University of South Alabama
Home Index Search Directories Faq
USA Undergraduate/Graduate Bulletin 2011-2012
  University Calendar
  General Information
  Departments of Instruction
  Admission/Enrollment Svc.
  Tuition and Student Fees
  Financial Aid
  Student Affairs and
    Student Services
  Academic Policies
     and Procedures
  Honors Program
  The Graduate School
  Colleges
  Courses
  Faculty
  Board of Trustees
  Officers of Administration

  Index - Fields of Instruction
  General Index
  Home
  USA Home

 
COMPUTER SCIENCE
 
Coordinator: Langan
Professors: Doran, Feinstein, Langan, Yasinsac
Associate Professor: Andel, Johnsten, McDonald
Assistant Professor: Huang
Senior Instructor: McKinney
Instructors:  Overstreet, Whitston
 
Computer Science web site
http://soc.usouthal.edu/index.php/computer-science-csc
 
School of Computer and Information Sciences web site
http://www.soc.usouthal.edu/
 
COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC):
Computer Science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. In its most general form, it is concerned with the understanding of information transfer and transformation. Particular interest is placed on making processes efficient and endowing them with some form of intelligence. The discipline includes both advancing the fundamental understanding of algorithms and information processes in general, as well as the practical design of efficient, reliable software to meet given specifications. Courses offer students the opportunity to explore current trends in computing such as: game development, robotics, graphics, and data mining.
 
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATES
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science produces graduates who:
  1. are skilled, competent, and contribute to the work force in their specialty and/or can continue their graduate education.
  2. have identified and implemented a plan of continuous learning related to their career.
  3. can assume positions of leadership within their organization.
  4. display continued high ethical standards within the community and profession.
 
LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS
The learning outcomes for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, have been adapted from those specified by the Computing Accreditation Criteria, for Accrediting Computing Programs. (See http://www.abet.org). The program enables students to achieve, by the time of graduation:
(a)
   An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
(b)
   An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
(c)
   An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
(d)
   An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
(e)
   An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
(f)
   An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
 (g)
   An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
(h)
   Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
 (i)
   An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
(j)
   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 tradeoffs involved in design choices.
(k)
   An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of a software systems of varying complexity.
 
ACCREDITATION
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. For a quick understanding of what accreditation is and why an accredited program should be chosen, go to http://www.abet.org/why_choose.shtml. For in-depth information on accreditation, go to http://www.abet.org/the_basics.shtml.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC)
Area I - Written Composition and Communication - Twelve (12) credit hours, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course, are required as follows:
   
GEd
   EH 101* English Composition I
3
   
GEd
   EH 102 English Composition II OR Honors Composition
3
   
  CA 275 Small Group Communications
3
        EH 372 Technical Writing (W)
3
 
Area II - Humanities and Fine Arts - Twelve (12) hours consisting of:
   
GEd
   CA 110 Public Speaking (minimum grade of "C" is required)
3
   
GEd
     one course (3 semester hours) from ARS 101, DRA 110, MUL 101, ARH 100, ARH 103, or ARH 123
3
   
GEd
     one course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236
3
   
GEd
     one additional course (3 semester hours) from Art, Drama, Foreign Languages, Music, Philosophy and Literature,
3
             
    Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).
     
Area III -Natural Sciences and Mathematics
A.
.
Natural Sciences - Twelve (12) credit hours of natural sciences, which must include laboratory experiences, are required. Completion of one of the following sequences is required.
   
GEd
     PH 201, 201L, 202, 202L; CH 131, 131L, 132, 132L; GY 111, 111L, 112, 112L; BLY 121, 121L, 122, 122L
8
      Four (4) credit hours of any approved natural science courses 4
4
      and the associated laboratory experience
           
B.
Mathematics and Statistics -Twenty (20) credit hours, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course, are required as follows:
     
GEd
  
MA 125
 
4
         
MA 126
 
4
       
MA 267 or MA 367  
3
       
ST 315
  
3
        2 additional courses from the approved math minor courses.
6
     
Area IV - History, Social and Behavioral Sciences - Twelve (12) credit hours are requuired consisting of:
     
GEd
     one course from HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, or HY 136
3
     
GEd
     three additional courses (9 semester hours) from the following approved areas: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
9
    Two courses in SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from HY 101-102, HY 135-136).
     
