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Office of the University Registrar

2005-06 Undergraduate Catalog

Course Descriptions

College of Engineering

Bachelor degree programs are currently available through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Warrington College of Business Administration, and the College of Engineering. A minor in Computer and Information Science, master's degree programs and a Ph.D. program also are available.

Note: There are strict limitations on the use of CGS and survey courses in the programs offered by the department.

College of Business Degree Program (Computer and Information Sciences)

The student is referred to the Warrington College of Business Administration section of the catalog for degree requirements in the Computer and Information Sciences degree program.

College of Engineering Degree Program (Computer Engineering)

The student is referred to the College of Engineering section of the catalog for degree requirements in the Computer Engineering degree program offered by the CISE Department.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree Program (Computer Science)

The student is referred to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of the catalog for degree requirements in the Computer Science degree program.

CAP 3020 Theory and Practice of Multimedia Production
Credits: 3; Prereq: Intro. to Digital Arts and Sciences.
Combines the traditional media production pipeline and software engineering processes to synthesize an approach geared for the production of works incorporating both artistic and computational elements.

CAP 3027 Introduction to Digital Arts and Sciences
Credits: 3; Prereq: Either CIS 3020 or CIS 3023.
Synergy between fine art and computing through a programming-oriented exploration of fundamental concepts in multimedia.

CAP 4410 Digital Image Processing
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530 and MAC 2312, MAC 3473, or MAC 3512.
Survey of techniques used to replicate the human vision process in computer systems. Topics include image formation, image algebra, filtering, range extraction, edge and boundary detection, region growing, and model based vision.

CAP 4621 Artificial Intelligence and Heuristics
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
Introduction to artificial intelligence concepts. Heuristic search, clause form logic, knowledge representation, reasoning and inference, overview of computer vision, planning, natural language, Lisp and Prolog. (MR)

CAP 4680 Knowledge-Based System: Theory and Practice
Credits: 3; Prereq: CAP 4621.
Concepts, theory and various applications for knowledge-based (expert) systems, reasoning schemes, knowledge representation, knowledge-based system tools, building knowledge bases, knowledge acquisition, reasoning under certainty and inexact reasoning.

CAP 4730 Computational Structures in Computer Graphics
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
A study of the major topics in computer graphics; display and output technology; two and three dimensional manipulations; space curves and surfaces; hidden surface removal and shading models.

CAP 4800 Systems Simulation
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
Simulation methodology and practice. Covers basic concepts in modeling and analysis for both continuous and discrete systems. Combined simulation methods including integrated qualitative/quantitative system modeling. Will use in-house simulation software. (MR)

CDA 3101 Introduction to Computer Organization
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023; MAC 2233, MAC 2311, or MAC 3472.
Organization of computing systems. Logical basis of computer structure. Machine representation of instructions and data, flow of control, and basic machine instructions. Assembly language programming. (MR)

CDA 4102 Computer Architecture
Credits: 3; Prereq: CDA 3101 and COP 3530.
Introduction to computer architecture and system organization including virtual memory supports cache, pipeline, vector processing, multiprocessor and RISC architecture.

CEN 3031 Introduction to Software Engineering
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
Topics include software planning, specifications, coding, testing and maintenance. Students gain experience in the team approach to large system development. (MR)

CEN 3534 Advanced Problem Solving Using Computer Software
Credits: 3††; Prereq: CGS 2531; MAC 2311 or MAC 3472.
A comprehensive approach to problem solving using computer software. Topics include advance spreadsheet analysis, simulations, decision information, and forecasting, database management including queries, relationships and the use of page objects for interactive reporting, advanced customization, macros development, and programming in Visual Basic. Topics also include evaluation of operating systems, document development, Web design and the Internet. Cannot be used toward any CISE degree.

CEN 4012 Software System Development
Credits: 3; Prereq: CEN 3031.
Applications of software engineering methodologies and tools in software development and maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience via software engineering group projects, including decision making, communication and presentation.

