Computer Science Program
Faculty/Staff
Daryl D. Thomas, Chair; Miguel Espinosa,
Adjunct: Judith F. Miles
Aims of the Department
The primary mission of the Department of Computer Science is to prepare students for professional work in the field of computer science, within a Christian context. A secondary mission of the Department is to provide service courses in computer science to the University community at-large.
The Department of Computer Science offers both bachelor of science degree and associate of science degree programs. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in computer science, either in industry or in academia. The Associate of Science in Computer Science offers students the opportunity to earn a valuable credential midway to completion of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The Department also offers a minor in Computer Science.
Computer Science Degrees and Certificates
Computer Science Classes
CSIS 102 : Computer Literacy and Applications
Credits: 3
An introduction to the use of microcomputers, oriented toward future microcomputer users, not computer specialists. Topics include history of the field, computer hardware, software, operating systems, the Internet, and information systems. Students will work with popular applications for business and personal use, including web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and databases.
CSIS 104 : Spreadsheet and Database Applications
Credits: 1
A one-hour computer applications course focusing on developing spreadsheet and relational database skills. It will include a brief review of word processing, digital presentation techniques, and computer concepts. Students will use realistic examples that emphasize how databases and spreadsheets can be used to increase productivity.
CSIS 106 : Comprehensive Spreadsheets
Credits: 3
This course is a comprehensive coverage of basic, and advanced spreadsheet software including, but not limited to, the set of skills on Microsoft's certification exams for Excel
CSIS 110 : Principles of Computer Programming I
Credits: 3
Introduction to problem solving using computers. Topics include top-down design, algorithm development, information representation, and programming. Assumes a basic knowledge of PC operation.
CSIS 111 : Principles of Computer Programming II
Credits: 3
A continuation of CSIS 110 with emphasis on elementary data structures and advanced techniques. Students will be introduced to C++.
Prerequisites
CSIS 125 : Discrete Structures I
Credits: 3
An introduction to the basics of discrete mathematics as applied in computer science. Topics include elementary logic, propositional logic, predicate logic, proof techniques, sets, relations, functions, elementary number theory, and Boolean algebra.
CSIS 201 : Information Literacy for CS Majors
Credits: 1
An introduction to the research methods, documentation techniques, and publication styles commonly used in the field of computer science. Specific topics to be covered will include: the software development process, trends in computer science research, the peer review process, quality evaluation of sources, IEEE publication guidelines, the IEEE style manual, and the portfolio development process.
Prerequisites
ENGL 121
CSIS 211 : Data Structures and Algorithms
Credits: 3
A continuation of CSIS 111's study of data structures, and a study of the time-complexity of algorithms. There will be an emphasis on choosing the appropriate storage arrangement and the appropriate algorithms to manipulate data, both in high-speed memory, on mass storage devices, or using a combination of the two.
Prerequisites
CSIS 111, CSIS 125
CSIS 215 : Object-Oriented Programming in C++
Credits: 3
A study of the strategic object-oriented approach to problem solving — analysis, design and coding — using the C++ language. There will be a focus on the use of classes to implement abstract data types, thus supporting the modern approach to loosely linked, modular code. The overloading of functions and operators, inheritance, and polymorphism will be studied as abstraction tools.
Prerequisites
CSIS 111 or Instructor's approval
CSIS 225 : Discrete Structures II
Credits: 3
A continuation of the study of discrete structures begun in CSIS 125. Topics include recurrence relations, graphs and trees, matrices, combinatorics, computational complexity, and elementary computability.
Prerequisites
CSIS 245 : Introduction to Local Area Network Technology
Credits: 4
A practical introduction to current LAN network technologies, with emphasis on Ethernet. Topics include: signal encoding, channel access/utilization, integration/configuration/ operation of hardware, cabling, protocols, and LAN operating systems.
Prerequisites
CSIS 255 : Issues and Practices in Information Security
Credits: 3
An examination of the issues to be considered and practices typically employed when implementing security measures to protect computing resources and data. Topics to be considered include basics of computation and networking, as well as securing communications channels, computer systems, and information resources.
Prerequisites
CSIS 110 or permission of instructor
CSIS 298 : Individual Study Topics
Credits: 1 - 3
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisites
Permission of Department Chair
CSIS 315 : Application Development for Event-Driven GUI Applications
Credits: 3
An introduction to the event-driven programming model using a windowed graphical user interface. Emphasis will be on using available tools and libraries to speed the development of significant applications.
Prerequisites
CSIS 360 : Operating Systems
Credits: 3
A study of operating system organization, job control, I/O, and resource management. Emphasis will be placed on features of the Linux O/S.
Prerequisites
CSIS 370 : Programming Languages
Credits: 3
Comparative study of programming languages with emphasis on formal language specification and analysis, run-time behavior, and implementation.
Prerequisites
CSIS 375 : Introduction to Robotic Systems
Credits: 4
An overview of the field of robotics, with emphasis on autonomous mobile robotic systems. Topics include sensing, localization, mapping, navigation, obstacle avoidance, feedback-based control, human safety issues, and moral implications of robotic systems. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites
CSIS 405 : Formal Languages and Automata
Credits: 3
A study of formal language theory, with emphasis on regular and context-free grammars. Topics include: language properties, the Chomsky Hierarchy, Finite State Machines, PDAs, Turing machines, uncomputability, and computational complexity.
Prerequisites
CSIS 450 : Principles of Database Design
Credits: 3
Course covers design and implementation of databases with emphasis on structures and schemas, information retrieval, SQL, security, and integrity.
Prerequisites
CSIS 490 : Software Engineering
Credits: 3
A study of the management and implementation of programming projects. Topics include project management, scheduling and control, programming assignments and specifications, testing and documentation, system implementation, and evaluation. Students will be required to complete a significant team project involving both design and implementation.
Prerequisites
CSIS 492 : Computer Science Internship
Credits: 1 - 3
On-the-job supervised experience in a field of computer science related to the student's concentration area. Limited to senior majors. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisites
Approval by department chair
CSIS 495 : Special Topics Seminar
Credits: 1 - 3
Covers topics of special interest such as new developments in the field of computer science, as well as occasional specialized topics such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, etc. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisites
Approval by department chair
CSIS 498 : Individual Study Topics
Credits: 1 - 3
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisites
Approval by Department Chair