Computer Science Course Descriptions
CIS 107 - Computer Applications
3 Credits
This course introduces computer literacy and electronic spreadsheets. Topics include
computer systems, the Internet, functions and tools in electronic spreadsheets and
their applications in business fields.
Not open to students with credit for CIS 106, CIS 180, or CIS 203. Course will not
apply to a major in Computer Information Systems.
CIS 108L - Computer Applications for Business
2 Credits
An introduction to basic computer technology and terminology needed for the understanding
and use of computer applications in business environments. Topics include: input,
output, file structures, and storage devices. Students will gain laboratory experience
with word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
CIS 120 - Electronic Design & Layout
3 Credits
Exploration of practical concepts and use of computer applications for graphic design,
media creation and editing, optimal file-format usage, and efficient layout.
CIS 150 - Programming Fundamentals
3 Credits
Introduction to structured programming techniques, design, and style. Concepts of
modularity and elementary data structures are introduced. The laboratory component
of the course emphasizes the logical approach to problem solving through the analysis
of concrete examples and programming problems.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or equivalent.
CIS 160 - Object-Oriented Programming
3 Credits
Introduction to the concepts of object-oriented programming techniques, focusing on
the definition and use of classes along with inheritance, polymorphism, and composition.
Topics include recursion, using class libraries, exception handling, file I/O, graphical
user interfaces, simple analysis of algorithms, basic searching and sorting algorithms,
and an introduction to computer science and software engineering issues.
Prerequisite: CIS 150.
CIS 180 - Survey of Computer Information Systems
3 Credits
An exploration of information technology as it is used in both corporate and consumer
environments. Serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of computer systems, with
a practical goal of understanding and evaluating the relative benefits of a variety
of hardware and software products. Provides a basic overview of business productivity
software. Some sections may include a service-learning component.
Not open to students with credit for CIS 107.
CIS 200 - Data Structures
3 Credits
Continuation of CIS 150. Development of algorithms, programs, and data structures
with emphasis on the implementation of arrays, records, stacks, queues, trees, and
linked lists.
Prerequisite: CIS 160; Prerequisite or Co-requisite: MTH 145. Not open to students
with credit for CIS 202 or CIS 250.
CIS 210 - Assembly Language
3 Credits
Study of the interface between computer hardware and software. Topics covered include
data definitions, control structures, interrupt handling, macros, and the assembly
process.
Prerequisite: CIS 150.
CIS 230 - Operating Systems
3 Credits
Study of operating system concepts, including simple processing, concurrent processing,
deadlock, memory management, processor scheduling, disk scheduling, protection mechanism,
and file systems.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CIS 200.
CIS 234 - Database Management Systems
3 Credits
A study of relational database management concepts and features, including the creation,
maintenance, and manipulation of database files using a current relational database
management system.
Not open to students with credit for CIS 204 and CIS 340.
CIS 240 - COBOL Programming & File Design
3 Credits
Introduction to COBOL programming language and file processing techniques, with emphasis
on the principles of sequential, indexed, and random access file organization and
management.
Prerequisite: CIS 150 or previous programming experience.
CIS 252 - Programming in Java
3 Credits
This course introduces structured programming techniques, design, and style in Java
from a specifically object-oriented perspective. The logical approach to problem solving
through the analysis of concrete examples and programming problems is also emphasized
in this course.
Prerequisite: CIS 200. Not open to students with credit for CIS 152.
CIS 316 - Networks & Data Communications
3 Credits
A study of current trends, concepts, and goals in computer networks and data communications,
including protocols, configurations, implementations, and applications with emphasis
on local area networks and internet-working.
Prerequisite: CIS 106, or CIS 107, or CIS 180. Not open to students with credit for
CIS 206 and CIS 310.
CIS 324 - Systems Analysis
3 Credits
Examination of the tools and techniques for the analysis, design and implementation
of information systems with an emphasis on current trends and studies.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CIS 234. Not open to students with credit for IS 224
or CS 345.
CIS 330 - Operating Systems Laboratory
3 Credits
Students program a significant portion of a conventional, process-based operating
system. Components include memory management, process management, process coordination
and synchronization, interprocess communication, and device drivers.
Prerequisites: CIS 210 and CIS 230.
CIS 334 - Advanced Database Management
3 Credits
Continued application of database management with emphasis on particular database
management systems and languages鈥�(a) Advanced SQL, (b) Oracle, (c) DB2, (d) FileMaker.
Repeat credit possible for different topics.
Prerequisites: CIS 150 and CIS 234.
CIS 350 - Advanced Data Structures
3 Credits
Extensive exploration of lists and trees, their various implementations and applications
to stacks and queues, sparse matrix and graph representation. Students write programs
using dynamic and object-oriented techniques.
