Contents
Computer Science Program
Philosophy
Computer
Science Major & Admission to the Program
Contracts for a
Computer Science Major
Requirements for a
Computer Science Major
Prerequisites
and Brief Notes on Courses
- Core Computer Science
Courses
- Core Non-Computer
Science Courses
- 1991 Policy Statement and Additions
- Approved
Computer
Science Electives
- Exceptions to Elective Policy
University
Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree
Buchtel
College of Arts and Sciences Requirements
General
Studies & General Education
Requirements
for a Second Baccalaureate Degree
University
Policy on Repeating
Courses
The Minor and
Certificate Programs
To enter the Minor or
Certificate Programs
Requirements
for Minor and Certificate Programs
Cooperative
Education in Computer Science
Some Computer User
Responsibilities
Additional
Information including Policy Exceptions
The information presented in this document is thought to be correct, but may contain errors. If you detect an error, please send e-mail to pelz@uakron.edu with a reference to what you believe to be in error. This document does not supersede any University of Akron publication; it is an attempt to collect such information in one location for the benefit of the student.
Computer
Science Program Philosophy
The computer
science program at The University of Akron has many roles to play both on and
off campus. A primary goal of the
program is the education of students to fulfill needs in industrial, commercial,
government, and university environments. Such a diversity of settings requires
that the students have a strong foundation in the field of computer science so
as to be capable of productive work anywhere.
As a consequence we stress the following:
(a)
A student must learn the concepts underlying many different solutions to
problems. Only by knowing these concepts can a student extend the knowledge
gained in school into new situations.
(b) A purely theoretical understanding is insufficient;
the student must also be able to implement the concepts in a variety of
environments. Every course in our
curriculum requires the student to write computer programs.
The student will use a variety of computer languages, hardware, and
operating systems. The range of
environments extends from machine language programming on a single board
computer using a simple monitor up to writing applications software under UNIX
on a parallel processor.
(c) The ability
to express oneself is an absolute necessity.
Programming requires the ability to write in a formal system; the student
must also be able to write in English. Comments,
documentation, and program descriptions are an essential part of programming
assignments. In addition many
courses require the student to write an expository paper on one aspect of the
course. Typically a course is
fairly broad in the discussion of topics; an expository paper requires the
student to research and write about some topic in depth.
(d) In a field
as rapidly changing as computer science, remaining up-to-date is an essential
aspect of professionalism. Students
are encouraged to read professional journals, join and be active in professional
societies and to develop the ability to learn on their own.
Education does not end on graduation day; it must continue into the
future.
(e) As computers
continue to affect more aspects of everyday life, the consequences of
inappropriate or unethical behavior become more severe.
The students must be aware of what is considered ethical and legal
behavior, as well as the consequences of violations of such norms.
Computer
Science Major &
Admission to the Program
The Department
of Computer Science at the University of Akron offers a Bachelor of Science
degree in Computer Science. An
option within that degree program is to participate in the Cooperative Education
program (details given later in this document.)
This degree
includes the courses necessary for breadth in computer science and the ability
to select courses in areas of interest to the student.
The degree also provides the foundation in computer science necessary for
a computer science major wishing to pursue a graduate degree in Computer
Science.
The College of
Arts and Sciences imposes some requirements that the student must satisfy before
an inter-college transfer can be completed. In addition, to transfer into the
Department, a student must have completed 3460:210 Data Structures and
Algorithms I and 3450:221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I with grades of at least
a C.
Contracts
for a Computer Science Major
The student who wishes to major in Computer Science can make an appointment with an advisor in the Department of Computer Science and sign a contract as soon as the student is qualified to transfer from University college into Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. Currently to transfer into the Department, a student must have completed 3460:209 Introduction to Computer Science, 3460:210 Data Structures & Algorithms I, 3450:208 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics and 3450:221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I with grades of at least a C. In an area of concentration which changes as rapidly as Computer Science, the curriculum changes frequently. The student is expected to complete the requirements within 5 years of the date of transfer. The date of signing of the contract does not affect this time period. In practice, if the student has been regularly taking courses during that time period, an extension is generally allowed; this extension may be important to you if you attend classes on a part-time basis.
