Course CPTR

101 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS - 1 hour
A course which introduces the student to the major hardware and software components of computer systems and provides practical experience in the use of a command language and interactive software in a laboratory setting. The student will become familiar with standard computer terminology, the organizational structure of storage commands, and other concepts required for the elementary operation of programs such as word processors, spread sheets and databases. Fall.

105 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I - 3 hours
A first course in computer programming with emphasis on problem solving techniques and good programming styles. Fundamental concepts of computers are introduced. Programming topics include input/output/file streams, decision structures, loops, functions, arrays, top-down design, documentation, debugging and testing. Fall. Spring. January.

205 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING II - 3 hours
Use of the C/C++ languages to implement sorting and searching algorithms, and to introduce simple data structures including records, files, strings, linked lists and trees. Elementary algorithmic analysis will be introduced. The student will write several large programs. Prerequisite: CPTR 105. Fall.

221 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT - 4 hours
Combines a range of material related to the design, implementation and testing of software systems with the practical experience of implementing such a system as a member of a programming team. The course covers software process models, requirements, specification, design, documentation, validation and project management. In addition, it includes discussion of professional and ethical responsibilities in software development. Prerequisite: CPTR 205. Spring, odd years.

308 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE - 3 hours
An introduction to the organization of computers. Topics include: information representation, assembly language programming, registers, linkage, I/0 and device handlers, architectural performance. Prerequisite: CPTR 205; MATH 130. Fall, even years.

310 DATA STRUCTURES - 3 hours
A study of the representation, organization and management of information in computer systems. Topics include: height balanced trees, B-trees, depth-first and breadth-first searches, threading, graphs and graph algorithms, “garbage collection” and memory management schemes. Several programming projects will be required. Prerequisite: CPTR 205; MATH 130. Fall, odd years.

312 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - 4 hours
An introduction to database design (development and use of efficient date base structures) and user interfaces (characteristics of effective graphical interfaces and programming in a windowing environment). Additional topics may be included at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisite: CPTR 205; MATH 130. Fall, even years.

314 OPERATING SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS - 4 hours
An overview of the key components and functions of computer operating systems and local-area networks. Topics include: file systems, system processes (including issues of concurrency, synchronization and deadlock), scheduling, memory management, data communications and networks. Prerequisite: CPTR 205; MATH 130. Fall, odd years.

410 TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE - 3 or 4 hours
This course will be offered based on sufficient interest of students and faculty in particular areas of computer science. Possible topics include: artificial intelligence, numerical computation, computer graphics, expert systems, real-time systems, simulation, telecommunications, resource utilization, coding theory, UNIX and compiler design. This course requires significant independent work including a major research or programming project. Prerequisite: varies depending on topic.

415 PRINCIPLES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES - 4 hours
A course on the design and implementation of programming languages. Major areas are: language syntax (lexical properties, Backus-Naur form, parsing), language representations (data structures, control structures, binding, execution environment, formal semantic models) and language styles (procedural, functional and object-oriented languages). Prerequisites: CPTR 205, 310. Spring, even years.

475 INTERNSHIP IN COMPUTER SCIENCE - (W) 1-3 hours
Students work in the computer field in the development of software or hardware algorithms or applications. Students are supervised by a computer science professional and a faculty member. A written report describing the overall project and the student’s contribution will complete the course. Students must formally enroll in this course prior to beginning work experience. Students may enroll twice for up to four hours credit. Prerequisites: two courses beyond
CPTR 205; ENG 110.

499 SENIOR PROJECT - (W) 1-3 hours
Students will conduct a significant research project to consist of the development, analysis and/or implementation of an algorithm or software system, or an in-depth study in some area of computer science. A formal paper as well as an oral presentation will be required. Course may be repeated once for a maximum of three hours credit. Prerequisite: ENG 110; permission of the department chair.

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs must also approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.

For a complete list of course descriptions in all majors, consult the College Catalog.