Department of Computer Science

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Department of Computer Science

211 Faculty Office Building
(585) 395-2194
Fax: 395-2304
URL: www.cs.brockport.edu

Chairperson: Professor: Thambrahalli M. Rao; Professor: Kadathur B. Lakshmanan; Associate Professor: Joan M. Lucas; Assistant Professors: Sandeep Mitra, Anthony Scime .

• Advanced Computing Track
• Software Development Track
• Information Systems Track
• Minor in Computer Science
• Minor in Information Systems
• Courses

Computer science is the study of the theory and practice of computation. It incorporates aspects of several other fields: mathematics, to analyze the properties of algorithms and data structures; engineering, to design and construct practical programs and machines; the experimental sciences, both to investigate the behavior of programs running on real machines and to use programs for modeling scientific phenomena; and the cognitive sciences, to develop "intelligent" programs and to study computation in relation to human intelligence.

Computer science is a young and rapidly developing field. Presently its chief areas, reflected in regular course offerings at SUNY Brockport, are: programming methodology, design and analysis of algorithms, software engineering, programming languages, database systems, graphics, computer architecture, systems programming, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, and networking. Other areas are covered in independent study and topics courses. In addition, students can gain valuable job experience through the Computer Science Internship program and the Brockport Co-operative Education program.

The computer science major provides students with an excellent basis for a variety of careers and for graduate study. Possible careers include programming, system analysis and design, maintenance, management and user support of software in areas such as business, science, engineering, and computer systems. Fields of graduate study, for which a double major with mathematics is advisable, include not only computer science, but mathematics, information management, and various areas of science and engineering.

The student interested in computer science has several options to choose from: a major in computer science in the software development (SD) track, the more rigorous advanced computing (AC) track, which is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB), or the information systems (IS) track; a double major in computer science and another discipline such as mathematics or business administration; a 3 + 2 program leading to a BS in computer science from SUNY Brockport and a bachelor's degree in engineering from some other institution; and a minor in computer science and a minor in computer information systems. Students majoring in computer science have the option of switching from one track to another at any time.

Major in Computer Science

(67 credits; Accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission [CSAC] of the CSAB)
For a major in computer science in the AC track a student must complete the following 67 credits of computer science and mathematics and science courses with an average grade of "C" or better. In addition, the grade for each of CSC 203, 205, and 311 must be "C" or better.

(d) Science Corequisites (12 credits)

1. A two-semester sequence in a lab science for science/engineering majors. For example, PHS 201-202, CHM 205-206, BIO 201-202, ESC 211-311, GEL 101-302.
2. Each remaining course must be a course in science or a course that enhances the student's abilities in the application of the scientific method. Each course must be a course for science/engineering majors or a course with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods.

Notes:

1. A student must take at a minimum of 30 credits in non mathematics, non-science courses, a minimum of 15 credits in mathematics courses, and a minimum of 30 credits in mathematics and science courses.
2. At most, three credits from any course numbered CSC 490 or above may be used to satisfy the major elective requirement.
3. At least 18 of the credits used to satisfy the core or elective requirements in the major must be earned at SUNY Brockport.
4. A maximum of six credits can be earned by "credit by portfolio assessment," and a maximum of six credits can be earned by "departmental credit by examination." (Total credits including prerequisites CSC 120, MTH 281, MTH 201 = 76)

For a major in computer science in the SD track a student must complete the following 43 credits of computer science and mathematics courses with an average grade of "C" or better. In addition, the grade for each of CSC 203, 205 and 311 must be "C" or better.

(Total credits including prerequisites CSC 120, MTH 281, MTH 201 = 52)

Notes:

1. At most, three credits from courses numbered 490-499 may be counted toward the elective requirement. In addition, at most, one of MTH 461, MTH 462 and MTH 471 may be counted toward elective requirements.
2. At least 18 of the credits used to satisfy the core or elective requirements for the computer science major must be earned at SUNY Brockport.
3. A maximum of six credits can be earned by portfolio assessment, and departmental credit by examination.

For a major in computer science in the IS track, a student must complete the following 47 credits of computer science, computer information systems, accounting, business and mathematics courses with an average grade of "C" or better. In addition, the grade for each of CSC 203, CSC 205, CIS 202, and CIS 303 must be "C" or better. Other restrictions apply; see Notes below.

(Total credits including prerequisites CSC 120, CSC 104, MTH 122 = 56)

Notes:

1. At most, three credits from the following group of courses can be counted towards the major elective requirement: MTH 441, MTH 461, BUS 461, BUS 464, and any CIS course numbered 490 or above.
2. The following CSC courses are NOT allowed as CIS electives: all 100/200-level CSC courses, CSC 303, CSC 304, CSC 311, CSC 411, CSC 419, CSC 422, CSC 427, CSC 434, and all CSC courses numbered 490 and above.
3. At least 18 of the credits used to satisfy the core or elective requirements in the major must be earned at SUNY Brockport.
4. A maximum of six credits can be earned by "credit by portfolio assessment," and a maximum of six credits can be earned by "departmental credit by examination."

Minor in Computer Science

For a minor in computer science, a student must complete the following 20 credits of computer science courses, of which at least half of the credits must be taken at SUNY Brockport. Note that the prerequisite courses are CSC 120, MTH 122, and MTH 281.

Note: For additional and updated information on the computer science program, see the Computer Science Handbook, available in the Department of Computer Science office.

Minor in Computer Information Systems

For a minor in computer information systems, a student must complete the following 19 credits of CSC and CIS courses, of which at least half of the credits must be taken at SUNY Brockport (according to College policy). Note that the prerequisite courses are MTH 122, CSC 120, and CSC 104.