Requirements for a
Computer Science major
Course Hours
Course Name
3460:209
4.0
Introduction to Computer Science
3460:210
4.0
Data Structures & Algorithms I
3460:306
4.0
Assembly and System Programming
3460:307
3.0
Internet Systems Programming
3460:316
3.0
Data Structures & Algorithms II
3460:421
3.0
Object-Oriented Programming
3460:426
3.0
Operating Systems
3460:430
3.0
Theory of Programming Languages
3460:465
3.0
Computer 0rganization
3460:480
3.0
Software Engineering
3460:490
3.0
Senior Seminar
Total
36.0 Hours (28 at 300/400
level)
Course Hours
Course Name
3450:208
4.0
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
3450:221
4.0
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
3450:222
4.0
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
3470:461
4.0
Applied Statistics
Total
16.0 Hours (8 at
300/400 level; 3450:222 counts here)
12.0
Four (4) approved computer science electives
(at
most one of these can be 300-level)
Total
12.0 Hours (12
at 300/400 level)
Overall Total
64.0 Hours (48
at 300/400 level)
Prerequisites
and Brief Notes on Courses
Core
Computer Science Courses:
****** Note:
All prerequisites must be satisfied with grades of at least C-
******
209
Introduction to Computer Science (4
hours)
Prerequisites:3450:145
College Algebra or 3450:149 Precalculus Mathematics with grade of C- or better or placement
An introduction
to computer programming theory and practice using C++.
Good program structure, modular design, and documentation are emphasized.
There is also a laboratory component to this course which is held in CAS 241.
It is suggested that student enroll concurrently in 3450:208 Introduction
to Discrete Mathematics. This is a
prerequisite for 210 below.
210
Data Structures and Algorithms I
(4 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:209 & 3450:208 with grades of C- or better
A continuation
of the study of programming theory and practice studied in Introduction to
Computer Science. There is an
emphasis on object-oriented thinking and techniques. Some elementary data
structures and their implementation are introduced.
There is also a laboratory component to this course which is held in CAS 241.
This is a prerequisite for 306 and 316 below.
306
Assembly and System Programming
(4 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:210 with grade of C- or better
Basic computer organization, digital logic, and data representation. Programming in
assembly and C languages on a typical digital computer.
This is a prerequisite for 465 below.
307 Internet
Systems Programming
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:210 with grade of C- or better
An introduction
to Web-based and internet programming. Topics
may vary, but typically include HTML, XML, CGI, Perl, and/or JavaScript.
316 Data
Structures & Algorithms II
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:210 and 3450:221 with grades of C- or better
Topics include
graphs and graph algorithms, external sorting, hashing, advanced tree and file
structures. Analysis of the
complexity of algorithms is emphasized. It
is recommended that this course be completed prior to taking any 400-level
computer science course.
421/521
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Object-oriented design, analysis, and programming using different development models.
Comparison with other programming paradigms.
426/526
Operating Systems
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:306 and 3460:316 with grades of C- or better
While studying
about operating systems, what they do and how they do it, students will each
write an operating system to run on a PC-class microprocessor.
430/530 Theory
of Programming Languages
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Students are
introduced to more advanced concepts underlying programming languages and their
applications, to formal definitions of programming languages, Backus Normal
Form, semantics, and compiler design. Recently
students have written programs in a variety of languages including Standard ML.
A research paper may be required.
465/565 Computer
Architecture(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:306 with grade of C- or better
The student is
introduced to the hardware organization of the computer through an in-depth
study of the architecture of a particular computer systems family.
This includes the study of the organization of the register, processor,
and systems levels of the computer.
3460:480
Software Engineering
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Introduction to
formal software specification and validation. Introduction of methodologies and
tools of design, development and validation, and maintenance.