CEN 4072 Software Testing and Verification
Credits: 3; Prereq: CEN 3031.
Concepts, principles and techniques of software testing and verification. Strengths and limitations of black-box and white-box testing methods; techniques for proving the correctness of programs.

CEN 4500C Computer Network Fundamentals
Credits: 4; Prereq: CDA 3101, COP 3530 and COP 4600.
This course covers the fundamental concepts, principles and standards of computer networks. Topics will be introduced in a bottom-up approach starting from the Physical layer in the OSI system architecture with a stronger focus on Data Link, MAC, Network and Transport layers. (MR)

CGS 2032 Math, Art and Computing
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147.
Introduction to interdisciplinary computer science topics. Logic, discrete structures, algorithms, and automa. Exploration of topics relating mathematics and computing to art, music and nature.

CGS 2414 Computer Programming Using JAVA
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147, or equivalent.
This course provides an in-depth treatment of computer programming using JAVA. Problems related to a variety of disciplines are solved. An introduction to the basic concepts of software and hardware is provided. Students will develop a variety of stand-alone applications and applets. For non-cise majors only.

CGS 2420 Computer Programming Using FORTRAN
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147, or equivalent.
An in-depth treatment of computer programming using FORTRAN. Problems related to a variety of disciplines are solved. An introduction to the basic concepts of software and hardware is provided. (M) (MR)

CGS 2425 Computer Programming for Engineers
See Industrial and Systems Engineering. (MR)

CGS 2470 Introduction to Computers for Architecture Majors
Credits: 3; Prereq: ARC 1302.
An introduction to the software packages AutoCAD, Lotus 1,2,3 and Dbase III as tools for building architecture design and drafting. (M) (MR)

CGS 2531 Problem Solving Using Computer Software
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147, or equivalent.
A problem solving introduction and thorough exploration of word processing, spreadsheet analysis, database management, multimedia presentations, e-mail, and the Internet. Topics also include hardware, software, and information technology. This problem solving approach will aid students in their major areas of study. (M) (MR)

CGS 2532 Advanced Personal Computer Software Packages
Credits: 3.
Programming with DOS batch files; Lotus custom menus and programming with macros; dBASE programming. (M) (MR)

CGS 3032 Interactive Modeling and Animation 1
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147 or equivalent.
Introduction to programming and data structures for interactive two-dimensional multimedia applications. Representing form and transforms in two dimensions, capturing user actions and driving application behavior interactively. Graphical interfaces, image processing, automa and basic artificial intelligence.

CGS 3033 Interactive Modeling and Animation 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: CGS 3032.
Introduction to programming and data structures for interactive three-dimensional multimedia applications. Representing form and transforms in three dimensions, capturing user actions and driving application behavior interactively. Rendering, scene graphs, automa and basic artificial intelligence.

CGS 3034 Introduction to Computer-Aided Animation
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147 or equivalent.
Introduction to topics related to computer-aided animation. Rigging for forward and inverse kinematics. Skin weighting. Morph targets. Expression-driven animation, rigid-body and particle simulation.

CGS 3063 Computers and Modern Society
Credits: 3.
Impact of computers on society. Discussion includes specific cases from many areas, but does not include problem solution by the student. This course does not teach how to use the computer but gives an understanding of the implications of computers. (S) (WR)

CGS 3065 Legal and Social Issues in Computing
Credits: 3; Prereq: previous experience in Unix environment.
This course explores the history, the myth, the ethics, the law and the risks of computer-based technology in modern society. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of hypotheticals and case studies. Published material will be supplemented with on-line Internet references.

CGS 3066 Navigating the Internet
Credits: 3.
Using the Internet: electronic mail, newsgroup readers, FTP and WWW search engines. Advanced HTML authoring and networking fundamentals. Lab assignments and projects, developing a web presence for a client organization.

CGS 3090 Ethics on the Electronic Frontier
Credits 1; Prereq: previous experience in UNIX environment. Experience with World Wide Web and Hypertext Markup Language.
By applying basic ethical principles, this course examines legal and ethical controversies emerging from the new technology-based, information age.

