Computer Science (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Minor)
 The Computer Science programs at Aurora University stress fundamentals and
essential applications. Students read, design, write, and use computer software
programs. They learn about, use, and sometimes build computer hardware. Most
importantly, students apply what they learn to solve a wide variety of
interesting and important problems.
Because Aurora University's Computer Science programs focus on undergraduate
education, all students will have the opportunity to be taught and advised by
senior faculty members. The computer science courses are kept up to date to
insure that graduating students are prepared for industry or graduate school.
The Computer Science Program at Aurora University provides two major
programs in computer science and one minor. Students will find that
faculty are readily available to those needing extra assistance. Lab
work-stations in our modern facilities are sufficient to allow walk-in
usage without the need of advance reservations. Our high speed internet connection
allows fast access to research data worldwide from any of our lab work-stations.
Dial-in access allows students to access our computer facilities and
internet sites from home as well as from campus. ±
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE - 36 semester hours‡
The bachelor of arts program in computer science is an ideal choice for those students interested in the technical aspects of the computer and in computer programming. The program emphasizes software and systems design, while also providing an introduction to computer hardware.
Students completing this program pursue careers as computer programmers, systems analysts or software systems design specialists.
A student who combines the computer science major with a minor is particularly well prepared to enter the job market. Appropriate minors may be in communication, a science field, a business field or mathematics.
As well as completing the required computer science courses, it is recommended that students take additional communication and mathematics courses as time permits.
Required Computer Science Courses: 28 semester hours
CSC1500 Computer Science I (4)
CSC1600 Computer Science II (4)
CSC2600 Discrete Structures (4)
CSC3150 Computer Organization (4)
CSC3610 Advanced Programming (4)
CSC4250 Capstone in Computer Science (4)
CSC4700 Operating Systems (4)
Selected Computer Science Courses: Choose 8 semester hours
CSC3500 Microcomputer Systems (4)
CSC3750 C++ for Java Programmers (4)
CSC4150 Artificial Intelligence (4)
CSC4200 Systems Analysis and Design (4)
CSC4360 Database Systems (4)
CSC4400 Data Communication Systems and Networks (4)
CSC3810,4810 Selected Topic (1-4)
CSC3830,4830 Directed Study (1-4
CSC3940,4940 Career Application Field Experience (1-4)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE - 52 semester hours‡
The bachelor of science degree program in computer science is the ideal program for the student who wishes to acquire an in-depth knowledge of computer science and also to develop a good foundation in mathematics and physics. The program emphasizes software and systems design, while also providing an introduction to computer hardware.
Students select this major as preparation for graduate study in computer science, for careers as systems analysts in scientific or engineering environments, and for careers as software systems specialists or developers.
This program is intended for those students who have a strong mathematics and science background and who want a more in-depth program than the other concentrations in computer science provide. This alternative is especially recommended for those persons wanting to pursue graduate study in computer science or who would enjoy a career as a systems software developer for a scientific or technical firm.
As well as completing the required courses, students are recommended to take additional communication and mathematics courses as time permits.
Required Science Courses: 16 semester hours
Mathematics: following results of the Mathematics Competency Examination
MTH2210 Calculus I (4)
MTH2220 Calculus II (4)
Physics
PHY2210 General Physics I (4)
PHY2220 General Physics II (4)
Required Computer Science Courses: 28 semester hours
CSC1500 Computer Science I (4)
CSC1600 Computer Science II (4)
CSC2600 Discrete Structures (4)
CSC3150 Computer Organization (4)
CSC3610 Advanced Programming (4)
CSC4250 Capstone in Computer Science (4)
CSC4700 Operating Systems (4)
Selected Computer Science Courses: Choose 8 semester hours
CSC3500 Microcomputer Systems (4)
CSC3750 C++ for Java Programmers (4)
CSC4150 Artificial Intelligence (4)
CSC4200 Systems Analysis and Design (4)
CSC4360 Database Systems (4)
CSC4400 Data Communication Systems and Networks (4)
CSC3810,4810 Selected Topic (1-4)
CSC3830,4830 Directed Study (1-4
CSC3940,4940 Career Application Field Experience (1-4)
MINOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE - 20 semester hours
The minor in computer science allows students to apply computer science to their major field.
Required Courses: 12 semester hours
CSC1500 Computer Science I (4)
CSC1600 Computer Science II (4)
CSC2600 Discrete Structures (4)
Selected Courses: Choose 8 semester hours
CSC3150 Computer Organization (4)
CSC3500 Microcomputer Systems (4)
CSC3610 Advanced Programming (4)
CSC3750 C++ for Java Programmers (4)
CSC4200 System Analysis and Design (4)
CSC4360 Database Systems (4)
CSC4400 Data Communication Systems and Networks (4)
CSC4700 Operating Systems (4)
CSC3810,4810 Selected Topic (1-4)
CSC3830,4830 Directed Study (1-4
CSC3940,4940 Career Application Field Experience (1-4)
COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CSC1200 Introduction to Microcomputers 3 semester hours
Introduction to the field of computer science and the use of computers in society for the person who has little previous experience in computing. The course will provide an overview of computers, computer systems and skills in the use of application software. Microcomputer laboratory sessions will provide practice in the use of an operating system, word processing, presentation graphics, web browser, spreadsheet and database software.