3460:490 Senior
Seminar in Computer Science
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
Completion of at least 30 credit hours of 3460 courses
Professional
software development, surviving “Mission Impossible” porjects, computer
ethics, intellectual property rights (patents and copyrights), and other current
topics.
Required Core
Non-Computer Science Courses:
****** Note:
All prerequisites must be satisfied with grades of at least C-
******
3450:208
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (4
hours)
Prerequisite:
3450:145 or 3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement
Students are
introduced to mathematical concepts required for an understanding of computer
science. Subjects introduced
include sets and number systems, logic and Boolean algebra, relations and
functions, counting principles, recursion and induction, matrices, graph and
trees.
3450:221
Analytic Geometry-Calculus I
(4 hours)
Prerequisite:
3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement.
Course topics
include real numbers, analytic geometry, limits, continuity, derivatives of
algebraic functions, tangent and normal lines, extrema of functions, Rolle's
theorem, mean value theorem, related rates, antiderivatives, definite integrals,
areas, volumes, and arc length.
3450:222
Analytic Geometry-Calculus II
(4 hours)
Prerequisite:
3450:221 with grade of C- or better or placement.
Course topics
include derivatives of exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse
trigonometric, hyperbolic and inverse hyperbolic functions; methods of
integration; moments; centroids; indeterminate forms; polar coordinates;
sequences; series; power series; Taylor, Maclaurin, and binomial series.
3470:461/561
Applied Statistics I
(4 hours)
Prerequisite:
3450:222 with grade of C- or better
Students study
the application of statistical theory to sciences (natural and physical) and
engineering. Topics studied are
probability distributions, interval estimation, hypotheses testing (parametric
and nonparametric), simple linear regression and correlation.
1991 Policy Statement and Additions
1. The following courses are approved as CS electives:
a) any course numbered 3460:4xx which is not a
required course for the program,
excluding
3460:489 and 497 which require approval on a case-by-case basis
(Note: 3460:401 and 3460:406 are not acceptable electives)
b) 3460:307 unless already required in the program
c) 3450:427, 428, 430
d) 3470:480
2. No more than one course with a department number
other than 3460 may be counted as a CS elective.
The exception to this rule is that both 3450:427 and 428 may be counted.
3. A student wishing to use some other course as a CS
elective must obtain approval for such use.
Normally only courses which are substantially the same as a course
offered within our department may be used as a substitute.
2002 addition to policy
A student may take the Cisco Networking sequence (2440:201, 202, 203, and 204) to be counted as
one of the CS electives.
2004 addition to policy
A student may take 3450:489 Scientific Workplace as a CS elective. Note that this applies only
to this specific topics course; any other 3450:489 topics course requires separate approval.
2005 addition to policy
A student may take 3350:405 Geographic Information Systems or 3350:407 Advanced GIS as a CS elective.
2008 addition to policy
A student may take 3450:413 Theory of Numbers as a CS elective.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approved
Computer
Science Electives:
******
Note: 3460: 401 and 406 are
NOT acceptable CS electives; they are service courses ******
3460:408
Introduction to Windows Programming
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:208 or 210 or 406 with grade of C- or better or permission
Windows
operating systems, integrated development environment, event-driven programming,
graphical user interface design, object libraries, component object model,
object linking, embedding, client-server objects.
3460:418
Introduction to Discrete Structures
Prerequisite:
3460:210 with grade of C- or better Strongly recommended:
3460:316
A continuation
of the study of discrete mathematics begun in 3450:208, this course studies the
application of discrete mathematics theory and practice to computers and
computing.
3460:428 UNIX
System Programming (3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
An overview of
the UNIX operating system is presented. Topics
include shell programming, process management, processor management, storage
management, scheduling algorithms, resource protection, and system programming
3460:435
Analysis of Algorithms
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 & 3460:418 with grades of C- or better
The design and
analysis of efficient algorithms for random access machines and the derivation
of pattern classification algorithms is explored.