CGS 3220 Introduction to Computer-Aided Modeling
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147 or equivalent.
Introduction to topics related to computer-aided modeling. Polygonal mesh, NURBS and subdivision surface meshes. Materials and shading networks. Lighting, shadows and rendering.

CGS 3403 Computer Programming Using COBOL
Credits: 3.
A course in COBOL programming for non-CISE majors. Structured programming in COBOL is stressed. Topics include data transfer, arithmetic and logical operations, the structuring of data, and arrays. (M) (MR)

CGS 3460 Computer Programming Using C
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147, or equivalent.
Problems related to a variety of disciplines are solved. An introduction to the basic concepts of software and hardware is provided. (M) (MR)

CGS 3464 Computer Programming Using C++
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023.
This course provides an in-depth treatment of the C++ programming language and an introduction to Windows programming using Visual C++.

CGS 4545 Databases and Applications
Credits: 3; Prereq: experience in high-level programming.
Study of the basics of databases and database management techniques. Design and implementation of a real-world application on a microcomputer DBMS. (M) (MR)

CIS 3020 Advanced Programming Fundamentals for CIS Majors
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 2311 or MAC 3472, programming experience
A fast paced introduction to computer science for students with prior programming experience. Major concepts of computer science and the process of computer programming including object-oriented programming, procedural and data abstraction and program modularity. (M) (MR)

CIS 3022 Programming Fundamentals for CIS Majors 1
Credits: 3; Coreq: MAC 2311.
The 1st course of a two-semester intro sequence for students w/o prior programming experience. Major concepts of computer science & the process of computer programming including object-oriented programming, procedural & data abstraction & program modularity.

CIS 3023 Programming Fundamentals for CIS Majors 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 3022 and MAC 2311.
The second course of a two-semester introductory sequence for students w/o prior programming experience. Major concepts of computer science and computer programming processes, including object-oriented programming, procedural and data abstraction and program modularity.

CIS 4301 Information and Database Systems 1
Credits: 3††; Prereq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023 and COT 3100.
The first part of a two-course sequence which studies the essential concepts, principles, and techniques of modern database systems. Topics include modeling and querying of data using conceptual data models as well as the development of a database application. (MR)

CIS 4905 Individual Study in CISE
Credits: 1 to 4; can be repeated with change in content up to 8 credits.
Problems in different areas of computer science.

CIS 4912C Integrated Product & Process Design 1
Credits 3; Prereq: CDA 3101, COP 3530, COT 3100 and permission of instructor.
The first part of a two-course sequence where teams of engineering and business students partner with industry sponsors to design and build authentic products and processes. Working closely with an industry liaison engineer and a faculty coach, students gain practical experience in teamwork and communication, problem solving and engineering design, and develop leadership, management and people skills. Weekly workshop activities adapt lecture topics to individual projects. Students learn firsthand how to develop products and processes that meet customer requirements on time and within budget.

CIS 4913C Integrated Product & Process Design 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 4912C.
The second part of the CIS 4912-4913 sequence.

CIS 4914 Senior Project
Credits: 3; Prereq: senior CISE standing and approved project proposal.
Involves completing a significant CISE-related project. Student must coordinate with the instructor and a project adviser, prepare a detailed technical report and deliver an oral presentation. (MR)

CIS 4930 Special Topics in CISE
Credits: 1 to 4.
Topics vary. Particular computer languages such as JCL, ADA, etc., and current topics of interest in area of computer and information sciences.

CIS 4940 Practical Work
Credits: 1††; can be repeated for credit.
One term practical software engineering work under industrial supervision as set forth in the College of Engineering regulations.

CIS 4949 Co-Op Work in CISE
Credits: 1††.
Practical engineering work under industrial supervision, as set forth in the College of Engineering Regulations.