No prerequisites.
CSC1500 Computer Science I 4 semester hours
An introduction to computer programming using an object-oriented programming language. Decision structures, looping structures, simple graphics, graphical user interfaces, and arrays are introduced. The creation of object-oriented programs using methods and multiple classes is emphasized. Programming is required.
Prerequisite: MTH1100.
CSC1600 Computer Science II 4 semester hours
Continuation of Computer Science I. Data structures such as stacks, queues, lists, and binary trees are introduced and implemented. Algorithms for their manipulation are studied. A comparison of sorting and searching techniques is included. Extensive programming is required.
Prerequisites: MTH1100 and CSC1500.
CSC2100 Computational Science 4 semester hours
The movement, processing and communication of electronic-based and natural information are an integral part of our current world. Computational science provides students for a path of lifelong learning by providing the fundamental knowledge and the behavior associated with these processes. An active laboratory component is included where fundamental digital circuits will be built, and through application of the scientific method, data collected, behavior analyzed and conclusions evaluated. Includes laboratory component.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Observation of Our Natural World” requirement.
CSC2600 Discrete Structures 4 semester hours
Mathematical topics fundamental to the computer science curriculum. The topics covered include number systems, logic, sets and functions, matrices, relations, graphs, combinatorics, probability and Boolean Algebra.
Prerequisites: MTH1100 and CSC1500.
CSC2800 Visual Basic Programming 4 semester hours
The fundamentals of programming in Visual Basic are covered including an introduction to objects, events, graphics and databases. Visual and graphic techniques, program design and program debugging are emphasized. Extensive programming is required.
Prerequisite: CSC1500.
CSC3150 Computer Organization 4 semester hours
A study of the mechanics of information transfer and control within classical general-purpose digital computer systems and of the organization and structure of such computers’ major components. Topics include: computer subsystems, basic circuit and logic design, arithmetic and control functions, addressing, instruction sets and formats, and microprogramming.
Prerequisites: CSC1600 and CSC26000.
CSC3360 Application of Internet Programming Techniques 4 semester hours
The fundamentals of programming in scripting languages are developed and used to move data and visual information through the Internet. The course includes integrating scripting languages with HTML to create Web sites using Internet programming techniques. Extensive programming is required.
Prerequisite: CSC1500.
CSC3500 Microcomputer Systems 4 semester hours
Fundamentals of microcomputer systems and applications. The design of microprocessors is explored from a user’s view and related to current microcomputer hardware and software design. Graphical user interface, memory management, and basic programmable logic control to external devices are explored.
Prerequisites: CSC1600 and CSC2600.
CSC3610 Advanced Programming 4 semester hours
Advanced programming is a coding intensive course. The student will practice layers of abstraction and algorithmics by using object-oriented techniques such as inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism by appropriate software engineering and developing working algorithms. Class time will be spent in open discussion of student projects from proposal to demonstrated implementation. Three non-trivial coding projects will be developed, implemented, and presented. Students are expected to exhibit creativity in their work. This course is dependent upon object-oriented languages.
Prerequisite: CSC1600.
CSC3750 C++ for Java Programmers 4 semester hours
Significant features of C++ that are absent from Java or implemented differently in Java. The topics covered include overloaded operators, use of pointers, copy constructors, applications of virtual functions, and avoidance of memory leaks. Extensive programming is required.
Prerequisite: CSC1600.
CSC4150 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 4 semester hours
Explore basic neural net, expert system and intelligent agent algorithms from the perspective of computer science and knowledge engineering. Theory, methodology, and applications from an introductory perspective are examined. Existing software tools are used for development and experimentation.
Prerequisites: CSC1600 and CSC2600.
CSC4200 System Analysis and Design 4 semester hours
Information analysis and the logical specification of systems. Methods of designing large-scale software applications by integrating computer technology, systems analysis, systems design, and organizational behavior. Case studies develop proficiency in the use of both traditional and object-oriented approaches.
Prerequisite: CSC1600.
CSC4250 Capstone in Computer Science 2 semester hours
This is the capstone course for computer or information system majors. Covering current topics in the computer and information sciences, this course is designed to prepare the student for society’s perception of this discipline and to create an awareness in the student of how to utilize the computer sciences to better society.
Prerequisite: Within one year of expected graduation in a computer science program.
CSC4360 Database Systems 4 semester hours
Concepts of database systems, logical schema, query languages, and database modeling are emphasized. Current trends in database architecture are explored, although the relational model and algebra are emphasized. Experience will be gained from utilizing a DBMS.
Prerequisites: CSC1600 and CSC2600.
CSC4400 Data Communication Systems and Networks 4 semester hours
Concepts and terminology of data communications, network design, and distributed information analysis. The equipment, protocols, architectures, transmission alternatives, communication environments, and network management systems will be presented.
Prerequisite: CSC3150 or CSC3500.
CSC4700 Operating Systems 4 semester hours
Characteristics of computer operating systems. The components of operating systems, the functions and goals of those components, and the interaction of those components are studied. Issues involving concurrency are emphasized. Common operating system algorithms are implemented. Programming is required.
Prerequisite: CSC3150.
Please note:
The information listed on this page is current according to the 2008-2010 Undergraduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.
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