    Computer Science Major Requirements - Forty-five (45) credit hours, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course, are required as follows:
    CIS 101 Freshman Seminar - CIS
2
    CSC 108 Introduction to Computer Science
1
    CSC 120 Introduction to Programming I
4
    CSC 121 Introduction to Programming II
4
    CSC 228 Digital Logic and Comp Architecture
3
    CSC 230 Data Structures
3
    CIS 300 Information Technology in Society
1
    CSC 311 Networking and Communications
3
    CSC 320 Computer Organization and Architecture
3
    CSC 322 Operating Systems
3
    CSC 331 Software Engineering Principles (W)
3
    CSC 333 Program Language Theory
3
    CSC 340 Secure Software Engineering
3
    CSC 432 Perform Eval of  Algorithms
3
    CSC 434 Formal Language and Automata Theory
3
    CIS 497 Senior Project (W)
3
    CIS 498 Senior Seminar
0
     
Computer Science Electives - Twelve (12) credit hours, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course, are required. Select any four (4) of the following courses:
    CSC 324 Database Concepts
    CSC 410 Compiler Design & Construction
    CSC 411 Communication & Network Analysis
    CSC 412 Real-Time Systems
    CSC 413 Computer Graphics
    CSC 414 Modeling and Simulation
    CSC 415 Numerical Analysis
    CSC 416 Artificial Intelligence Theory and Programming
    CSC 417 Game Development
    CIS 439 Windows Programming
    ITE 474 Human Computer  Interface
     
Computer Science General Studies Electives - Hours as needed to meet degree and 128 semester hour requirement. All General Studies Electives must be approved by the Computer Science Coordinator.
    SUGGESTED FRESHMAN COURSES
   
Computer Science Major
Fall   Spring
CIS 101 CA 110
CSC 108 CSC 121
CSC 120 MA 125
MA 267 EH 102
EH 101* FPA&H Elective
CA 275  
*Students with a sufficient ACT/SAT score in English Composition will not be required to take EH 101.
 
Transfer students:

1. Alabama community college students who wish to transfer into the Computer Science program should consult
http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/transfer/al/cs.html

2. Mississippi and Florida college students who wish to transfer into the Computer Science program should http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/transfer/index.html
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
(23 hours) A student wishing to obtain a minor in Computer Science must complete all courses with a minimum grade of "C".
    CSC 120    
4
    CSC 121    
4
    CSC 230    
3
1 of
CSC 228, CSC 331  
3
1 of
CSC 311, CSC 321  
3
2 of
CSC 320, CSC 322, CSC 324, CSC 333
6
*At least 9 hours of courses in the minor, including all 300 level courses, must be completed at the University of South Alabama.
 
INFORMATION ASSURANCE CURRICULUM
The University of South Alabama has been awarded a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE). This designation is awarded to institutions after a rigorous review for programs that have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence in Information Assurance education. School of Computing graduate students who are Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP) recipients or National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS) recipients, and any other student wishing to comply with USA's CAE/IAE graduate curriculum in conjunction with their specialization (Computer Science or Information Systems), must complete all required courses and must choose courses designated as IA in the specialization whenever an optional choice is presented. IASP or SFS Computer Science majors or Information Systems majors wishing to comply with USA's CAE/IAE graduate curriculum must maintain a portfolio of project and assignments from IA course work, as defined by the SOC IA Portfolio Review Committee, and must complete either the Thesis or Project Concentration.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS DEGREE WITH COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC)
SPECIALIZATION
Students must satisfactorily complete all prescribed Graduate Professional Component courses, a comprehensive examination, and thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours for the Master of Science degree with Computer Science specialization.
Computer Science Specialization majors must complete their Computer Systems program with a minimum grade of “B” in core courses, a minimum grade of “C” in CIS 518, and an overall GPA of 3.0.  The thirty-six (36) graduate semester hours consist of twelve (12) semester hours of CORE courses, three (3) semester hours of REQUIRED courses, and twenty-one (21) semester hours of approved elective courses according to the selected concentration option as follows:
  1. CORE COURSES (12 semester hours):
    All core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “B”.
    CSC 522 Performance Evaluation of  Algorithms
    CSC 527 Software Engineering Principles
      And select two (2) of the following:
    CSC 520 Computer Architecture
    CSC 524 Computer Language Design
    CSC 525 Complexity Theory
   
IA-CSC
 532 Advanced Operating Systems
    Note: The two (2) courses NOT selected to fulfill the core requirement may be used for elective credit.
     