COP 2121 Introduction to COBOL for CISE Majors
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 2233, MAC 2311 or MAC 3472.
Techniques for business information systems programming in COBOL utilizing comprehensive facilities of the COBOL language. Business applications and examples of their solutions will be employed throughout. Topics include advanced table handling as well as sequential, random, and indexed file organizations and manipulation techniques in COBOL. (MR)

COP 3013 Survey of Programming Languages
Credits: 1 to 3; Prereq: familiarity with computers and some programming language.
An introduction to a specific programming language, which may vary according to section. Course may be repeated for different languages.

COP 3175 Computer Programming in Visual Basic
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 1147.
This course is an introduction to structure programming, design environment, controls, properties, programming, and applications of Visual Basic programming language. The course utilizes Visual Basics, a general-purpose language but also emphasizes problem-solving solutions and methods for varied applications. Students are introduced to object-oriented and event-driven programming. Topics include forms, events, properties, syntax and file processing. Problems related to a variety of disciplines are solved.

COP 3530 Data Structures and Algorithm
Credits: 4; Prereq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023, with C or better grade, COT 3100 and MAC 2234, MAC 2312, MAC 3473 or MAC 3512.
Algorithm development using pseudo languages, basic program structures, program design techniques, storage and manipulation of basic data structures like arrays, stacks, queues, sorting and searching and string processing. Linked linear lists. Trees and multilinked structures. (MR)

COP 3610 Survey of Operating Systems
Credits: 1; Prereq: familiarity with computers.
An introduction to a specific operating system interface, which may vary according to section. Course may be repeated for credit for different systems.

COP 4020 Programming Language Concepts
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
An introduction to programming language principles, including language constructs, design goals, run-time structures, implementation techniques, and exposure to a wide variety of programming paradigms.

COP 4331 Object-oriented Programming
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
This course discusses fundamental conceptual models for programming languages and illustrates these with specific programming languages and application problems. Specific topics include class and object models and inheritance among classes and objects and static and dynamic systems and implementations.

COP 4343 UNIX System Administration
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 4600.
A study of the underlying concepts and techniques employed in the installation, administration, and tuning of UNIX operating systems. Topics covered include operating system installation, simple network configuration, file backup and restore, account administration, device management, scheduling, file systems, network management, and basic system and network security.

COP 4600 Operating Systems
Credits: 3; Prereq: CDA 3101, COP 3530; knowledge of C or C++ recommended.
The design and implementation of various components of a modern operating system including I/O programming, interrupt handling, process and resource management, computer networks and distributed systems. (MR)

COP 4620 Translators and Translator Writing Systems
Credits: 3; Prereq: COP 3530.
Translation of languages, scanning and parsing techniques. Translator writing systems. The implementation of a compiler. (MR)

COP 4720 Information and Database Systems 2
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 4301 and COP 3530.
Part two of a two-course sequence. Provides students with a basic understanding of the internals of a modern database system. Topics covered include data storage, indexing, query processing, as well as advanced concepts such as database tuning, alternate data models, and emerging applications. (MR)

COT 3100 Applications of Discrete Structures
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 2233, MAC 2311 or MAC 3472; Coreq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023.
Covers the mathematics of discrete events, i.e., events that involve distinct elements, finite structures of distinct elements, or finite sampled versions of continuous phenomena (such as movement). (M) (MR)

COT 4501 Numerical Analysis–A Computational Approach
Credits: 3; Prereq: CIS 3020 or CIS 3023 and MAS 3114.
Numerical integration, nonlinear equations, linear and nonlinear systems of equations, differential equations and interpolation.



General Education Categories

  • Composition (C)
  • Mathematical Sciences (M)
  • Humanities (H)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (S)
  • Physical (P) and Biological (B) Sciences
  • International and Diversity focus (I)

Symbols Used in Course Descriptions

  • (WR) indicates the course satisfies the writing requirement.
    The Schedule of Courses lists the amount of writing credit per course section.
  • (MR) indicates the course satisfies the math requirement.
  • †† indicates the course may be taken on an S-U basis.