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Undergraduate Course Catalog 2009-2010

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

» http://www.ceps.unh.edu


Computer Science (CS)

» http://www.cs.unh.edu

» Click to view course offerings

Chairperson: Philip J. Hatcher
Professor: R. Daniel Bergeron, Philip J. Hatcher, Ted M. Sparr, Colin Ware
Affiliate Professor: Jason H. Moore
Associate Professor: Radim Bartos, Michel Charpentier, Robert D. Russell, Elizabeth Varki, James L. Weiner
Affiliate Associate Professor: Sylvia Weber Russell, Roy M. Turner
Assistant Professor: Wheeler Ruml
Affiliate Assistant Professor: Michael S. Deutsch, Anthony J. Lapadula, Matthew Plumlee
Instructor: Michael Gildersleeve, Brian L. Johnson, Israel J. Yost
Lecturer: Mark L. Bochert, Ellen M. Hepp, Karl Shump

Computer Science

Undergraduate students may choose from one of three degree options: The B.S. in computer science, which is designed for students interested in the design and implementation of software systems; the B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics option, which is designed for students who wish to apply computer science expertise in the life sciences; and the B.S. in information technology, which focuses on the application of existing computing technologies to the information needs of organizations and individual computer users.


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer scientists are concerned with problem-solving in general, with particular emphasis on the design of computer-efficient solutions. This involves a detailed understanding of the nature of algorithms, the software implementation necessary to utilize algorithms on computers, and how algorithms can be combined in a structured manner to form highly complex systems.

The broad objectives for B.S. in Computer Science graduates are:
1. To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of complex software systems;
2. To understand computer science fundamentals along with supporting mathematics and science so they will be prepared for a wide range of jobs and the pursuit of advanced degrees;
3. To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
4. To have a broad education that promotes professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The B.S. in computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700.

The program is designed to prepare students for employment and/or graduate study. Most courses require heavy computer use, and the laboratories stress hands-on experience with building software systems.

Computer science majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, and computer engineering courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS major. In order to be able to take a CS or MATH course with prerequisites, the prerequisite course(s) must be passed with a grade of a C- or better.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The curriculum includes coursework in mathematics, science, and philosophy. The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


Freshman Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
MATH   425   Calculus I (Gen Ed 2)   4    
Gen Ed   3   (Science/Technology)*   4    
Gen Ed       4    
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II     4  
MATH   426   Calculus II     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing (Gen Ed 1)     4  
Gen Ed   3   (Science/Technology)*     4  
    Total   17   16  

*  These two additional technology or science courses are required, in addition to PHYS 407 and 408. One will satisfy a general education requirement. Students can choose these two courses from the following list:



Biology:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
BIOL   411   Principles of Biology I  
BIOL   412   Principles of Biology II  
BIOL   413   Principles of Biology I (UNH Manchester Course)  
BIOL   414   Principles of Biology II (UNH Manchester Course)  
HMP   501   Epidemiology and Community Medicine  
MICR   501   Public Health Microbiology  
PBIO   412   Introduction to Botany  
PBIO   421   Concepts of Plant Growth  
ZOOL   412   Principles of Zoology  


Physical Science:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CHEM   401-402   Introduction to Chemistry  
CHEM   403-404   General Chemistry  
CHEM   405   General Chemistry  
ESCI   405   Global Environmental Change  
ESCI   409   Environmental Geology  
ESCI   501   Introduction to Oceanography  
NR   504   Freshwater Resources  


Technology:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
PHIL   447   Computer Power and Human Reason  


Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   515   Data Structures   4    
MATH   531   Mathematical Proof   4    
PHYS   407   General Physics I (Gen Ed 3P)   4    
Gen Ed       4    
CS   516   Introduction to Software Design and Development     4  
MATH   532   Discrete Mathematics     4  
PHYS   408   General Physics II (Gen Ed 3P)     4  
Gen Ed         4  
    Total   16   16  


Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization   4    
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features   4    
    Statistics Course*   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Gen Ed 8)   4    
CS   620   Operating System Fundamentals     4  
    Computer Science Theory Course **     4  
ECE   543   Introduction to Digital Systems     4  
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar     2  
Gen Ed         4  
    Total   16   18  

* Statistics requirement can be fulfilled by MATH 539, Introduction to Statistical Analysis, or MATH 644, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists.

** CS Theory requirement can be fulfilled by CS 645, Introduction to Formal Specification and Verification, or CS 659, Introduction to the Theory of Computation.



Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   719   Object-Oriented Methodology   4    
CS     Writing Intensive Course   4    
ECE   562   Computer Organization   4    
    Liberal Arts Elective *   4    
CS   700-Level   Elective     4  
CS   700-Level   Elective     4  
    Liberal Arts Elective *     4  
    Free Elective     1  
    Total   16   13  

* Liberal Arts electives can be any course within the College of Liberal Arts that does not have a math or science component.



Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Bioinformatics Option

The bioinformatics field is an increasingly important sub-discipline in computer science. The demand for computer science graduates who can apply their knowledge in the life sciences is significant, and is expected to continue to grow. Students who choose this path are still computer science majors but have a concentration in the life sciences. The option has the same core as the B.S. program but requires appropriate coursework in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and statistics.

Computer science: bioinformatics majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, biology, and biochemistry courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a studentÕs cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a computer science: bioinformatics major. In order to be able to take a CS or MATH course with prerequisites, the prerequisite course(s) must be passed with a grade of a C- or better.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science: bioinformatics major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700.

The broad objectives for B.S. in Computer Science: Bioinformatics graduates are:
1. To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of non-trivial software systems;
2. To understand computer science fundamentals along with supporting mathematics and science so they will be prepared for a wide range of jobs in the biomedical industry and the pursuit of advanced degrees in both computer science and bioinformatics;
3. To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
4. To have a broad education that promotes professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


Freshman Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
MATH   425   Calculus I (Gen Ed 2)   4    
BIOL   411   Principles of Biology I (Gen Ed 3B)   4    
Gen Ed       4    
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II     4  
MATH   426   Calculus II     4  
BIOL   412   Principles of Biology II (Gen Ed 3B)     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing (Gen Ed 1)     4  
    Total   17   16  


Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   515   Data Structures   4    
MATH   531   Mathematical Proof   4    
CHEM   403   General Chemistry I (Gen Ed 3P)   4    
Gen Ed       4    
CS   516   Introduction to Software Design and Development     4  
MATH   532   Discrete Mathematics     4  
CHEM   404   General Chemistry II (Gen Ed 3P)     4  
Gen Ed         4  
    Total   16   16  


Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization   4    
    Statistics Course*   4    
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Gen Ed 8)   4    
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar   2    
CS   620   Operating System Fundamentals     4  
    Computer Science Theory Course **     4  
BIOL   604   Principles of Genetics     4  
Gen Ed         4  
    Total   18   16  

* Statistics requirement can be fulfilled by MATH 539, Introduction to Statistical Analysis, or MATH 644, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists.

** CS Theory requirement can be fulfilled by CS 645, Introduction to Formal Specification and Verification, or CS 659, Introduction to the Theory of Computation.



Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   719   Object-Oriented Methodology   4    
BCHEM   711   Genomics and Bioinformatics   4    
  700-Level   Statistics Course*   4    
    Liberal Arts Elective   4    
CS     Writing Intensive Course **     4  
CS   775   Database Systems     4  
ECE   543   Introduction to Digital Systems     4  
    Liberal Arts Elective     4  
    Total   16   16  

* This requirement can be fulfilled by the following courses: MATH 739, Applied Regression Analysis; MATH 742, Multivariate Statistical Methods; or MATH 755, Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications.

** This course must include a project that addresses bioinformatics issues.



The Minor in Computer Science

The minor in computer science is designed for students in other majors who want to learn the fundamentals of designing and implementing computer software.

Note: All courses for the minor must be completed with a C- or higher.


Requirements:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I  
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II  
CS   515   Data Structures  


Two additional courses chosen from:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CS   516   Introduction to Software Design and Development  
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization  
CS   620   Operating System Fundamentals  
*CS   645   Introduction to Formal Specification and Verification  
*CS   659   Introduction to the Theory of Computation  
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features  
    An approved CS 700-level course  

* CS 645 and 659 have mathematics prerequisites: MATH 425, MATH 426, MATH 531, and MATH 532.



The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Information technology is concerned primarily with the application of existing computing technologies to the information needs of organizations and individual computer users. Potential careers include network administrator, database administrator, system administrator, and Web site administrator.

