Computer Science Foundations
Revised Last Updated: 02/11/2010
Winter and Spring quarters
Faculty: Neal Nelson computer science, mathematics, Judy Cushing (W) computer science, Richard Weiss computer science, mathematics, Sheryl Shulman computer science
Faculty Signature Required: Spring quarter.
Major areas of study include lower division computer science and mathematics, including computer programming, discrete mathematics, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and topics in technology and society.
Class Standing: This all-level program accepts up to 33% freshmen as well as supporting and encouraging those ready for advanced work.
Accepts Spring Enrollment: This program will accept new enrollment, with faculty signature. Admission will be based upon appropriate background: one quarter computer programming, one quarter of computer organization including digital logic, and an understanding of pre-calculus.
Prerequisites: high school algebra 2 and introductory computer programming
The goal of this program is to learn the intellectual concepts and skills that are essential for advanced work in computer science. Students will have the opportunity to achieve a deeper understanding of increasingly complex computing systems by acquiring knowledge and skills in mathematical abstraction, problem solving, and the organization and analysis of hardware and software systems. The program covers material such as algorithms, data structures, computer organization and architecture, logic, discrete mathematics and programming in a liberal arts computer science curriculum.
In both quarters the program content will be organized around four interwoven themes. The computational organization theme covers concepts and structures of computing systems from digital logic to operating systems. The programming theme concentrates on learning how to design and code programs to solve problems. The mathematical theme helps develop mathematical reasoning, theoretical abstractions and problem solving skills needed for computer scientists. A technology and society theme explores social, historical, or philosophical topics related to science and technology.
Students who take the program Mathematical Order of Nature or the program Data and Information in fall quarter, or who have equivalent experience, will be well prepared for this program.
Credits: 16 per quarter
Enrollment: 48
Books: www.tescbookstore.com
Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in computer science, mathematics and education.
Planning Units: Programs for Freshmen, Scientific Inquiry
Program Revisions
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| June 8th, 2009 | Richard Weiss added. |
| July 14th, 2009 | Faculty member updated. |
| February 11th, 2010 | Spring enrollment details added. |