Computer Science Degree Program


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 Ohio University Front Door  Graduate Catalog - Undergraduate Catalog -


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Major code BS7260

Computer Science, located in Morton Hall on the East Green, is an academic unit within the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science through which you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.). The College of Arts and Science awards B.A. and B.S. degrees in computer science; see the College of Arts and Sciences section for details.

Computer science involves the design, development, analysis, and maintenance of the computer software that controls complex computer systems and networks. Computer scientists work with all aspects of computer software, including graphics, multimedia, the World Wide Web, e-mail, compilers, software engineering, artificial intelligence, theory of computer algorithms, operating systems, database systems, and internet applications.

Computer scientists do more than write computer programs: They analyze the needs of software users, develop algorithms and interfaces to meet those needs, and work in small groups to design software components. They must be proficient at problem solving, mathematical reasoning, logical thinking, and interpersonal communication. The computer science program at Ohio University, because of its strong ties with mathematics and engineering, emphasizes both the mathematical and the practical components of computer science.

Computer science majors must complete 192 hours of coursework, for an average of 16 hours a quarter over four years of undergraduate study.

In addition to university General Education Requirements, computer science majors take 18 courses in computer science and electrical engineering, 5 courses in mathematics, one or two years of foreign language, and a year-long laboratory science sequence. Students work with several programming languages using both personal computers and UNIX workstations. Credit earned in approved internship or co-op programs may be applied toward graduation requirements.

Freshman

Fall

MATH 263A   Calculus1 4
              Laboratory science2 5
              Freshman composition3 5
              Language/EE4 4

Winter

CS 240A      Intro to Computer Sci.5 5
MATH 263B   Calculus 4
             Laboratory science2 5
             Language/EE4 4

Spring

CS 240B      Intro to Computer Sci. 5
MATH 263C   Calculus 4
             Foreign language (113) 4
             Laboratory science2 5
             Language/EE4 4

Sophomore

Fall

CS 240C       Intro to Computer Sci. 5
MATH 263D   Calculus 4
             Laboratory science2 5
             Language/EE4 1-4

Winter

CS 300       Intro to Discrete Structures 5
MATH 410   Matrix Theory 4
ET 280      Engr. & Tech. Overview 4
            Language/EE4 1-4

Spring

CS 361    Data Structures 5
EE 222    Intro to Digital Circuits 3
         Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 3-4
         Language/EE4 1-4

Junior

Fall

CS 404    Design & Anal. of Algs. 5
EE 371    Applied Prob. and Stats. 3
         Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 6-8

Winter

CS 320   Org. of Prog. Languages 5
EE 367   Intro to Microprocessors 4
         Junior English3 5
         Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 3-4

Spring

CS 406   Computation Theory 5
CS 456    Software Design and Dev. 5
EE 303    Intermediate Lab III 1
         Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 3-4

Senior

Fall

CS 442    Op. Sys. and Comp. Arch. I 5
         Technical elective7 4-5
         Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 6-8

Winter

        Tier III3 5
        Technical elective7 4-5
        Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 6-8

Spring

        Technical electives7 8-10
        Hum./soc. sci./nat. sci.6 3-4

  1. Students with insufficient mathematics background may need to take MATH 115 Precalculus before taking MATH 263A.
  2. Computer science majors must complete a year-long laboratory science sequence plus one additional science course. Requirements are either PHYS 251, 252, and 253 or CHEM 151,152, and 123 or 153. The additional science course must be a required course for science majors within the discipline offering the course. PHYS 251 has a prerequisite of MATH 263A, so you may need to wait until winter quarter to start the PHYS sequence.
  3. The Tier I freshman composition requirement can be satisfied any quarter of the freshman year. The Tier I junior composition requirement can be satisfied in any quarter of the junior year; ENG 305J is preferred. The Tier III requirement can be satisfied in any quarter of the senior year.
  4. Computer science majors must take either two years of foreign language (or have a high school equivalent) or one year of foreign language (or have a high school equivalent) and MATH 340, EE 313, and EE 304.
  5. Students without experience in computer programming are encouraged to take CS 230 Computer Programming I before taking CS 240A.
  6. Computer Science uses the same humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences requirements as the College of Arts and Sciences (see College of Arts and Sciences "College Requirements" section). Careful selection of courses under this requirement will also fulfill university Tier II requirements.
  7. Computer science technical electives can be satisfied at any time. Four classes from at least three areas are required: Computational Sciences (MATH 444, 445, 446), Databases (CS 462, 463, 464), Systems (CS 444, 458), Artificial Intelligence (CS 480, 482, 483), computer architecture (CS 411, 412; EE 467), and Algorighms and Data Structures (CS 410; PHIL 420, 420).

Computer Science Minor

Minor code OR0701

You can earn a minor in computer science by completing each of the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better:

CS 240A   Intro to Computer Science 5
CS 240B   Intro to Computer Science 5
CS 240C   Intro to Computer Science 5
CS 300    Intro to Discrete Structures 5
CS 320    Org. of Prog. Languages 5
CS 361    Data Structures 5
EE 222    Intro to Digital Circuits 3
EE 367    Intro to Microprocessors 4


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 Ohio University Front Door  Graduate Catalog - Undergraduate Catalog -


University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/~ucat/97-98/colleges/comsci.htm) August 24, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."