IT programs aim to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in information technology upon graduation and grow into leadership positions in the field. Specifically, within five years of graduation a student must be able to:

1. Explain and apply appropriate information technologies and employ appropriate methodologies to help an individual or organization achieve its goals and objectives;
2. Manage the information technology resources of an organization;
3. Anticipate the changing direction of information technology and evaluate and communicate the likely utility of new technologies to an organization;
4. Demonstrate professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The B.S. in information technology degree program was approved by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences in May 2008 and the USNH Board of Trustees in fall 2008. The University will welcome its first IT class in fall 2009. Note: the B.S. in information technology degree program has not yet been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Information technology majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required information technology and computer science required courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as an IT major. All required IT courses offered by the CS department at the 400-600 level must be passed with a C- or better.

If a student wishing to transfer into the information technology major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in Information Technology. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The IT major requires students to take the equivalent of 10 courses within the CS department that constitute the core coverage of the breadth of IT topics. In addition, students much choose a depth track, consisting of three courses that focus on a more specialized area within the IT field. The CS department currently offers a Web track and an Admin track. Students who choose the Web Track must take IT 604, Intermediate Web Development; CS 771, Web Programming Paradigms; and IT 704, Advanced Web Topics. Students who opt for the Admin Track must take IT 609, Network/System Administration; IT 725, Network Technology; and IT 775, Database Technology.

The IT curriculum includes a number of courses outside of the CS department. Two courses in mathematics are required: Calculus I and a statistics course. A two-semester lab science sequence is also required, as are a philosophy course (PHIL 424) and a technical writing course (ENGL 502).
In addition, by the end of their sophomore year, each student must choose a second discipline Ð a particular domain outside of IT to which the student's IT skills can be applied. Second disciplines (typically five courses) have been defined by the CS department in such areas as business administration, health management and policy, and justice studies. If a student is interested in an area that is not currently defined, the option of a student-designed second discipline is also available.

The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


Freshman Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
MATH   418   Analysis and Applications of Functions   4    
MATH   425   Calculus I, Gen Ed     4  
CS   403   Weaving the Web (Gen Ed 3)   4    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
Gen Ed       4    
IT   506   Intermediate Applications Programming with Visual Basic (or CS 416 Introduction to Computer Science II)     4  
IT   502   Intermediate Web Design     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing (Gen Ed 1)     4  
    Total   17   16  


Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
MATH   439   Statistical Discovery for Everyone   4    
IT   520   Computer Architecture   4    
Gen Ed       4    
    Lab Science I & II (Gen Ed 3B or 3P)   4   4  
IT   505   Database Programming     4  
ENGL   502   Technical Writing     4  
    Second Discipline I     4  
    Total   16   16  


Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
    Depth Track I   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Gen Ed 8)   4    
    Second Discipline II   4    
Gen Ed       4    
CS   600   Internship     1  
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar     2  
    Depth Track II     4  
IT   666   Computer Security     4  
    Second Discipline III     4  
    Total   16   15  


Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
    Depth Track III   4    
    Second Discipline IV   4    
    Free Elective   4    
IT   705   Project Management   4    
IT   710   Senior Project     4  
    Second Discipline V     4  
    Free Elective     4  
    Free Elective     4  
    Total   16   16  


Minor in Information Technology

The information technology (IT) minor is a way for students in non-technical majors to bridge the gap between a primarily non-technical education and a technical world. Graduates from a variety of fields are discovering that there is a great need to have computer competency in addition to the knowledge they gain in their major; and, the IT minor, which is tailored to grow students' understanding of computer and information technology applications, helps prepares students for the future.

Students who minor in IT must complete a minimum of 20 credits of IT courses. All students must take IT 520, Computer Architecture, as well as an introductory programming course. The other three courses may be chosen from the list below.

Credit toward the minor will be given only for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.0 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the minor. Courses taken on the pass/fail basis may not be used for the minor. Students should declare their intent to earn a minor as early as possible and no later than the end of the junior year. During the final term, an application should be made to the dean of the student's major college to have the minor shown on the academic record. Students must consult with their major adviser and also the minor supervisor.


Requirements:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
    1.  
IT   520   Computer Architecture  
     
    2. A programming course chosen from the following list:  
CS   405   Introduction to Applications Programming with Visual Basic  
CS   410   Introduction to Scientific Programming  
CS   503   Introduction to Web Programming  
     
    3. Three courses from the following list (at least two of which must be at the 500/600-level):  
CS   401   Computer Applications  
CS   403   Weaving the Web: Creating Content for the World Wide Web  
IT   502   Intermediate Web Design  
IT   505   Database Programming  
IT   506   Intermediate Applications Programming with Visual Basic  
IT   604   Intermediate Web Development  
IT   609   Network/System Administration