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Brief Descriptions of CIS Courses



2009 - 2011


Shown here are brief descriptions of each CIS course in the 2009-2011 Saint Vincent College Bulletin. Some details and updates have been added beyond what is shown in the Bulletin itself. (Note that further information about how a course is currently being taught can often be found out from the instructor.)

CS 101 Survey of Computers and Computing
This course presents an overview of current concepts and terminology related to computers and information processing. It is designed for students who have had no previous college-level computing courses. It covers the use of graphical user interfaces, applications software, and telecommunications in a laboratory environment. The course is currently using Windows XP and Office 2007. Not open to CIS majors without departmental approval. Three credits.

CS 103 Animation, the Web, and Security: Three Views of Computing
This is an introductory, non-majors course. Students learn how to create animated objects and worlds using the popular Alice software. An animated ice skater in a virtual world will be used as a key example. Second, students learn different ways of creating web pages. This might lead into further webpage coursework. Finally, computer and Internet security issues are investigated. This includes problems such as identity theft, spyware, and phishing attacks, as well as how to defend against them. Not open to CIS majors without departmental approval. Three credits.

CS 104 Science of Computing


This course establishes computing as a science and affirms the connection between computing and the sciences. Topics include the scientific method, methodologies used in computer science for evaluating hypotheses, as well as how computing is used as a tool in other fields of science. The course includes a lab component in which students will get hands-on experience investigating computer science problems. Programs will be set up for students to run so they can test different hypotheses. It will be possible to configure the programs with different parameters to see the impact of running over more data sets, running different algorithms, running in different environments, etc. The experiments involve generating and collecting data that can be analyzed to determine whether preliminary hypotheses are true or false. The data, analysis and conclusions will be written up as lab reports. This is a Tier II science course. Any Tier I science course serves as the prerequisite. Offered Spring semester. Four credits.

CS 110 Computing and Information Science I
An introduction to problem solving and computer programming using the C++ programming language. Topics include algorithms, program structure, input/output, modularity and parameters, control structures, data abstraction, arrays, text files, and structured techniques. Three credits.

CS 111 Computing and Information Science II
A study of advanced programming techniques and applications in C++ continuing from the point where CS 110 ended. Elementary data structures and associated algorithms are examined. Topics covered include arrays, strings, file processing, stacks, queues, linked lists, objects, and recursion. Prerequisite: CS 110. Offered Spring semester. Three credits.

CS 170 Discrete Structures I
An introduction to the topics of discrete mathematics which are appropriate to computing. The major purpose is to help the student obtain some fluency in specific areas of mathematics and to encourage the use of the associated techniques within other computing courses. Topics to be covered include logic, sets, functions, simple proof techniques, algorithms, counting techniques, basics of graphs and trees, and simple finite state machines and grammars. Prerequisite: CS 110 or permission of instructor. Offered Fall semester alternate years (Fall 2009). Three credits. (Note that it is helpful to have taken Calculus I first, not that calculus is used in CS 170, but because of the level of mathematic thought involved.)

CS 171 Discrete Structures II
A continuation of CS 170 with an emphasis on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computer science. Topics to be covered include proofs of correctness, recurrence relations and generating functions, algorithm analysis, computability theory (using Turing machines), complexity theory, and grammars. Prerequisite: CS 170. Offered Spring semester alternate years (Spring 2010). Three credits.

CS 205 Webpage Programming and Design
Topics include basic aspects of good web design, introductions to software packages that facilitate webpage construction and introductions to scripting and programming languages that add functionality. This course is intended for both CIS majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: CS 110. Three credits.

CS 221 Data Structures
The study of data structures and the associated algorithms is developed in C++ in an object-oriented fashion. This course attempts to show the value of object-oriented design. Various implementations of data structures and the efficiency of the associated algorithms are discussed. Topics to be covered include stacks, queues, keyed tables, recursion, linked lists, binary trees, B-trees and other types of trees, sorting, searching, hash functions, and external sorting. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Spring semester. Three credits.

CS 225 Computer Security


This course examines both the theory and practice of computer and network security. Topics include cryptography, spyware, viruses, sniffers, rootkits, back doors, network attacks, Trojan horses, intrusion detection, and firewalls. Examples of attacks and how to protect against them will be drawn from both the Windows and Unix/Linux worlds. Hands-on exercises are included. Prerequisite or corequisite: CS 110. Three credits.

CS 230 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
A study of the fundamentals of machine architecture and assembly language programming is conducted. This course emphasizes the relationships between computer organization (hardware) and programming components (software). Assembler for typical Intel processors is used. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Fall semester. Three credits.

CS 250 User Interface Design


Good decisions involving the design of a user interface can lead to programs that are easier for end users to execute. Code that is written by programmers who are sensitive to ergonomic issues will execute faster, have fewer errors, require less training time and ultimately give its end user a greater sense of satisfaction. This course will discuss the many issues involving such human-computer interaction. In addition, course participants will program interface applications using VB .NET. Prerequisite: CS 111. Three credits.