3460:440
Compiler Design
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
The techniques
used in writing and modifying compilers are studied. These include translation, loading, execution, symbol tables
and storage allocation, the compilation of simple expressions and statements.
The organization of a compiler for handling lexical scan, syntax scan,
object code generation, error diagnostics and code optimization is included.
The use of compiler writing languages and boot-strapping are also
explored. This course requires a
project involving compiler writing.
3460:445
Introduction to Bioinformatics
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Introduce major themes in bioinformatics. Topics include concepts of molecular
genetics, biological databases, database searching, sequence alignments,
phylogenetic trees, structure prediction, and microarray data analysis.
3460:446
Introduction to Bioinformatics Laboraroty
(1 hour)
Laboratory course investigating basic tools currently available for biological database searching,
sequence alignments, phylogenetic tree construction, protein structure prediction and
microarray analysis.
3460:453 Computer Security
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Principles of computer security - cryptography, authentications, secure network protocols, intrusion detection and countermeasures.
3460:455 Data
Communication and Networks
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
This course
provides an introduction to data communications, teleprocessing, networks,
codes, modes of transmission, errors, and protocols.
3460:457
Computer Graphics
(3 hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or betterwith grade of C- or better and knowledge of C.
The topics
explored include vector graphics, scan line graphics, representations and
languages for graphics.
3460:460
Artificial Intelligence & Heuristic Programming (3
hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
A study is made
of various programs which have displayed some intelligent behavior The level at
which computers can display intelligence is explored.
3460:463
Pervasive Computing (3
hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Computing from a wire-less perspective. Topics include protocols, algorithms, security and sensor networks.
3460:467
Microprocessor Programming and Interfacing (3
hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:306 & 3460:316 with grades of C- or better
This is a
detailed study of a particular microprocessor architecture and instruction set.
Standard device interface components are explored, as are real-time
programming concepts. Course involves programming on a single board computer
3460:468
Mobile Robotics (3
hours)
Prerequisites:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Introduction to history, hardware and software components, and design of
autonomous mobile robots. Multiple projects involving both physical robots and software emulation.
3460:470
Automata, Computability and Formal Lang
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:418 with grade of C- or better
The theories of
formal languages and their relation to automata are presented.
Topics include the description of languages, regular context-free and
context-sensitive grammars; finite, pushdown and linear-bounded automata; Turing
machines; closure properties; computational complexity, stack automata and
decidability.
3460:475
Database Management
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better
Students are
introduced to the functions of a database through the study of a variety of data
models (inverted file, relational, network) and programming assignments in each
of these data models. Normal forms,
the E-R model, relational algebra, the hierarchical model, and mapping a
conceptual model to a real DBMS are also included. Students prepare a database
design for an imaginary business enterprise.
3460:477
Introduction to Parallel Processing
(3 hours)
Prerequisite:
3460:316 with grade of C- or better and knowledge of C
Commercial processors: past and present. Parallel languages, models of parallel
computation, parallel algorithm design and performance evaluation. Parallel
paradigms with relation to real world applications.
3460:489 Topics
in Computer Science
These are
offered intermittently and differ widely. Whether
a course is a qualified Computer Science elective will be determined
individually as such courses are offered.
Students wishing
to use some other course as a Computer Science elective should get prior
permission from the Department Chair in the Department of
Computer Science. If the
student hopes to take another course, perhaps at a college or university near
his/her home during the summer, the student should obtain detailed information
about the course in order that it may be evaluated.
The information should include the text used, the criteria used to
evaluation the student’s performance in the course and, if possible, the
syllabus of the course. This must
be done prior to taking the course.
University
Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree
The
candidate for a baccalaureate degree must:
1. File an
application for graduation with the registrar.
Dates for filing: May 15 for winter graduation
2. Earn a
minimum of 128 credits with a minimum 2.00 grade-point average as computed by the Office of the Registrar for
work attempted at the University consistent with the Repeating Courses policy.
