of both linear and nonlinear systems equations. Mathematical software and/or user written programs are utilized. Also offered as Mathematics 394. Prerequisites: CS 147 and MTH 143 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

CS 396 Switching Theory. This course is an introduction to Boolean Algebra and graph theory with emphasis on their applications in the design of digital computer software and hardware. Logic systems are designed and analyzed. Prerequisite: CS 272 . Credit 3.

CS 430 Language Translators. This course deals with the design and implementation of assemblers, interpreters and compilers. Topics include symbol tables, lexical scanning, syntactic analysis, object code generation and storage allocation. Programming assignments will involve implementation of functional components of a translator. Prerequisites: CS 272 and CS 362. Credit 3.

CS 431 Computer Operating Systems. This course is concerned with software organization of computer systems. It is intended to bring together the concepts and techniques of programming languages, data structures and computer organization by considering their role in the design of general computer systems. The problems which arise in multi-accessing, multiprogramming, and multiprocessing are emphasized. Prerequisites: CS 333 and CS 362. Credit 3.

CS 437 Software Engineering. This course is an introduction to formal methods of specifying, designing, implementing and testing software for large programming projects. Methods of estimating and predicting reliability are discussed. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: 3 hours of advanced CS and CS 334. Credit 3.

CS 438 Computer Graphics. This course introduces graphical API’s used in developing graphical user interfaces and multimedia applications. Topics covered are selected from the PHIGS, Windows, Presentation Manager, X-Windows, digital video and other appropriate technologies. Prerequisite: 6 advanced hours of CS. Credit 3.

CS 463 Networks II. This course covers the architecture and protocols of local and wide area networks. Peer to peer and client/server configurations based upon DOS, OS/2 and Unix servers and clients are covered. Assignments involve the set-up, configuration and monitoring of Novell and Lan Server networks. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: 6 advanced hours of CS. Credit 3.

CS 470 Special Topics in Computer Science. Topics of general interest are offered on a timely basis. Previous topics include Cognitive Computing, Embedded Linux Systems, Visual Graphics/Component Systems. Prerequisites: For all CS 470 topics — 6 hrs. advanced CS. Credit 1-3.

CS 477 Simulation. This is an introduction to simulation methodology applicable to all disciplines. It covers the design of simulation experiments, validation of models and their computer implementation. The use of a generalized simulation language is introduced and applied in class projects. Prerequisites: 6 advanced hours CS and MTH 379. Credit 3.

CS 482 Programming Languages. This course emphasizes programming languages which support the Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm. Programming assignments are used to illustrate the features and weaknesses of the language and to develop the student’s proficiency in the use of OOP technology. Prerequisite: CS 147. Credit 3.

*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

**Change in course number is subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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