University of Maine at Farmington 2012-2013 Catalog
 
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Catalog Program Academic Policies
Computer Science
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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: Computer Science

This program provides a solid foundation of computer knowledge, research opportunities, and hands-on experience. Courses on computer architecture and hardware, database systems, networking, computer languages, algorithm design and analysis, and computer graphics are put to use as students design independent study projects, pursue internships, or take advantage of on-campus work opportunities, such as working in the computer labs. The small student-faculty ratio enables the faculty to mentor students and help them develop strong critical and independent thinking skills. Graduates are prepared for employment as software developers, database specialists, network administrators, computer facility managers, and graduate study.

Learning Goals:

  • Students will be able to design and implement algorithms using appropriate data structures.
  • Students will be able to analyze algorithms and determine their complexity.
  • Students will be able to design and implement three-dimensional graphical scenes, applying mathematical concepts.
  • Students will be able to understand the theoretical and applied aspects of databases and will be able to design and interact with a database.
  • Students will be able to use the TCP/IP protocol suite in managing network communications.
  • Students will be able to understand processes and threads and will be able to apply this knowledge to designing and implementing concurrent algorithms.
  • Students will be able to use programming languages in a variety of paradigms.
  • Students will be able to communicate computing concepts both in writing and orally.
  • Students will be able to read technical computing material.

Assessment Criteria:

Students will acquire a coherent and broad-based knowledge of the discipline of computing. Graduates should develop a reasonable level of understanding of each subject area and of the processes that define the discipline, as well as an appreciation for the interrelationships that exist among them. The areas of study will include:

  • algorithms and data structures
  • architecture/computer organization
  • database and information retrieval
  • human-computer interaction
  • graphics
  • operating systems
    programming languages
  • numerical and symbolic computation

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

COS 140 Intro to Computer Science                             4
COS 142 Data Structures 4
COS 280 Networking TCP/IP 4
COS 355 Computer Graphics 4
COS 360 Prog Lang Concepts 4
COS 364 Alg Design & Analysis 4
COS 372 Comp Oper Systems 4
COS 455 Database Systems 4

Four COS electives chosen from the following:                  16

(at least three must be numbered above 300)

COS 120 Internet Computing 4
COS 241 Computer Organization 4
COS 341 Fund of Theory Comp 4
COS 377 Int Topics in Computer Science 2-4
COS 477 Adv Topics in Computer Science 2-4
COS 497 Ind Study in Computer Science II (varies) 2-4

 

Subtotal:                                                                           48

 

Supporting Mathematics Courses (16 credits):

MAT 141M Calculus I 4
MAT 151M Foundations of Abstract Mathematics               4
MAT 220 Data Analysis 4

One MAT elective chosen from the following:

MAT 142 Calculus II 4
MAT 242 Differential Equations 4
MAT 251 Linear Algebra 4
MAT 333 Graph Theory and Combinations            4
MAT 367 Intermediate Stats 4
MAT 371 Mathematical Probability 4

 

Total Credits for the Major:                                                64

 

Notes:

1. An equivalent COS 377 can be taken for COS 372; an equivalent COS 377 can be taken for COS 455.

2. The Computer Science electives may be taken from:

COS 297 Independent Study in Computer Science
COS 341 Fundamentals of the Theory of Computation
COS 377 Intermediate Topics in Computer Science         
COS 477 Advanced Topics in Computer Science
COS 497 Independent Study in Computer Science II
 
FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
One year of one foreign language at the college level or two years of one foreign language at the high school level.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE:  128
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