(See next page for Repeating Courses policy.)
3. Meet all
degree requirements which were in force at the time a transfer is made to a
degree-granting college. If a
student has transferred to another major, the degree requirements in effect at
the time of such a transfer must be met.
4. Be approved
for graduation by the faculty of Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, the
University Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees.
5. Complete the
requirements for a degree in not more than five years from the time of transfer
as defined below. In the event that
the student fails to complete such requirements in five years, the University
reserves the right to make changes in the number of credits and/or courses
required for a degree.
6. The date of
transfer for a student in a baccalaureate program will be the date that the
student is accepted by the degree-granting college.
7. The last 32
credits in the baccalaureate degree must be earned at The University of Akron
unless excused in writing by the dean of Buchtel College of Arts and sciences.
8. At least 32
credits must be earned at The University of Akron.
9. If a student
who has transferred from another institution wishes to present for the student's
major less than 14 credits earned at The University of Akron, the signatures of
both the Dean of Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and the Chair of the
Department of Computer Science is required.
10. The student
must discharge all other obligations to the University. (This can include such
items as paying parking tickets and returning overdue library books.)
Buchtel
College of Arts and Sciences Requirements
1. Complete
General Education Requirements
2. Completion of
a total of 47 credit hours of 300/400 level courses in addition to those
required for the General Education. Workshops
and additional General Education courses may not be used to attain this total.
(see the section on the 47-hour rule below.)
3. Demonstration
of the ability to use English and another language.
This demonstration usually takes the form of completing the English
Composition series (3300:111, 112) for English.
For the second language, competency is shown by completing the second
year of a foreign language on the University level or by demonstrating an
equivalent competence through a test approved by the Department of Modern
Languages.
4.
student must complete the requirements for his/her major field of study
which are the requirements of the Computer Science Major.
The Department of Computer Science must then recommend that the student
be granted a degree.
5. The student
must achieve at least a 2.0 grade point in all courses taken in his/her major
field at the University of Akron. In
the case of Computer Science this means all courses in Mathematics (3450),
Computer Science (3460), and Statistics (3470). For students entering the department
Fall 2004 or thereafter, the calculation is done using only Computer Science (3460)
courses.
6. The student
must meet all the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement
that the student complete a minimum of 47 credit hours of 300/400-level courses
has a special case that applies to Computer Science students: 3450:222 Analytic
Geometry-Calculus II is included in the total.
General
Studies & General Education Requirements
(Check with the
Department Chair for information about General Studies Requirements which apply
to students who started their college or university education prior to Fall
1994)
General
Education courses are those courses required by the university in order to
insure that students have some breadth in their education in addition to depth
in their major subject. For the most current information concerning courses that may
be taken to satisfy specific areas, check the University Undergraduate Bulletin.
To insure that
students develop the ability to express themselves and present their ideas to
others, each student must take
Oral
Communications: 3 credits
7600:105 Introduction to Public Speaking
(3 hours) or
7600:106 Effective Oral Communication
(3 hours)
To train
students in written communication in order that they may express their thoughts
through the written word with clarity and some style, students are required to
take
English
Composition: 7 credits - 2 courses
3300:111 English Composition I (4 hours)
3300:112 English Composition II (3
hours)
Because even the
most technically inclined student should have some familiarity with the social
sciences, each student must take six hours of social science by taking
Social Sciences:
6 credits
(one course from
two different sets)
Set 1 - Economics
3250:100
Introduction to Economics
(3 hours)
3250:100
Principles of Microeconomics
(3 hours)
3250:244
Introduction to Economic Analysis
(3 hours)
Set 2 - Geography
3350:100
Introduction to Geography
(3 hours)
Set 3 - Government and Politics
3700:100
Government & Politics in United States (4 hours)
3700:150
World Politics and Governments
(3
hours)
Set 4 - Psychology
3750:100
Introduction to Psychology
(3 hours)
Set 5 - Sociology/Anthropology
3850:100
Introduction to Sociology
(4 hours)
3870:150
Cultural Anthropology
(4 hours)
5100:150
Democracy in Education
(3 hours)
Set 6 - United States History
3400:250
US History to 1877
(4 hours)
3400:251
US History since 1877
(4 hours)
Set 7 - Science/Technology/Society
3600:125
Theory and Evidence
(3 hours)
Each student is
required to take 1 hour of physical education/wellness classes.
