COSC 110 Introduction to Programming (4)
Introduction to the fundamental techniques of programming as a foundation for more advanced study of computer science and as a tool for other disciplines. Includes introduction to object-oriented programming using Java. Focus on development of effective software engineering practice, emphasizing such principles as design, decomposition, encapsulation, procedural abstraction, testing, and software reuse. Topics include programming constructs, problem-solving strategies, the concept of an algorithm, recursion, fundamental data structures, and an introduction to machine representation, graphics, networking, and interactive development environments. Prereqs: Basic computer literacy (familiarity with file/folder manipulation, word processing, and spreadsheet applications); mathematics background suitable for placement into Precalculus.

COSC 200 Discrete Structures for Computer Science (4)
Introduction to discrete mathematics as it is used in computer science, fostering logical methods of problem solving and thinking. Topics include functions, relations, sets, propositional and predicate logic, simple circuit logic, proof techniques, finite state machines, Turing machines, elementary formal language theory, graph theory, Boolean algebra, computability, complexity, elementary combinatorics, and discrete probability. Prereqs: Mathematical preparation sufficient to take calculus at the college level. Offered: Fall.

COSC 210 Data Structures and Algorithms (4)
Extension of previously acquired foundational programming experiences, with particular emphasis on the use of data abstraction and object-oriented programming in the design and implementation of fundamental data structures and algorithms. Topics include recursion, basic data structures, efficiency, complexity, primary algorithms for searching, sorting, tree and graph manipulation, hashing, inheritance, and polymorphism. Includes significant programming experiences in a language such as Java. Prereqs: Grade of C or better in COSC 110; grade of C or better in COSC 200 desirable as prereq, but may be taken concurrently or with permission of the instructor.

COSC 305 Computer Organization and Architecture (4)
Study of concepts of computer systems and computer architecture. Focus on fundamentals of logic design, organization and structure of the major hardware components of computers, and the mechanics of information transfer and control within a computer system. Includes lab experiences in assembler language programming and simulation of computer circuits, and investigation of different architectures (composition and connection of larger blocks) supporting parallel computing and data communications. Prereqs: COSC 200 and COSC 210, with grades of C or better. Offered: Fall.

COSC 306 Principles of Bioinformatics (4)
Interdisciplinary biological and computational approach to science to gain new insights into complex living systems. Methods developed in this discipline address outstanding questions in medicine, behavior, health, pharmacy, genetics, the environment, and other biologically related areas. Co-listed as BIOL 306. Prereqs for all majors: BIOL 105, 110, or 203; or permission of the instructor. Additional prereqs for computer science majors: COSC 200 and COSC 210, with grades of C or better. Offered: Spring

COSC 315 Databases and Information Management (4)
Study of underlying concepts and structures in the design and implementation of database management systems. Includes lab experiences, such as implementation of DBMS projects using commercially available software. Also covered: design, creation, and maintenance of data files, and implementation of several methods in high-level language(s); sorting and searching techniques, and how they relate to various data structures; design and construction of user interfaces; ethical issues involving security and privacy, and other issues related to the use of distributed databases. Prereqs: COSC 200 and COSC 210, with grades of C or better. Offered: Spring.

COSC 325 Languages and Theory (4)
Study of the history of programming languages and styles; programming paradigms; language features supporting parallel and distributed computing; formal language theory, special purpose languages, automata, syntax, grammars, semantics, bindings, symbol tables, data types, scoping, parameter passing, abstract data types, computability and solvability, and complexity classes; design and implementation of (part of) a compiler; simulation of theoretical machines such as finite state automata; empirical comparisons of various algorithms and programming paradigms; and utility of interactive tools and environments. Prereqs: COSC 200, COSC 210, and MATH 240, with grades of C or better. Offered: Spring.

COSC 335 Operating Systems and Networking (4)
Introduction to the fundamentals of operating systems, networking, and communications; in-depth treatment of operating systems and their interface with hardware, applications, and system user; contemporary social and professional issues, such as intellectual property, risks and liabilities, and system security in the context of operating systems design; data communications and transmission methods; wide- and local-area networks; and simulation of (parts of) an operating system and of network protocols. Prereqs: COSC 200 and COSC 210, with grades of C or better. Offered: Spring.

COSC 380 Scientific Methods of Computer-Based Instrumentation (4)
Survey of computer-based instrumentation and software/hardware integration used to develop experiments or tests critical in the modern laboratory or industrial environment. Covers laboratory programming using fourth-generation visual computer language, acquisition and conditioning of real-world signals, and control of ASCII conversation-based bench-top instruments. Co-listed as CHEM 380 and PHYS 380. Prereqs: PHYS 102 or PHYS 204, and COSC 110 or equivalent. Offered: Fall, on rotation.

COSC 410 Computer Science Research/Internship (1-4)
Research project or internship completed under the supervision of a faculty member, with results presented in a written paper or other appropriate document (e.g., user's manual, if the project involves software development). Cannot substitute for required courses in the computer science major. May be repeated for a total of eight credits. Prereqs: COSC 110, with a grade of C or better, and permission of the instructor, in response to written proposal submitted by the student.

COSC 420 Software Engineering (4)
Examination of a range of topics integral to the design, implementation, and testing of a medium-scale software system, with practical experience of implementing such a project as a member of a programming team. Also includes material on professionalism and ethical responsibilities in software development and human-computer interaction. Prereqs: COSC 315, with a grade of C or better. Offered: Fall.

COSC 460 Current Topics in Computing (4)
In-depth exploration of a designated "topic of the year," providing a mechanism for study of important topics of current interest in the rapidly changing discipline of computer science. Includes research, simulation, and/or analysis of various approaches related to the topic(s) under study. Major emphasis on demonstration of maturity in use of various computer science tools in investigations. Such tools include programming, software development, research skills, communications skills, data structures, and algorithm analysis. Prereqs: Grades of C or better in at least one 300-level COSC course and MATH 240. Offered: Fall.

COSC 470 Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing Strategies (4)
Exploration of one of the ultimate computer science objectives: simulating intelligence in machines. Considers intelligent behavior in living beings, identifies problems confronting AI researchers, and explores a variety of approaches to the development of intelligent systems. Methodologies include traditional knowledge representation, search, and heuristic strategies, as well as alternative computational paradigms such as artificial neural networks. Cognitive behaviors in machines are modeled via computer simulation and robotics. Techniques presented draw on knowledge accumulated from a broad range of disciplines. Prereqs: Permission of the instructor. Computer science majors should have grades of C or better in at least one 300-level computer science course and should be proficient in Java or C++. A math background that includes calculus and advanced courses is helpful but not essential. Offered: Spring.

COSC 495W Senior Seminar and Project (4)
Capstone experience for computer science majors. Major emphasis on reviewing the entire range of topics studied within the curriculum and providing individual students an opportunity to accomplish a significant research or software development project. Students give both oral and written presentations of their projects and are required to take the Major Field Test (MFT) exam. Topic, scope, and (if appropriate) software to be used in the project must be approved in advance by the professor(s). Prereqs: Grades of C or better in one 400-level and two 300-level COSC courses and MATH 240. Offered: Spring.