Nov 21, 2024

2015-2016 University Catalog

2015-2016 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.

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(120 units)

The degree program for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science assumes that students have already obtained a working knowledge of personal computing fundamentals and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, database systems, e-mail systems and presentation graphics.

Computer Science Placement Examination

The curriculum begins with a three-course sequence covering concepts of programming and data structures. Students may have knowledge of these topics, but do not have the courses to transfer, nor AP scores to submit; thus, may take the Computer Science Placement Examination to waive one or more of these courses. The test may be taken only once, and scores are valid for two consecutive semesters.

Computer Science Core (48 units)

Lower-Division Core (18 units)

Upper-Division Core (30 units)

Students must take and pass the Examination in Programming Proficiency (EPP) before taking most upper-division Computer Science courses. Students who do not pass the EPP will be required to take CPSC 301 .

Elective Track Requirements (15 units)

Select an Elective Track to support specific career goals.

Scientific Computing

Completing the Mathematics courses listed below also meets the requirements for a Mathematics Minor .

MATH 250A - Calculus III (4) *
MATH 250B - Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4) *
MATH 340 - Numerical Analysis (3)
MATH 370 - Mathematical Model Building (3)
Plus any three units of adviser-approved 400-level CPSC courses

Custom

With the approval of an academic adviser, students may develop a track based on their career goals or specific academic interests or specific themes. A custom track consists of upper-division Computer Science or related courses. At least nine units must be 400-level Computer Science courses with no more than three units selected from courses numbered 490-499. In addition to courses already listed in the other tracks, students may also include the following courses:

Mathematics Requirements (18 units)

Science and Mathematics Electives (12 units)

Notes

* MATH 250A and MATH 250B may not be counted toward both the Scientific Computing Track and Science and Mathematics Electives. Students who apply these courses toward Science and Mathematics Electives may substitute adviser-approved 400-level CPSC courses to meet the 15-unit requirement of the Scientific Computing Track.

** At least one of these courses must be selected

General Education Courses

Due to the high unit requirements of the Computer Science major, the following General Education (G.E.) requirements are waived: A.3 Critical Thinking; B.2 Life Science; D.2 World Civilizations and Cultures; D.5 Explorations in Social Sciences; and E Lifelong learning and Self Development. Further, the G.E. upper-division requirements for the B.S. degree in Computer Science is 6 units.

With these adjustments, the required G.E. courses for the Computer Science major are as follows:

Area A: Core Competencies (6 units)

A.1. Oral Communication (3 units)

A.2. Written Communications (3 units)

ENGL 101 - Beginning College Writing (3)

Area B: Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (8 Units)

Completing the mathematics requirement and science and math electives fulfills this requirement.

Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 units)

C.1. Introduction to Arts (3 units)

C.2. Introduction to the Humanities (3 units)

Any lower-division course in this category listed in the current class schedule

C.3. Explorations in the Arts and Humanities (3 units)

Any upper-division course in this category listed in the current class schedule

C.4. Origins of the World Civilizations (3 units)

Area D: Social Sciences (9 Units)

D.1. Introduction to the Social Sciences (3 units)

Any course in this category listed in the current class schedule

D.3. American History, Institutions and Values (3 units)

D.4. American Government (3 units)

Area Z: Cultural (3 units)

This requirement may be satisfied by a course from the upper-division G.E. Area C.3, with an asterisk (*), indicating cultural diversity.

Minimum Academic Requirements

A “C-” (1.7) or higher is required in all courses applied to the core. Exception: up to six units of credit with grades in the range of “D-” (0.7) through “D+” (1.3) may be earned in elective tracks, mathematics and science courses only. A mathematics course taken to satisfy GE category B.4 and the upper-division writing course (CPSC 311 ) must be passed with a minimum grade of “C”.