Physical
Education/Wellness: 1 credit
5540: 120-183 Physical
Education
(0.5-1.0 hours)
5550: 150
Concepts of Health and Fitness
(3 hours)
5550: 194
Sports Officiating
(2 hours)
5550: 211
First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(2 hours)
5570; 101
Personal Health
(2 hours)
7400: 133
Nutrition Fundamentals
(3 hours)
7900: 119/120 Modern
Dance I/II; Intro. to Modern Dance I/II (2
hours)
7900: 124/125 Jazz
Dance I/II; Intro. to Jazz Dance I/II
(2 hours)
7900: 144
Tap Technique I; Intro. to Tap I
(2 hours)
Students are
introduced to the culture of the Western part of the world through the required
University College courses:
Humanities: 10
credits - 3 courses
Required:
3400: 210
Humanities in the Western Tradition
(4 hours)
Students may select one course from two different sets below:
Set 1 - Fine Arts
7100: 210
Visual Arts Awareness
(3 hours)
7500: 201
Exploring Music: Bach to Rock
(3 hours)
7800: 301
Introduction to Theatre and Film
(3 hours)
7900: 200
Viewing Dance
(3 hours)
Set 2 - Philosophy/Classics
3200: 220
Introduction to the Ancient World
(3 hours)
3200: 230
Sports and Society in Ancient Greece and Rome
(3 hours)
3200: 289
Mythology of Ancient Greece
(3 hours)
3600: 101
Introduction to Philosophy
(3 hours)
3600: 120
Introduction to Ethics
(3 hours)
3600: 170
Introduction to Logic
(3 hours)
Set 3 - Literature
3300: 250
Classic and Contemporary Literature
(3 hours)
3300: 251
Topics in World Literature
(3 hours)
3300: 252
Shakespeare and His World
(3 hours)
3300: 281
Fiction Appreciation
(3 hours)
Other literature in English translation
3200: 361
Literature of Greece
(3 hours)
3580: 350
Literature of Spanish-America in Translation
(3 hours)
Set 4
3300: 211
Humanities in the Western Tradition II
(4 hours)
In order to have
the ability to describe and explain differences in civilizations and cultures,
the student is required to take
Area Studies
& Cultural Diversity: 4 credits - 2 courses
3001: 300
Introduction to Women’s Studies
(3 credits)
3005: 300
Canadian Studies: An Interdisciplinary Approach
(3 credits)
3350: 375
Geography of Cultural Diversity
(2 credits)
3400: 385
World Civilization: China
(2 credits)
3400: 386
World Civilization: Japan
(2 credits)
3400: 387
World Civilization: SE Asia
(2 credits)
3400: 388
World Civilization: India
(2 credits)
3400: 389
World Civilization: Near East
(2 credits)
3400: 390
World Civilization: Africa
(2 credits)
3400: 391
World Civilization: Latin America
(2 credits)
3870: 251
Human Diversity
(3 credits)
Because everyone
should know something about science no matter how non-technical the person is,
students must take a total of at least eight credit hours in natural sciences,
including at least one course that has a laboratory component. Students should
select one course each from a minimum of two different sets.
Eligible courses
are:
Anthropology:
3870:151
Biology:
3100:103, 104, 105
Chemistry:
3150:100
Geology:
3370:100, 103, 121-138, 201, 203
Physics:
3650:130, 133, 137
Students in
higher-level science courses with a lab may use those courses to meet their
General Education requirements.
Requirements
for a Second Baccalaureate Degree
The General Education and Foreign Language requirements are waived for the second degree.