CS 251 Introductory Computer Graphics


Computer graphics is the art and science of communicating information using images that are generated and presented through computation. This requires the design and construction of models that represent information in ways that support the creation and viewing of images, the design of devices and techniques through which the person may interact with the model or the view, the creation of techniques for rendering the model, and the design of ways to preserve the images. In this course, both the mathematical foundations and practical implementation of these concepts will be explored with the help of a standard API. Prerequisites: CS 221 and Calculus II (either MA 110 or MA 112). Three credits.

CS 255 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence


This course will present overviews of the roots of artificial intelligence, predicate calculus, the importance of search and search techniques, knowledge representation and knowledge-based problem-solving, the complexity of natural language and machine learning. In addition to other assignments, students will be required to complete projects using PROLOG and LISP, which will be introduced during the course. Prerequisite: CS 111. Three credits.

CS 270 Introduction to Numerical Computation
An introduction to the algorithms of scientific computation and their application to problems in algebra and calculus. Topics covered include number representation, error analysis, programming techniques, function evaluation, solutions of nonlinear equations, solutions of linear systems, numerical integration, and solutions of differential equations. Prior programming experience is not required. The course will likely teach Fortran 90 and use it to do numerical analysis. Prerequisite: Calculus I (either MA 109 or MA 111). Offered Spring semester alternate years (Spring 2010). Three credits.

CS 305 Web Technologies
This course focuses on more complex web technologies than are covered in CS 205. The majority of the course involves building an ecommerce site and using webpages as front-ends to server-based databases. Prerequisite: CS 205 or permission of instructor. Three credits.

CS 310 Programming Languages


This course examines the features, implementation, and design of programming languages. Various high-level programming languages representing different programming paradigms will be covered. Java will be used as the primary example of an object-oriented programming language. Programming language translation and runtime features such as storage allocation will be among the topics that are considered. Prerequisite: CS 221 or permission of instructor. Offered Spring semester alternate years (Spring 2010). Three credits.

CS 321 Data Communications and Network Security
This course covers the major areas of data communications and networking. It uses the ISO layered approach and focuses especially on the TCP/IP protocols and the Internet. LAN technologies and the configuration of routers and switches are also included. Prerequisite: CS 111. Three credits.

CS 325 Advanced Topics in Security


This course explores advanced topics in security, requiring a basic knowledge of security issues and a programming background. Prerequisites: CS 111 and CS 225. Three credits.

CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
Computer architecture and operating systems are covered using the multilevel machine approach, with particular attention paid to the microprogramming level, the conventional machine level, and the operating system level. Linux and Windows server operating systems are used as case studies. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Spring semester alternate years (Spring 2011). Three credits.

CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures
This is a first course in modeling complex organizations of data. It includes a review of logical file structures and access methods. Information structures and databases are studied, with detailed work using Access and SQL. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Fall semester. Three credits.

CS 351 Information Systems Analysis and Design
An investigation of the discipline of systems analysis in relation to the information system life cycle. Structured and object-oriented techniques of analysis and design applicable to current system documentation and the development of general systems solutions are presented. Topics include process and data flows, I/O designs, and systems modeling. Problem solving and communication skills employed in the transition from analysis to design are stressed. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Fall semester alternate years (Fall 2010). Three credits.

CS 355 Software Engineering
Since good programming involves the systematic mastery of complexity, one can consider programming to be an engineering discipline (if we use the term engineering in a wider sense than used when referring to traditional fields of engineering). This course will develop a methodology for program construction which will allow software of high quality to be constructed, where high quality software is defined as software which is reliable and reasonably easy to understand, modify, and maintain. Prerequisite: CS 111. Offered Fall semester alternate years (Fall 2009). Three credits.

CS 357 Computing Science Project I


Using principles and techniques developed in CS 351 or CS 355, a capstone senior project is begun in this course. This includes items such as choosing a project, researching the requirements and technologies needed, and producing a requirements document. A team approach may be used at the discretion of the instructor. Some projects may be projects for real clients. Each project should be done in an area related to one's concentration. Prerequisite or corequisite: CS 351 or CS 355. Offered Fall semester. One credit.

CS 358 Computing Science Project II


Using principles and techniques developed in CS 351 or CS 355, the capstone senior project begun in CS 357 is now implemented. A team approach to software development may be used at the discretion of the instructor. Some projects may be projects for real clients. Each project should be done in an area related to one's concentration. Prerequisite: CS 357. Offered Spring semester. Two credits.

CS 450 Independent Study in Computing and Information Science


An independent study may be possible by arrangement with an individual faculty member. Course may be repeated with a different topic. Variable credit.

CS 465 Information Systems Management


This course provides an introduction to management information systems, e-commerce, planning, and decision support. It explains how information is used in organizations, the role of information technology professionals, and how information systems are used to an advantage in business settings. Social and ethical issues related to the design, implementation and use of information systems will be addressed. Basic information technology project management skills will be covered as well as the issues and challenges involved in managing an information services department. Offered Fall semester alternate years (Fall 2009). Three credits.

CS 550 Computing and Information Science Internship


An internship involves practical work experience, typically with a local business. Course may be repeated. Variable credit. May be done for no credit.

Maintained by: Br. David Carlson
Last updated: June 10, 2009