Prerequisites: CIS 200 and MTH 145. Not open to students with credit for CS 250.
CIS 352 - Programming for Internet Applications
3 Credits
Examination of programming languages and techniques for Internet-based applications.
Prerequisites: CIS 120, CIS 152, CIS 200 and CIS 316. Not open to students with credit
from CIS 352A, 352B, or 352D.
CIS 370 - Software Tools for Data Analysis & Visualization
3 Credits
In this course students will study how to use a number of utilities in different computing
environments to assemble and process data for further analysis. They will also work
with a set of software tools for visualization and demonstration of different types
of data.
Prerequisite: CIS 150.
CIS 440 - Readings in Computer & Information Science
3 Credits
In this course a series of readings of classic subjects as well as recent advancement
in computer and information science will be studied. An overarching understanding
in this field and the ability to conduct literature review will be developed.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in Computer and Information Systems major.
CIS 460 - Planning & Management of Information Systems
3 Credits
An in-depth study of the theoretical and practical uses of information systems for
management decision making and strategic planning. Problems and illustrations used
in the course will be abstracted from actual business situations, including microcomputer
and mainframe examples.
Prerequisites: CIS 324. This course should be taken toward the end of the degree program.
CIS 479 - Capstone Seminar
3 Credits
This seminar will offer a capstone experience in the student鈥檚 own discipline within
mathematics and computer information systems, as well as a capstone experience in
the core curriculum. As a culminating experience in the discipline, this course will
require each student to engage in a discipline-specific project under the supervision
of a faculty member within the student鈥檚 own discipline. In addition, students will
be asked to ponder and discuss topics relevant to all scientific endeavors. Such topics
include, but are not limited to, nature of proof and research ethics.
As a capstone for the core curriculum, this seminar will provide a setting for students
to read and discuss texts which raise questions related to human nature, common good,
justice, ethics, scientific expertise, and search for knowledge in the contexts of
scientific research and technological development. Interdisciplinary communication
will be emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Completion of junior core seminar.
CIS 1/2/3/485 - Special Topics
1 - 3 Credits
A study of topics in computer information systems not covered by the standard curriculum
but of special interest to faculty and students.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
CIS 2/3/486 - Independent Study
1 - 3 Credits
Intensive individual work in an area of computer information systems. Includes Honors
Program research or the development of a major computer project in an area of interest
to the student that is not covered in other courses in the department.
Prerequisites: eight hours of previous CIS coursework, consent of the instructor,
academic advisor, and division chairperson.
CIS 497 - Professional Experience
1 - 3 Credits
Supervised employment experience in a computer science related field with 40 hours
of work for each semester hour of credit. Graded Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites: CIS 350 or 460 and consent of the division chairperson; successful
completion of application requirements for internship. This course should be taken
in the final semester.
MTH 102 - Beginning Algebra
3 Credits
This basic course in algebra includes a review of pre-algebra skills (integers, fractions,
and order of operations), then focuses on linear equations, proportions, Cartesian
coordinates, graphing linear equations, verbal problems, exponents, direct and inverse
variation, and summation.
Emphasizes quantitative reasoning and highlights applications of mathematics in a
variety of disciplines and daily life. Does not fulfill the mathematics requirement
of the Core Curriculum.
Not open to students with credit for MTH 100 or higher numbered MTH courses.
MTH 127 - Intermediate Algebra
3 Credits
This course is designed to prepare students for precalculus. Topics include solving
equations involving polynomial, rational and radical expressions; solving systems
of linear equations; and graphing linear and quadratic functions. The function concept,
together with the notions of domain, range, and function composition will be introduced
and stressed throughout the course. Exponential expressions and logarithms will be
introduced.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 128,
160, and 240.
MTH 145 - Discrete Mathematics
3 Credits
Consideration of discrete mathematical topics including logic, set theory, algorithms,
Boolean algebra, number systems, and graph theory.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or placement. Not open to students with credit for MTH 345.
MTH 160 - Precalculus
3 Credits
Topics include number theory and systems, solutions of equations and inequalities,
factoring, functions and their graphs, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic
functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, trigonometric identities, solutions
of trigonometric equations, and applications.
The laboratory component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving,
and written/oral communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and
mathematical software.
Prerequisite: MTH 127 or MTH 128 or placement. Not open to students with credit for
MTH 240.
MTH 240 - Calculus I
4 Credits
Topics include relations and functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, Mean Value
Theorem, extrema, curve sketching, related rates, differentiation of exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, introduction to Integral Calculus, the fundamental
theorems of Calculus, elementary methods of integration, and applications.
The laboratory component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving,
and written/oral communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and
mathematical software.
Prerequisite: MTH 160 or placement.