It is possible for a student to get a double major instead of a double degree. A double major
means that the student has fulfilled all of the requirements for two different majors but
has not completed the minimum of 32 credits mentioned above. Such a student will receive one
degree and the transcript will show two majors.
University
Policy
on Repeating Courses Any course may
be repeated TWICE by an undergraduate student subject to the following
conditions: 1. To secure a
grade ("A-F") or a grade of “NC", "CR” or “AUD”, a
student may repeat a course in which the previously received grade was “C-“,
“D+”, “D", “D-“, “F”, “AUD” or “NC.”
Registrations under the "CR/NC" option are subject to the
restrictions in the "CR/NC" policy. 2.
With the dean's permission, a student may substitute another course if
the previous course is no longer offered. Courses
must be repeated at The University of Akron. 3.
Grades for all attempts at a course will appear on the student's official
academic record. 4.
Only the grade for the last attempt will be used in the graduation
grade-point average. 5.
All grades for attempts at a
course will be used in grade-point calculation for the purpose of determining
graduation with honors and class standing. 6.
For purposes of this section, credit for this course or its equivalent
will apply only once toward meeting degree requirements. A student may
withdraw from a course under the following conditions: 1.
freely,
no signatures required to 15th day of semester or comparable date during summer
session, intersession, etc., 2.
with
advisor's signature only from 15th day to the midpoint of the semester, 3.
with
the signature of both advisor and course instructor after the midpoint of the
semester if the withdrawal is dated and processed through the offices of the
Registrar and Cashier no later than the last day of the 12th week of the
semester or comparable date during summer session, intersession, etc. 4.
The
student may appeal to the dean of the student’s college if a signature is
refused. Minor
or Certificate in Computer Science The requirements
for a minor in Computer Science and for the certificate in Computer science are
identical. Either the completion of
the minor requirements or the receipt of a certificate will be noted on all
official transcripts from The University of Akron. In both cases the student must maintain a minimum of a 2.00
grade-point average in all courses taken to fulfill the requirements. What then is the
difference between a certificate and a minor? Only students who are
undergraduates working on a baccalaureate degree with another major area of
concentration are permitted to take a minor in Computer Science.
This is a well-understood way to announce a second area of competency to
prospective employers, etc. The certificate
program was developed to permit those students who already have a baccalaureate
degree with a major in another area of concentration to add computer science to
his/her credentials. This not only
shows up on transcripts, but also provides a document stating that the student
demonstrated some competency in the area of computer science.
This may not be as well understood by prospective employers as the minor,
but does at least document the knowledge. An
undergraduate student may opt for the certificate instead of the minor, but it
is not recommended. To
Enter the Minor or Certificate Program The student
wishing to enter the minor or certificate program in Computer Science should: 1.
Obtain an information sheet from the Department of Computer Science 2.
If pursuing the certificate, notify the department when you have completed all the requirements.
3.
If
pursuing a minor, remember to complete a request for a minor form with the
Graduation Office at the same time you apply for graduation.
4. If you have any questions about either program, make an appointment to see an advisor in the department.
Requirements for Minor and Certificate Programs
Mathematics:
3450:208
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
4 hours
Prerequisite:
3450:145 or 3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement.
3450:215
Concepts of Calculus I
4 hours
Prerequisite:
3450:145 or 3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement.
or
3450:221
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
4 hours
Prerequisite:
3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement.
Computer
Science:
3460:209
Introduction to Computer Science
4 hours
Prerequisite:
3450:145 or 3450:149 with grade of C- or better or placement.
3460:210 Data
Structures and Algorithms I
4 hours
Prerequisites:
3450:208 & 3460:209 with grades of C- or better
3460:306
Assembly and System Programming
4 hours
Prerequisite:
3460:210 with grade of C- or better
3460:316
Introduction to Data Structures II
3 hours
Prerequisites:
3460:210 with grade of C- or better and either 3450:215
or 3450:221
Two Computer
Science electives (6 credit hours) chosen from any 400 level Computer Science course (except 401 or 406) or
3460:307 Internet Systems Programming. Students
should check the prerequisites for these courses carefully. The student should
take prerequisites very seriously as severe difficulty in doing the work
required in the course will probably result if a prerequisite is ignored.
