Apr 19, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2011-12 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2011-12 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science - Theory and Analysis


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The Theory and Analysis program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. It provides a greater depth and breadth in computer science than the general option. The Theory and Analysis option includes additional emphasis in science and engineering, as well as the minor in mathematics. Students planning computer science as a profession or contemplating graduate study in computer science are urged to enroll in this major.

Program Educational Objectives:

  1. Graduates will be employable and successful in a variety of professional computing positions.
  2. Graduates will possess backgrounds which qualify them to pursue graduate study in computer science.
  3. Graduates will exhibit knowledge and skills sufficient for continued intellectual growth in computing.
  4. Graduates will possess an awareness and understanding of social and ethical issues in computing.
  5. Graduates will be able to communicate orally and in writing.
  6. Graduates will be able to work collaboratively with others.

Student Outcomes:
      Students will have:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
  2. an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
  3. an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
  4. an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
  5. an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
  6. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  7. an ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
  8. recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
  9. an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
  10. an ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design choices
  11. an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement

Students who have chosen the Theory and Analysis program will satisfy the Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement by successfully completing CS 4900: Software Systems Development I: Requirements and Design.

 

Requirements


Students enrolling in the Computer Science Theory and Analysis Option are required to own a laptop computer with minimum specifications set by the department. By April of each year, the department will establish specifications of laptops for students entering in the following fall. These specifications will be posted on the department website.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science-Theory and Analysis must satisfy the following requirements in addition to those required by Western Michigan University:

1. Laboratory Sciences


To satisfy CAC/ABET accreditation requirements, all students must complete at least twelve credit-hours of laboratory science requirements consisting of a two-course sequence for science and engineering students and one additional science course with a laboratory.

Two-Course Sequence


Students may meet the two-course sequence requirements by taking on the following sequences:  (CHEM 1110, CHEM 1130, PHYS 2060 and PHYS 2080 are laboratories accompanying the regular classes). The Biological Sciences and Geosciences courses contain their laboratory elements.

Additional Science Course


The remaining course fulfilling this requirement must be from a department different from the one satisfying the original two-course sequence requirement. It may be chosen from the original list of two-semester sequence courses or from the following list:

  • BIOS 1050 - Environmental Biology   Credits: 3 hours and
  • BIOS 1100 - Biology Laboratory   Credits: 1 hour
  • BIOS 1120 - Principles of Biology   Credits: 3 hours and
  • BIOS 1100 - Biology Laboratory   Credits: 1 hour

2. General Education


General Education requirements include one course from each of the distribution areas I, II, III, IV, V, VI (included in the program), VII, and VIII with no more than two courses in the same department and at least two courses at the 3000-4000 level.

3. Grade Point Average


A grade point average of 2.0 or better must be earned in courses presented for graduation with CS and ECE prefixes and in courses with MATH and STAT prefixes.

4. Complete 122 Semester Credit Hours


Complete the following program of 122 semester credit hours. The schedule below is an example of one leading to graduation in eight semesters, beginning with the fall semester. It assumes that PHYS 2050, 2060, 2070, and 2080 are used to satisfy the two-course science requirement.

First Semester (15 hours)


  • Science Elective with Laboratory Credits: 4 hours
    Some science course electives (e.g., BIOS 1100 & 1120, CHEM 1100 & 1110, and GEOS 1300) can also be counted towards General Education requirements. Students are recommended to use two of these courses.
  • General Education  Credits: 4 hours

Second Semester (15 hours)


  • Elective - Free Elective    Credits: 4 hours

Third Semester (15 hours)


  • General Education  Credits: 3 hours

Fourth Semester (15 hours)


  • General Education  Credits: 4 hours
    Any General Education course (except from AREAS VI or VIII) may be swapped with the AREA IV course in the 4th semester as long as the course is a four credit hour course.

Fifth Semester (15 hours)


  • General Education  Credits: 2 hours

Sixth Semester (16 hours)


  • General Education  Credits: 3 hours

Seventh Semester (16 hours)


  • Elective - Approved CS Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Elective - Free Elective   Credits: 4 hours

Eighth Semester (15 hours)


  • Elective - Approved CS Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • Elective - Approved CS Elective   Credits: 3 hours
  • General Education    Credits: 3 hours
  • General Education    Credits: 3 hours

CS Elective


CS Elective means the student must take an approved computer science elective course. Such electives may be described in the undergraduate catalog or in departmental material published traditionally or on its website. Students should consult with a departmental advisor before enrolling in one of these courses.

Free Elective


Free Elective means the student may choose any course offered at the University without restriction. That is, the course need not be a General Education course nor a course in computer science.

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