Computer Science is the study of the theoretical
foundations of information and computation, and their implementation
and application in computer systems. Topics of study in the major range
from the theory
of computing to understanding how computers and related supporting
systems operate internally; how they process data; how they
communicate with humans and other computers; and how they impact
society. Computer Science students gain experience in
problem-solving using mathematics and programming. They also study the
increasing social and ethical concerns related to privacy, copyright
protection, and criminal activities arising from world-wide
communication capabilites. Students in the major have access to a
computer projects lab and a unique lab dedicated to the exploration of
robotics, digital electronics, wireless data acquisition, and
interfacing for industrial
data acquisition and automated control. Career options include:
application programmer, business manger, educator, data architect,
information systems manager and technician, Internet security officer,
multimedia author, Web administator, and Web developer.
Requirements for the Computer Science Major
Coursework
The major requires a minimum of 43 semester hours of course work in computer science: 31 hours of core courses, and another 12 hours of advanced study within the field. An additional 10-11 semester hours of course work in mathematics is required to complete the major.
Required Courses
Computer Science
The computer science core consists of the following collection of required courses. Computer science majors must earn a C or better in every course of the computer science core.
| CSC 120 | Principles of Computer Science I | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 121 | Principles of Computer Science II | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 219 | Discrete Structures | (3-0-3) |
| CSC 220 | Data Structures and Multilevel Machines | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 300 | Professional and Social Contexts I | (1-0-1) |
| CSC 320 | Algorithms and Models of Computation | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 340 | Operating Systems | (3-0-3) |
| CSC 350 | Computer Organization and Architecture | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 400 | Professional and Social Contexts II | (1-0-1) |
| CSC 490WI | Senior Project | (3-0-3) |
Mathematics
The following 2 mathematics courses are also required.
| MAT 111 | Elementary Statistics | (3-0-3) |
| MAT 201 | Calculus I | (4-0-4) |
Elective Courses
Computer Science
In addition to the core, another 12 hours of computer science course
work must be chosen from among the following courses. One additional
math class must also be completed from the following (however students
interested in pursuing graduate studies in computer science are
strongly encouraged to take all three of these mathematics courses.)
| CSC/MAT 319 | Combinatorial Mathematics | (3-0-3) |
| CSC 333 | Imbedded and Real-Time Mircroprocessor Interfacing and Control | (2-2-3) |
| CSC 361
or CSC 362 |
Systems Analysis and Design or Database Management Systems |
(3-0-3) (3-0-3) |
| CSC 404WI | Organization of Programming Languages | (3-0-3) |
| CSC 450 | Net Centric Computing | (2-2-3) |
| CSC 461 | Data Communications and Networking | (3-0-3) |
Mathematics
One additional math class must also be completed from the following
list. (However, students interested in pursuing graduate studies in
computer science are strongly encouraged to take all of the listed
mathematics courses.)
| MAT 202 | Calculus II | (4-0-4) |
| MAT 303 | Linear Algebra | (3-0-3) |
| CSC/MAT 319 | Combinatorial Mathematics | (3-0-3) |
Practical Work Experience
Students must engage and document a practical work experience.
Common ways to satisfy this requirement include: participation in the
BITS program (1 semester), Academic internship (3 semester hours), and
cooperative (co-op) work experience (80 work hours). Students are
encouraged to consult the Career Development Center for assistance in
pursuing internship or co-op experience. Alternate methods may be
proposed by the student and submitted to the department for approval.
Requirements for the Computer Science Minor
The minor consists of 25 semester hours and must include:
| CSC 120 | Principles of Computer Science I | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 121 | Principles of Computer Science II | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 219 | Discrete Structures | (3-0-3) |
| CSC 220 | Data Structures and Multilevel Machines | (3-2-4) |
| CSC 320 | Algorithms and Models of Computation | (3-2-4) |
An additional 6 hours must be taken at or above the 300 level in residence at Berry.
Suggested Course of Study | Schedule of Course Offerings
Note: The three numbers following the title of each course (ex., 3-2-4) indicate, in sequence, hours of lecture, hours of laboratory, and hours of credit. The example class will meet three hours for lecture and two hours for laboratory. Students will receive four semester hours of credit.