Cooperative
Education in Computer Science
Requirements
for Participation:
1.
Completion of 3460:316 Data Structures and Algorithms II and 3460:306
Assembly and System Programming.
2.
Attendance at the orientation sessions conducted by the Cooperative
Education Coordinator in the Office of Career Placement Services
3.
Achievement of a 2.0 grade point average in Computer Science.
Some employers have a more stringent grade point requirement; for
example, government agencies typically require a 3.0.
Pros
and Cons of Cooperative Education Advantages of becoming a co-op student
include:
1. The student
gains work experience in his/her field of study. This has at least five results:
a.
The student returns from the work experience with a better appreciation of the
areas in which his/her current knowledge is deficient.
This may help the student to choose electives wisely and often also
encourages a more constructive attitude toward additional required courses.
b.
The student has a more realistic picture of the kind of work for which the
Computer Science major prepares one.
c.
The student may discover a particular area within Computer Science toward which
he/she wishes to work.
d.
The student gains knowledge of how a real world computer system works and often
has an opportunity to work with different languages, operating systems and
computers than those available at The University of Akron.
e.
The student's resume includes this experience.
2. The student
is paid during the co-op period, often quite well. This is an opportunity to live frugally and save for
subsequent semesters at the University for those who have financial concerns.
Disadvantages of
Becoming a Co-op Student
1.
The
total elapsed time to obtain a degree is increased.
2.
More
time elapses between taking closely related courses.
The student
disciplinary procedures employed by the Department of Computer Science in the
event of student misconduct are those described in the student disciplinary
policy for The University of Akron. This
provides consistent handling of student misconduct occurrences and also insures
the privacy of the individuals concerned.
Student
misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
1.
Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty.
2.
Unauthorized copying of an assignment in computer programming,
unauthorized examination or viewing of computer files, or printouts for unauthorized purposes.
3. Engaging in
disruptive, mischievous behavior on the computer or any other wrongful use of
the computer.
Penalties for
such behavior may result in formal disciplinary probation, suspension, or
dismissal. Cases involving such
student misconduct are brought before the Student Disciplinary officer in
Buchtel Hall for resolution. There
is also a mechanism in the policy for handling some cases within the department.
See the Department Chair for details.
Some Student
Computer User Responsibilities
When working
with computers, the honest student should assume certain responsibilities to
protect himself or herself from those who might be easily tempted to be less
than totally honest. Among these
are:
1. Do not give
any other person access to your account; keep your password a secret.
2. Change
passwords frequently. Do so
immediately if the password is no longer secure.
3. Always pick
up printed output, particularly program listings. If, due to exceptional circumstances, you must leave the
computer lab prior to the completion of a requested printout, ask the student
assistant to retrieve the printout and store it for later pickup.
4. Listings of
working programs should be discarded in a secure place.
5. Never leave a
computer lab without logging off of any machine you have been using.
Leaving yourself logged on when you are not present is an invitation to
some to do unexpected things to your id.
Additional Information including Policy Exceptions
1. This document is heavily based on and adapted from the original Computer Science Databook developed by Marge Karlson, lab manager and part-time instructor in the department from 1984 to 1997.
2.
3450:307 or 411
are valid substitutes for 3450:208.
3.
The
School of Business allows 3470:461 to substitute for 6500:221.
This is relevant to students who wish to pursue a minor in business.
4.
The
degree clearance process involves two forms.
The first is a degree clearance form; the second is a commencement
clearance form which has the student’s transcript.
Some courses may have a grade of ‘J’ or ‘K’.
These grades are ‘credit’ and ‘non-credit’, respectively.
5. This document is maintained by pelz@uakron.edu.