CSIS—SSX. Spreadsheet Exam
0 credits
This course will be awarded to School of Business students passing the department’s spreadsheet exam during
orientation. No registration is required. This is one of three ways to satisfy the School of Business spreadsheet
requirement; the others are completion of CSIS–010 or CSIS–011. Similarly, this serves as one possible
prerequisite to certain CSIS and Business courses, but CSIS–010 or CSIS–011 can be used instead.
CSIS—010. Introduction to Computer Applications
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
This course is an introduction to digital technology with the goal of laying a technical foundation upon which
societal, professional, and personal issues related to computing technology can be understood and evaluated.
Topics include hardware, software, data communications, security, data representation, data storage systems,
and networking. This course includes hands-on use of common business software tools emphasizing
spreadsheet skills, and including word processing and presentation software. Computer Science majors cannot
apply this course to the major. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—011. Problem Solving with Spreadsheets
1 credit
A lab-based introduction to problems, problem-solving, and the kinds of problems amenable to spreadsheet
solutions. Provides a foundation for analyzing business and decision support problems using spreadsheet
technology. Typical techniques studied may include absolute and relative addressing, macros, and conditionals.
Students will be expected to apply their skills to various business scenarios and cases. May not be taken
concurrently with or subsequent to CSIS–010. No prerequisites. Lab fee.
CSIS—013. Computer Ethics
1 credit
This course is a survey of the ethical issues involved in computing. Topics studied will include data access,
privacy, security, hacking, copyright and intellectual property issues, email, etc. The focus will be on identifying
and analyzing ethical problems related to computing, as well as on ways to foster ethical decision-making in
computing-centered situations. No prerequisites.
CSIS—019. Computer Science Seminar
1 credit
This course will be offered with emphasis on different topics. The content will be designated by subtitle.
Students may take the course more than once with different content. Potential topics include: History of
Computing, Computing and Film, Information Presentation, etc. No prerequisites.
CSIS—030. Introduction to Computing with SPSS
3 credits
An introduction to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, a step by step instruction of the procedures
used and an understanding of the printed output. Data preparation for the input of variables, format statements,
system and program output, correlation coefficients, data plots, chi-square and distribution tests, analysis of
variance and covariance are some of the subjects studied. Prerequisite: ATDV—110 or QBUS—200 or
permission of instructor. Computer Science majors may not apply this course to the major but may take it only
as computer science elective credit. Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—110. Introduction to Computer Science
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
This course is a broad introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science through a
contemporary theme such as robotics, the web, graphics, or gaming. Students will consider problems in the
application area that can be solved with software. Using the theme of the course, students will be introduced to
important areas of computer science including abstraction, computer organization, representation of
information, history of computing, ethics, and the development and evaluation of algorithmic solutions using an
appropriate programming environment. Themes may differ across sections. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CAQ, CDQ)
CSIS—114. Management Information Systems
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
An introduction to fundamental management issues and information system principles involved in the analysis,
design, and implementation of management information systems. Topics include business information system
planning, technology architecture, database design, systems development, decision support systems, internal
control, and computer security and disaster planning. In order to provide an opportunity for students to develop
a facility for applying the knowledge gained in the course, case studies will be used extensively. Prerequisite:
CSIS—010 or CSIS—011 or CSIS—SSX. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—115. Database Design and Applications for Business
3 credits
This course introduces the concepts and practices of database design and use from a business perspective.
Topics to be covered include data models (object, entity-relationship, and relational, for example), database
design techniques, data dictionaries, query language (e.g. SQL, QBE), requirements analysis, legacy systems,
databases for decision support, presentation techniques (forms, web pages, etc.) and basic information on
database use in a business setting. The course includes hands-on use of a common business database
management system to illustrate and emphasize the concepts. Prerequisite: CSIS—114. Computer use fee.
(ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—116. Survey of Information Technology
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
This course completes the Management Information Systems sequence. Students will continue their study of
programming and databases, while gaining hands-on experience in the application of these skills in a
management setting. Topics may include electronic commerce, decision support systems, executive information
systems, and other current aspects of information technology. Prerequisites: either CSIS—115 or CSIS—350.
Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—120. Introduction to Programming
(3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 4 credits
An introduction to the object-oriented design paradigm with an emphasis on problem solving, algorithm
development, and implementation of algorithms in computer programs in an object-oriented language, such as
JAVA or C++. Other topics will include hardware organization, data representation, system software,
programming style, program testing and analysis of algorithms. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CAQ, CDQ)
CSIS—180. Web Design
(2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab) 3 credits
Web Design is a hands-on laboratory based course covering the design and implementation of websites using
markup languages, style sheets, and various software tools and applications. Lecture will cover the history and
development of the Internet, the World Wide Web, and the core technologies used to implement modern
websites. Students will learn about the importance of semantic markup, language standardization, and
separation of content and appearance. The course will focus on web interface design using forms, techniques for
integrating a wide range of media formats, and design fundamentals needed in implementing effective, userfriendly websites. Prerequisite: None. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, MUMD)
CSIS—200. Topics in Computer Science
3 credits
This course will use an area of research, theory or practice to apply and extend basic principles of Computer
Science. The course may be taken more than once with different topics. Possible topics include web design,
emerging programming languages, computer graphics, computer security, and e-commerce. Prerequisite:
permission of the instructor. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—201. Topics in Computer Science with Laboratory
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory 3 credits
This course will use an area of research, theory or practice to apply and extend basic principles of Computer
Science. The course may be taken more than once with different topics. Possible topics include web design,
emerging programming languages, computer graphics, computer security, and e-commerce. The laboratory
includes such things as hands-on exploration and experimentation with concepts, software tools, computer
systems, or computer languages designed to confirm or extend the principles developed in lecture. Prerequisite:
permission of the instructor. Laboratory fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—210. Data Structures
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
This course continues the study of algorithm design and implementation with an emphasis on the use and
implementation of data structures such as records, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees and graphs. Students will
continue development of programming skills using modular and structured programming techniques in a
programming language. Prerequisite: CSIS—120. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—220. Assembly Language and Computer Architecture
(3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 4 credits
An introduction to assembly language programming using a specific assembly language (for example, VAX, Intel,
or MIPS assembly language). Addressing techniques, internal computer components, machine language,
subroutines, and parameter passing will be discussed. The course also covers topics in computer architecture
including memory systems organization, interfacing and communication, functional organization, and
multiprocessing architectures. Prerequisite: CSIS—120. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, ISCE)
CSIS—225. Object-Oriented Design and Programming
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
This course continues previous work in using an object-oriented language in problem solving, and will consist of
two parallel strands: the development of students’ expertise in advanced features of the language, and the
introduction of object-oriented design methodologies. The two strands will be developed in the context of a
large-scale semester project implemented by teams of from three to six students. Prerequisite: CSIS—210. Lab
fee. (ATTR: ARTS, ISCE)
CSIS—251. Discrete Structures I (Lecture and Laboratory)
4 credits
This course includes a study of mathematical structures most frequently encountered in Computer Science.
Topics covered include sets, functions, mathematical induction, complexity analysis of algorithms, counting
methods including probability, recurrence relations, graphs, trees, Boolean logic, and relations. Proofs using
mathematical induction will be emphasized. Other proof techniques will be developed. Three hours of lecture
and 80 minutes of lab each week. Prerequisites: MATH—120, CSIS—120. Offered Fall Semester. Cross-listed as
MATH—250. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—310. Numerical Methods
3 credits
Course objectives are to survey and develop numerical methods for solving scientific problems. Topics covered
are roots of linear and nonlinear systems, numerical integration, approximation, interpolation, and ordinary
differential equations. The course will emphasize efficient computer implementation of numerical algorithms.
Prerequisites: CSIS—120 and MATH—120. Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—325. Computer Organization
3 credits
This course provides a foundation in computer hardware organization including: a brief survey of historical
developments in computer hardware, a contrast of computer architectures and their implementation, and
numbering systems. Also covered are fundamentals of logic design with application to the design of basic
computer elements such as counters, adders, decoders, design of instruction timing sequences, register
structure, addressing techniques and microcomputers. Prerequisites: CSIS—220, PHYS—070 and PHYS—240.
(ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—330. Operating Systems (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
4 credits
A study of processor, memory, device, and information management of contemporary computer systems.
Emphasis is placed on the models and algorithms for multi-programming computer operating systems.
Discussion will include classic problems such as the concurrency problems of mutual exclusion, deadlock and
synchronization, and memory management concepts such as paging, working set and segmentation. The
laboratory includes an introduction to using the UNIX operating system, an introduction to programming in the
C language and experiments designed to confirm or extend the principles developed in lecture. Prerequisite:
CSIS—210. Laboratory fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—340. Programming Languages 3 credits
A study of the organization and structure of modern programming language paradigms with an emphasis on
semantic issues. Topics include formal language theory, syntax, semantics, calling protocols, and conventional 181
and abstract data types. This course will include comparison studies of languages such as LISP, C, Ada, Prolog,
C++, Pascal, FORTRAN, and APL. Prerequisite: CSIS—225. Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—350. Data Base Management
3 credits
A hands-on study of Data Base Management Systems, based on the entity-relationship and relational data
models. Topics will include logical and physical database design (including E/R modeling, normalization,
memory management, and indexing), transactions/concurrency, query processing/optimization algorithms, and
query languages (primarily relational algebra and SQL). Problems such as security and integrity of the data will
also be discussed. Additional topics may include recovery, object-relational extensions, semistructured data and
languages (e.g. XML/Xquery), application development (e.g. PL/SQL, PHP), or distributed systems. Prerequisite:
CSIS—210. Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS, ISCE)
CSIS—351. Discrete Structures II
3 credits
This course is a continuation of the study of mathematical structures most frequently encountered in Computer
Science. Topics covered include deterministic and non-deterministic finite automata, regular, context-free and
other languages, push-down automata, grammars, Turing machines, computational complexity, and in particular
the P vs. NP problem. Prerequisites: MATH—250 or CSIS—251. Offered in Spring Semester. Cross-listed as
MATH—350. (ATTR: ARTS, MHUL)
CSIS—355. Advanced Database
3 credits
This course has two major themes:(1) An introduction to the principles of database management system
implementation (as opposed to use), with an emphasis on current relational implementation technology; and (2)
a study of the emerging Object-Oriented database technology from the standpoint of a database
user/administrator. Topics in both themes will include query processing, concurrency control, language design,
data modelling, and distributed systems. Prerequisite: CSIS—350 or instructor permission. Computer use fee.
(ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—365. Communications & Networks
3 credits
A survey of data communication and networks. Topics to be covered include techniques of transmission,
protocols for line control, error detection and correction, communication software, various types of network
systems, distributed applications, and performance evaluation. Prerequisite: CSIS—220. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—375. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
3 credits
Fundamental concepts used in machine implementation of processes which imitate human cognition. Topics
include knowledge representation, logical deduction and problem solving, natural language understanding and
semantic representation. Current literature and research will be discussed. Students will complete several
programming projects in the areas of game trees, backtracking, theorem proving, and rule-based systems. Preor corequisite: CSIS—210. Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—380. Computer Graphics
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the mathematical and algorithmic principles of computer graphics as well as
graphical applications programming. Topics covered include two and three-dimensional transformations, threedimensional viewing, shading models, curves and surfaces, ray tracing, texture mapping, and algorithmic issues.
In the laboratory these topics will be explored using graphics software tools and through programming using
graphics libraries. Standard lab fee (2 hrs); no computer use fee. Prerequisites: CSIS—210 and MATH—120.
(ATTR: ARTS, CMLS, LCSL)
CSIS—385. Analysis of Algorithms
3 credits
This course continues previous work in the design and analysis of algorithms. Data structures considered may
include, for example, binary trees, AVL trees, B-trees, hash tables, and multi-dimensional trees. Algorithms for
searching, inserting into, and deleting from these structures will be discussed. A variety of sorting algorithms
(possibly including radix sort, heapsort, mergesort and quicksort) will be studied. Algorithms for other
problems such as k-selection, minimum cost spanning trees, connectivity, and shortest paths will be analyzed.
NP-complete problems will be introduced. Prerequisites: CSIS—210, MATH—250. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—390. Web Application Development
(2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits
Web Application Development is a hands-on laboratory based course covering the design and implementation of
dynamic websites and web-based applications. Topics include web server and web application architecture,
database-driven website development, web interface design, web content management, and web security issues.
Students will study the principles of extensibility, accessibility, and standardization and how they relate to the
design of modern websites and web-based applications. Prerequisite: CSIS—210. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—400. Advanced Topics in Computer Science
3 credits
This course will use an areas of research, theory or practice to apply and extend basic principles of Computer
Science. The course may be taken more than once with different topics. Possible topics include: web design,
computer graphics, system administration, advanced AI, computer security, systems programming,
cryptography, data warehousing, etc. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—401. Advanced Topics in Computer Science with Laboratory
(2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3
credits
This course will use an area of research, theory or practice to apply and extend basic principles of Computer
Science. The course may be taken more than once with different topics. Possible topics include computer
graphics, systems administration, web design, Advanced AI, Systems Programming, Computer Security, Data
Warehousing, or Cryptography. The laboratory includes such things as hands-on exploration and
experimentation with concepts, software tools, computer systems, or languages designed to confirm or extend
the principles developed in lecture. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. NOTE: The lab fee will be
calculated using the standard lab fee formula with two hours. Because there is a lab fee, the computer use fee
will be eliminated. (ATTR: ARTS)
CSIS—410. Software Engineering I
3 credits
Introduces the concepts of structured system analysis. Presents principles of software engineering including
techniques for planning, specification, and system design. Specifications for an actual system will be developed.
Prerequisite: CSIS—225. Requires senior class standing or permission of instructor. (ATTR: ARTS, ISCE)
CSIS—415. Software Engineering II
3 credits
Implementation of a software engineering methodology. Complete design, testing, and verification of a system
developed using a programming team concept. Structured design and documentation. Prerequisite: CSIS—410.
Computer use fee. (ATTR: ARTS, ISCE)
CSIS—499. Independent Study
1 - 3 credits
A qualified student, with the consent of the Head of the Computer Science Department, may pursue further
research and study in some specific aspect of computer science. The student will be directed by a member of the
Computer Science Department with whom he/she will hold periodic discussion. The student will be expected to
comply with all School of Science guidelines concerning such projects. The number of credits to be awarded (1 -
3) will be determined by the Head of the Computer Science Department and the directing faculty member.
