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The following describes all the courses offered (or accepted for transfer credits) by the Spelman Computer Science Department. The parenthesized numbers after the name of the course are the credit-hours, classroom hours, and lab hours for the course.

CIS 100. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS (4-3-0)

A course designed to give students an understanding of how a computer works, its capabilities, limitations, and applications. Includes system components, societal impact, applications, programming concepts, and the use of software packages. This course or its equivalent is required of all students.

CIS 102. RESEARCH USING THE INTERNET (1-1-0)

Introduction to methods and tools for finding and desseminating information for scholarly research using the World Wide Web. Emphasizes understanding of how the Internet works, what the World Wide Web is, and ways that people can communcate via the Internet and the Web. This course is taught on a Pass/Fail basis.

CIS 121. COMPUTER SCIENCE I (4-3-2)

An introduction to programming using C++. Emphasis on problem-solving techniques, algorithm design and concepts of structured programming. Corequisite: MATH 115.

CIS 122. COMPUTER SCIENCE II (4-3-2)

A study of advanced language features: recursion, dynamic data structures, program correctness, internal search/sort methods, and algorithm analysis. A continuation of programming methodology presented in CIS 121. Prerequisite: CIS 121. Corequisite: Math 115 or Math 120.

CIS 181. FRESHMAN SEMINAR (0-1-0)

An orientation to the Computer Science major and to the resources of the Unix system and the Internet. Includes a survey of the nine basic areas of Computer Science, the role of the Computer Science professional, and an introduction to personal computer software. Also covers availability of opportunities for internships, coops, research programs, etc.

CIS 182. FRESHMAN SEMINAR (0-1-0)

A continuation of CIS 181.

CIS 100. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS (HONORS) (4-3-0)

This is a course designed to give students an understanding of how a computer works, how the internet works and how to employ them effectively as tools. We will learn several application programs: a word processor, namely Corel WordPerfect; a spreadsheet, namely Lotus 123; and a presentation application, namely Microsoft Powerpoint. We will also learn internet software and technology: email, a web browser, search engines, and HTML. We will discuss the capabilities, limitations, and societal impact of computer technology. As an honors course, this course will have substantial research and writing assignments, including preparing web pages. However, it is not restricted to students in the honors program.

CIS 204. COBOL PROGRAMMING (4-3-0)

A study of the basic principles of business information processing and programming using COBOL. Examples and applications from the area of business information processing. Prerequisite: Math 107, Math 115, or Math 120.

CIS 213. FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE (4-3-2)

An introduction to the theoretical foundations of computer science with emphasis on topics such as finite state machines, formal languages, boolean logic and combinatorics. Also a study of the vision of the field of computer science with exposure to the breadth of the basic areas of study. Prerequisite: CIS 122.

CIS 216. COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN (4-3-2)

An explanation of the basic workings of a computer, from the sotred-program concept and the representation of code and data to the fetch-execute cycle and the design of the datapath hardware. Covers assembly language programming and the Instruction Set Architecture and introduces certain operating sytem concepts. Introduces the design of combinational and sequential logic circuits and the internal operation of modern computer hardware. Prerequisite: CIS 122.

CIS 302. DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS (4-3-0)

An introduction to the use of computers as a part of a decision support system (DSS) or a management information system (MIS). Includes information gathering and analysis, data organization and file management techniques, information management issues. Application project drawn from current practice and literature. Prerequisite: One high-level programming language.

CIS 313. DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHM ANALYSIS (4-3-0)

Basic concepts of data structure techniques and associated storage allocation and management algorithms. Methods for processing a variety of data structures including lists, trees, strings, arrays, and stacks. Prerequisites: CIS 213 (Foundations of Computer Science), Math 234 (Discrete Mathematics) Math 251 (Analysis I). Corequisite: Math 214 (Linear Algebra and Applications).

CIS 326. FILE PROCESSING AND DATA MANAGEMENT (4-3-0)

A study of the design of file processing system, including file organization and access methods, database concepts, and techniques of structuring data on bulk storage devices. Prerequisite: CIS 313 or consent of the department.

CIS 343. OPERATING SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (4-3-0)

An introduction to major concepts in the design of operating systems at the register-transfer level. Interrelationships between the operating system and the architecture of computer systems. Prerequisites: CIS 213 and CIS 216.

CIS 346. ORGANIZATION OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES (4-3-0)

A study of the fundamental concepts and general principles underlying programming languages in current use. Run-time behavior of programs. Comparison of language features and programming techniques using several languages such as Ada, C, Pascal, LISP, C++, and PROLOG. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CIS 213.

CIS 366. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS (4-3-0)

A study of and use of techniques for the numerical solution to the following types of problems: zeroes of functions, linear systems, functional approximation, numerical integration/differentiation, and eigen values. Error analysis will also be included for each technique studied. Prerequisites: Math 214 and Math 222, Math 252, or Math 294. Programming skills are required.

CIS 390. DIRECTED STUDIES (VARIABLE CREDITS)

An in-depth study of a significant topic in computer science under the direction of a member of the computer science faculty. The student will conduct independent study/research and meet weekly with her advisor. Required: A written paper and public presentation. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of the department.