  2. REQUIRED COURSES (3 semester hours):
    CIS 518   CIS Research  Methodologies
     
  3. CONCENTRATIONS (21 semester hours):
    Three concentrations of study are available to students who select the Computer Science Specialization in the SOC Masters program. These are THESIS, PROJECT, and COURSE-ONLY concentrations.  Regardless of the selected concentration, Computer Science specialization majors wishing to comply with USA’s CAE/IAE graduate curriculum must complete either the Thesis or Project Concentration and must maintain a portfolio of projects and assignments from IA course work, as defined by the SOC IA Portfolio Review Committee.
    A. THESIS CONCENTRATION
    For the Thesis Concentration, twenty-one (21) semester hours of required and elective course work are required.
    a. Research Development
      A minimum of three (3) semester hours credit of CIS 595, Computer and Information Sciences Research Development, are required. A Thesis Concentration student may only enroll in CIS 595, CIS Research Development, after successfully completing CIS 518 and their core courses. A Thesis Concentration student must be enrolled in CIS 595 in the semester during which they defend their thesis prospectus. A grade of "C" or lower in CIS 595 will result in the dismissal of the student from the Thesis and Project Concentrations to the Course-Only Concentration.
    b. Thesis
      A minimum of three (3) semester hours credit of CIS 599, Computer and Information Sciences Thesis, must be applied towards the degree for the Thesis Concentration. Students may only enroll in CIS 599 after successfully defending their thesis prospectus (minimum grade of “B” in CIS 595).  A  Thesis Concentration student must be enrolled in CIS 599 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their thesis.
    c. Elective Course Work
      Fifteen (15) semester hours of additional approved electives are required. A maximum of three (3) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the Thesis Concentration. A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given at the end of this section.
    d. Comprehensive Examination
      All students in the Thesis Concentration must pass an oral comprehensive examination administered after the thesis committee accepts the thesis. The School of Computing Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.soc.usouthal.edu.
    B. PROJECT CONCENTRATION
    For the Project Concentration, twenty-one (21) semester hours of required and elective course work are required.
    a. Project Proposal Development
      A minimum of three (3) semester hours credit of CSC 595, Computer Science Project Proposal Development are required. A Project Concentration student may only enroll in CSC 595, after successfully completing CIS 518 and their core courses. A Project Concentration student must be enrolled in CSC 595 in the semester during which they defend their project proposal. A grade of "C" or lower in CSC 595 will result in the dismissal of the student from the Thesis and Project Concentrations to the Course-Only Concentration.
    b. Project
      A minimum of three (3) semester hours credit of CSC 598, Computer Science Project, must be applied towards the degree for the Project Concentration. Students may only enroll in CSC 598 after successfully defending their project. A Project Concentration student must be enrolled in CSC 598 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their project.
    c. Elective Course Work
      Nine (9) semester hours of additional approved electives are required. A maximum of three (3) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the Project Concentration. A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given at the end of this section.
    d. Comprehensive Examination
      Students in the Project Concentration must pass an oral comprehensive examination administered after the project committee accepts the project. The School of Computing Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.soc.usouthal.edu.
    C. COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION
    For the Course Only Concentration, twenty-one (21) semester hours of elective course work are required.
    a. Elective Course Work
      Twenty-one (21) semester hours of approved electives are required. A maximum of six (6) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the Course Only Concentration. No credits from ISC 598, CSC 598, or CIS 599 may be applied to the Course Only Concentration. A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given at the end of this section.
    b. Comprehensive Examination
      Students in the Course Only Concentration must pass a written examination. Students should take the examination as soon as possible after successfully completing CIS 518 and Computer Science core courses. Students wishing to sit for the examination must apply online to the Director of SOC Graduate Studies by the Friday of the last week of classes in the semester prior to which the examination is to be taken. The comprehensive examination is offered at least once a year. The School of Computing Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.soc.usouthal.edu.
     
  4. COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES
    A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science elective courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given below. All other courses must be approved by the Computer Sciences Coordinator. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of non-CSC or non-CIS courses will be allowed. For DoD IASP and SFS Scholarship Computer Science majors and graduate students wishing to comply with USA's CAE/IAe graduate curriculum, courses labeled IA are required and courses labeled IA-e are approved electives.
    A. PRE-APPROVED COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES
    IA-e CSC 510 Compiler Design and Construction
    IA CSC 511 Communications and Network Analysis
    IA-e CSC 512 Real-Time Software Systems
    CSC 513 Computer Graphics
    CSC 514 Modeling and Simulation
    CSC 515 Numerical Analysis
    CSC 516 Artificial Intelligence Theory and Programming
    CSC 517 Game Development
    CSC 524 Computer Language Design
    CSC 526 Database Structure and Design
    IA CSC 532 Advanced Operating Systems
    CSC 533 Artificial Intelligence and Heuristic Programming
    IA-eCIS 530 Information Assurance and IT Auditing
    IA-eCIS 535 Digital Forensic Analysis
    IA CSC 580 Network Security
    IA CSC 582 Data Security
    CSC 590 Special Topics in Computer Science
    ISC 557 Data Warehousing and Decision Support Systems
    ISC 559 Information Systems Applications Design and Implementation
    ISC 561 Information Systems Database Management
    ISC 572 Advanced Data Management
    B. SPECIAL PERMISSION COURSES
      Approval of the Computer Science Coordinator and the Director of the School of Computing Graduate Studies is required for CIS graduate faculty sponsorship of a Special Permission course. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the Thesis Concentration or the Project Concentration; a maximum of six (6) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the Course Only Concentration.
    CIS 594 Directed Study
    CIS 595 Computer Science Research Development
    CSC 595 Computer Science Project Proposal Development
    CIS 598 Computer and Information Sciences Project
    CSC 598 Computer Science Project
    CIS 599 Computer and Information Sciences Thesis
           
DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES:
 
 
 


University of South Alabama - Mobile Alabama 36688-0002 / 1 (251) 460-6101
For questions or comments Contact Us
Last date changed: March 6, 2012 9:18 AM
http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/cis.htm
 
University of South Alabama