Computer science degree classes
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Overview of Computer Science Degree Classes
Core Computer Science Courses
Introduction to Computer Science and Software Engineering
The introductory course, CS 1200, provides a comprehensive overview of the computing professions, covering the curricula of Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE). It introduces students to problem-solving skills, quantitative methods, and team projects that simulate real-world decision-making processes1.
Programming Fundamentals
Courses such as CS 1325 and CS 1334 focus on elementary programming in high-level languages. These courses cover basic data types, control structures, functions, recursion, and input/output operations. They are designed for students with no prior programming experience and are essential for building a foundation in programming1.
Advanced Programming and Data Structures
Advanced courses in the curriculum include topics like data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. For instance, CS 1335 introduces object-oriented software analysis, design, and development, covering classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism1.
Specialized Computer Science Courses
Biomedical Engineering Applications
CS 1324 is tailored for biomedical engineers, focusing on programming applications in medicine. It covers basic programming concepts and applies them to biomedical engineering projects, although it does not satisfy degree requirements for CS majors1.
Software Engineering Techniques
The Software Engineering program includes courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture. These courses culminate in a project where students apply software engineering techniques to real-world problems2.
Foundational Concepts and Pre-Programming Courses
Introduction to Computing
A foundational course sequence, as described in several studies, emphasizes the importance of understanding computing concepts before diving into programming. Courses like "Introduction to Computing" cover algorithmic thinking, data structures, and the use of application tools such as word processors and spreadsheets3 5.
Non-Major Courses
For non-majors, courses like CS 1334 and CS 1335 provide an introduction to programming and computational thinking without the complexity of programming language syntax. These courses use tools like flowchart simulators to teach algorithms and problem-solving7.
Real-World Applications and Motivation
Real-World Based Approaches
To combat the perception that computing is disconnected from the real world, innovative teaching methods such as the Protobject-based approach have been introduced. This method uses real-world contexts to teach programming concepts, making the subject more engaging and relevant to students10.
Summer Programs
Programs designed to attract potential CS majors, such as one-week residential summer programs, educate non-CS majors about the field's prospects and encourage them to consider CS as a major or minor. These programs help bridge the gap caused by the lack of CS education in K-12 schools9.
Conclusion
The curriculum for a Computer Science degree is designed to build a strong foundation in programming, data structures, and software engineering, while also offering specialized courses for various applications. Innovative teaching methods and introductory courses for non-majors help make the subject accessible and engaging, preparing students for diverse careers in the rapidly evolving field of computer science.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Introduction to computing: a course in computer science fundamentals
This paper presents a two-course sequence that emphasizes abstraction and language-independent software development skills, effectively introducing computer science concepts to beginning students and preparing them for advanced problem-solving using computing.
A foundation course in computer science
A foundation course in computer science should cover problem-solving, data structures, computer systems, program design, and programming languages, with a focus on problem-solving, data structures, computer systems, and programming languages.
Introducing computer science fundamentals before programming
This paper presents a two-course sequence that effectively introduces computer science fundamentals before programming, enabling students to rapidly learn the skills needed to solve computational problems using computing.
Computer science in the curriculum
Problem-solving skills, learned in computer science, can be applied to a wide range of careers, including engineering, medicine, and business.
An introduction to computer science for non-majors using principles of computation
This novel introductory computer science course for non-majors focuses on algorithms and computational thinking, without programming, and has become a successful addition to CS offerings without programming language syntax.
Highly CitedCurriculum '78: recommendations for the undergraduate program in computer science— a report of the ACM curriculum committee on computer science
The ACM Curriculum Committee on Computer Science recommends a core curriculum, intermediate level courses, and elective courses for undergraduate computer science programs, with consideration for supporting areas, continuing education, facilities, staff, and articulation.
Highly Cited