CIS 391. HONORS THESIS (INDEPENDENT STUDIES) (4)

An intensive research project is required of all honors majors. Each honors major should enroll for the thesis during the second semester of the junior year. Details on the thesis can be obtained from the department's chairperson.

CIS 401. COMPUTER GRAPHICS (4-3-0)

Introduction to the use of computers for manipulation and display of graphical information. Includes graphical input methods and interactive graphics, two- and three-dimensional transformations and fundamentals of vector and raster graphics. Prerequisites: CIS 122 and Math 214 (Linear Algebra)

CIS 402. COMPUTER VISION (4-3-0)

An introduction to the basic concepts of computer vision and image processing. Quantization, digitalization, compression, restoration, enhancement, analysis, and understanding. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

CIS 413. DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN (4-3-0)

Principles, tools, and techniques of database design with emphasis on concepts and structures necessary to design and implement a database management system. File organization and data organization techniques. Prerequisites: CIS 326 and CIS 343 or consent of the instructor.

CIS 414. PARALLEL ALGORITHMS (4-3-0)

An introduction to the design and analysis of parallel algorithms. A study of how to use parallel computers to exploit inherent parallelism in algorithms for important problems. Emphasis on basic techniques to construct, study and implement algorithms on multiprocessors. Problems include selection, merging, sorting, search, matrix multiplication, shortest paths, and prefix sums. Prerequisite: CIS 313.

CIS 424. MICROPROCESSORS: DESIGN AND APPLICATION (4-3-0)

Basic concepts of typical 8-, 16-, and 32-bit microprocessor programming design techniques, interface design techniques, families of microprocessor components, procedures for designing applications using a typical development system, designing and implementing digital system designs using microcomputer technology. Prerequisites: CIS 213 and CIS 216.

CIS 432. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (4-3-0)

Fundamental concepts, techniques and issues of artificial intelligence. State space search strategies. Heuristic methods and programming techniques. Survey of applications in areas of problem solving, expert systems, natural language understanding, vision and learning. Prerequisites: CIS 313 and CIS 346.

CIS 435. INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS (4-3-0)

An introduction to the fundamentals of the analysis and control of robotics. Feeback control, direct and inverse kinematics, work space analysis, trajectory planning, differential motion, and task planning. Prerequisites: CIS 122 and Math 252 and Math 214. Recommended but not required: CIS 432 or consent of instructor.

CIS 443. COMPILER CONSTRUCTION (4-3-0)

Definition and overview of a compiler, study of the basic techniques of compiler design and implementation. Lexical analysis, parsing, syntax checking, and semantic analysis. Design of a sample compiler of moderate complexity. Prerequisites: CIS 343 and CIS 346.

CIS 452. THEORY OF COMPUTATION (4-3-0)

Introduction to properties of algorithmic computation, modules of computation, Turing computability, recursive functions, computability, and decidability. Prerequisites: CIS 313 and Math 234.

CIS 456. HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (4-3-0)

A study of various aspects of the human-computer interface. Methods for designing and evaluating computer systems increased usability and efficiency. Design of a sample system of moderate complexity. Prerequisites: Junior standing; CIS 122.

CIS 463. COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS (4-3-0)

Introduction to basic communication concepts, distributed systems, networks architectures, networks and protocols, digital communication links, overview of local area networks, and related software design. Prerequisites: CIS 216 or consent of instructor.

CIS 470. SPECIAL TOPICS (4-3-0)

Lectures in topics of current interest. Topics vary according to the needs and interests of students. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

CIS 471. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (4-3-0)

Introduction to software engineering principles and techniques that are used in the construction of large software systems. Software life cycle and the methodologies to support the various phases; CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering); software reuse, project planning and scheduling, software cost-estimation, and documentation. Participation in a group project with extensive programming in high level programming language. Prerequisites: CIS 343 or consent of instructor.

CIS 472. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (4-3-0)

See CIS 471.

CIS 473. PARALLEL PROCESSING (4-3-0)

A study of parallel hardware and software systems and programming. Topics in hardware systems include tightly/loosely coupled, fine-grained/coarse-grained, distributed/shared memory and connection networks. Software systems topics include synchronization, primitives, scheduling and resource sharing. Topics in programming include message-passing, functional/ object-oriented/data parallel programming, loop scheduling, and automatic parallelization. Prerequisites: CIS 213, CIS 216, and Math 214.

CIS 475. SPECIAL TOPICS (4-3-3)

Lecture-Laboratory course in topics of current interest. Topics vary according to the needs and interests of students. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

CIS 481. SENIOR SEMINAR (0-1-0)

Supervised student preparation for career development and graduate study including assistance with resumes, applications for admission, and financial aid.

CIS 482. SENIOR SEMINAR (0-1-0)

Continuation of CIS 481.

CIS 485. SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT (4)

A major project requiring the integration of material from across the computer science curriculum. The student should expect to spend a minimum of ten hours per week on the project. Prerequisites: Consent of the department.

CIS 491. HONORS THESIS RESEARCH (4)

An intensive research project required of all honors majors. Each honors major should enroll for the thesis during the first semester of the senior year. Details on the thesis can be obtained from the department chairperson.




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