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University of Central Arkansas
Undergraduate Bulletin 2006 - 2008

Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.06.04

Computer Science

Chair and Professor: Dr. Hu, 450-3401

Professor: Dr. Seidman (College Dean)
Assistant Professors: Dr. Duan, Dr. Paruchuri, Dr. Sun, Dr. Wei
Lecturers: Mrs. Hambuchen, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Thessing

[1] Purposes

The Department of Computer Science offers a degree leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Science degree in Applied Computing, and a minor in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes problem solving in the context of algorithm development and software implementation, and prepares students for effectively using modern computer systems in various applications. This BS program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours in computer science, about 30 credit hours in mathematics and the sciences, and the university general education program. The departmental curriculum provides required computer science courses such as programming languages, data structures, computer architecture and organization, algorithms, database systems, operating systems, and software engineering; as well as elective courses in artificial intelligence, computer-based communication networks, distributed computing, graphics, human-computer interaction, multimedia, scientific computing, and other current topics in computer science.

The purpose of the BS in computer science is twofold: (1) to prepare the student for a position involving the design, development and implementation of computer software and systems, and (2) to prepare the student for entry into a program of graduate study in computer science and related fields. The educational objectives for the BS degree program are:

Objective 1: Grow as well-educated professionals with integrated high-level understanding of computing systems, processes, and the main body of knowledge of computer science as a whole;
Objective 2: Be able to creatively apply essential concepts, principles, and practices to construct appropriate solutions and analyze application processes using professional judgment in the selection and application of theory, tools and techniques;
Objective 3: Work productively, as an individual and as a team member, to produce work involving problem identification, analysis, design, and development of a software system within a professional, legal, and ethical framework; and
Objective 4: Maintain their skills as the field evolves, and appreciate the needs for continuing professional growth and development to keep current in the profession.

To achieve the above objectives, upon graduation, a student should possess capabilities and skills appropriate to immediate employment in a position involving the design and implementation of computing systems, and for graduate study in computer science related fields. Specifically, the curriculum has the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: Concrete knowledge of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories in computer systems and applications. These include the following:

  1. Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language, to enable the construction of software systems that effectively solve practical problems with various kinds of data and information;
  2. Deep understanding of computer organization and architecture at both assembly language and operating system levels to support the effective operation and application of computing hardware and software systems;
  3. Ability to select data structures and algorithms appropriate to modeling, design, and construction of solutions to application problems;
  4. Ability to use appropriate programming paradigms in the engineering of software systems;
  5. Professional judgments and awareness on safety aspects in terms of security, privacy, legal and ethical issues; and
  6. Knowledge of selected emphasis areas in computing, such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, database systems, human-computer interactions, multimedia systems, and networking.

Outcome 2: Sound mathematical background and scientific training for critical thinking and problem solving. This includes:

  1. Discrete mathematics, differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, and probabilistic and statistical models; and
  2. Background in a laboratory science and in biology.

Outcome 3: Effective oral and written communication skills:

  1. Ability to communicate orally in informal discussions and formal presentations about technical problems and their solutions in organized and accurate ways with clear statements of questions, concerns, and ideas;
  2. Ability to use appropriate written forms, such as software and project documentation, journals, reports, argumentative essays, and research papers to express thoughts clearly, using such techniques as peer review, multiple drafts or revisions.

Outcome 4: Well-rounded general knowledge in humanities, social sciences, and arts.

The department of computer science also offers a computer science curriculum leading to a minor in computer science. This curriculum provides necessary background for students interested in using computational methods to solve a broad range of application problems in sciences and engineering, such as bioinformatics, computational chemistry, computational engineering, computational mathematics, and others.

[2] The Honors Program in Computer Science

Junior and senior students who have demonstrated superior achievement in all areas, particularly in their computer science major, may be invited to participate in an advanced honors program. These students will engage in investigations in special computer science topics. The successful completion of their research will make these students eligible to graduate with honors in computer science.

[3] Baccalaureate Degree: Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science, with a major in computer science, requires successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) general education requirements, (2) degree requirements, and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.

[3.1] Major in Computer Science (48 hours)

Computer science courses: Required courses for degree CSCI 1470, 1480, 2320, 2440, 3190, 3330, 3360, 3370, 3380, 3381, 4191, 4300, 4490, and 9 hours of electives to be chosen from CSCI 3335, 3345, 3350, 3375, 3385, 4195, 4295, 4310, 4320, 4340, 4345, 4350, 4353, 4355, 4360, 4390, and 4395. A maximum of 3 hours credit from courses 4195 and 4295 may be used in meeting the 9-hour elective requirement in computer science. At most one CSCI course with grade of D can be applied toward the BS degree.

Required mathematics courses (19 hours): MATH 1591, 1592, 2311 or 4371, 2330, and 3320.

Required science courses (12 hours): One sequence (8 hours) of biology (BIO 1440 and 1441), or chemistry (CHEM 1450 and 1451), or physics (PHYS 1410 and 1420; or PHYS 1441 and 1442); and one science course other than the selected sequence.

[3.2] Minor in Computer Science (20 hours)

Required CSCI courses: CSCI 1470, 1480, 2320, 2440, and at least five credit hours chosen from upper-division CSCI courses.

[4] Master's degree

See Graduate Bulletin.

[5] Courses in Computer Science (CSCI)

Follow this link for CSCI course descriptions: course link.