Computer Science Courses

Generally, SD-track core courses are offered both fall and spring semesters, and SD-track electives are offered every other semester. Exceptions and late changes are possible; check the most recent registration schedule, or call the Department of Computer Science at (585) 395-2194.

CSC 104 Computers in the Business World (A,T). Provides a general introduction to the different uses of computers in business. Includes these topics: computer system concepts, data representation and storage, processor and peripheral hardware, data processing and word processing systems, spreadsheets, report generation, database queries, and management packages. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 105 INTERNET and WEB Publishing (A). Prerequisite: CSC 104 or CIS 106 or equivalent. A general introduction to cyberspace. Topics include Internet, E mail, Lists, Newsgroups, Gopher, Telnet, FTP, World Wide Web, Net Browsers, and creating Web home pages using HTML. 3 Cr.

CSC 120 Introduction to Computer Science (A,T). Prerequisite: MTH 121 or equivalent by permission of instructor. Provides an introduction to problem solving and computers for prospective computer science majors or minors, or other students wishing to take CSC 203. Includes these topics: computer system orientation; data representation; algorithms and their properties, representations, and structure; designing and testing algorithms; assembly language concepts; syntax notation; elementary C++ programming; and history, uses, and social effects of computers. Requires extensive programming. (Closed to students who have successfully completed preparation for CSC 203.) 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 203 Fundamentals of Computer Science I (A,T). Prerequisites: MTH 122 and CSC 120 or equivalent by permission of instructor. Covers fundamental computer science concepts and programming in C++. Includes these topics: computing system concepts, problem solving, algorithm design, top-down development, program testing and documentation, data types (built-in and enumerated), data manipulation, sequences, selection, loops, modules, parameters, arrays, records, strings, files, introduction to sorting and searching techniques and other basic algorithms. Requires extensive programming and supervised lab sessions. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 205 Fundamentals of Computer Science II (A). Prerequisites: CSC 203 and MTH 281. Covers abstract data structures and their operations, and software engineering concepts. Includes these topics: program development (interpreting specifications, top-down development, information hiding, structured testing), implementation of built-in data types and structures, files, pointers, stacks, queues, linked lists, recursion, trees, graphs, searching and sorting algorithms, and an introduction to complexity analysis of algorithms. Requires extensive programming and supervised lab sessions. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 212 Programming in VISUAL BASIC (A,T). Prerequisite: MTH 121. A general introduction to computer programming and applications for non majors using the VISUAL BASIC language. Topics: computer terminology, programming concepts, language features, and algorithm design. A survey of computer applications is introduced using the following programming techniques: structured design concepts, decisions, loops, functions, subroutines, arrays, and files. Extensive programming. 3 Cr.

CSC 295 Topics in Computer Science (A). Prerequisite: Published prior to registration each semester. Addresses current topics in the field at an introductory level. Each offering of the course is motivated by the expertise of the instructor and by students' interests. Descriptions and prerequisites are published prior to the registration period for the course. Example topic: Windows NT. 3 Cr.

CSC 303 Digital Logic and Computer Design (A). Prerequisite: MTH 281. Provides an introduction to digital logic and design of computers. Includes these topics: number systems, Boolean algebra and logic gates, simplification of Boolean functions, combinational and sequential logic design, registers, counters and memory units, register transfer logic, AL U and control unit design. Includes hands-on experience with hardware circuit components. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 311 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming (A). Prerequisite: CSC 205. Basic hardware organization and architecture of digital computer systems: data representation and digital arithmetic. Processor, memory, and I/O organization. Fetch-and-execute cycle. Instruction encoding and addressing modes. I/O techniques. Interrupt logic and interrupt handling. Assembly language programming, macros, subroutines and linkage, basic concepts of two-pass assemblers linking and loading of external modules. Extensive programming and supervised laboratory sessions. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 319 Introduction to UNIX Programming (A).Prerequisite: CSC 205. Provides a comprehensive study of the C programming language and the UNIX operating system from the programmer's point of vie w. Covers language features, program development, modularization, low-level I/O, system function calls, UNIX-specific library functions, UNIX commands, programming environment and utilities. Requires extensive programming. Recommended preparation for CSC 412. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 321 Introduction to UNIX System Administration (A). Prerequisite: CSC 319 or instructor's approval. This course will cover administration of a UNIX system. Emphasis will be placed on UNIX system V.4 hosts (Solaris 2.5), but information about other systems will also be discussed. Topics include: system setup, automating routine tasks, user account setup, file system management, configuring TCP/IP services, performance monitoring and tuning, trouble shooting, security, and accounting. Extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 339 Web Programming (A).Prerequisites: CSC 319. Study of programming techniques and tools to create dynamic and active Web documents. Topics include: designing Web pages and HTML 4.0 static, dynamic and active Web documents, lists, tables and fill-out forms; hypermedia links and frames; DHTML and style sheets; client-server paradigm and interaction, HTTP protocol; CGI programming, simple Perl scripts; understanding JavaScript, specification, objects, validating forms; introduction to Java applets. Extensive programming. 3 Cr.

CSC 401 Theory of Programming Languages (A,U,E).Prerequisite: CSC 311. Covers programming language concepts, description, design, and evaluation. Includes these topics: language families and history; design principles; BNF and other syntax notations; compilation vs. interpretation; implementation concepts; comparison of features and conventions of various languages, including: data types, structures, declaration, abstraction, binding, scope, conversion, and protection; computational primitives; control structures; sub-programs; I/O; exceptions; concurrency; preprocessors; and programming environments. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 406 Algorithms and Data Structures (A).Prerequisites: CSC 205 and MTH 481. Covers design and analysis of data structures and associated algorithms. Includes these topics: arrays, strings, stacks, linear and generalized lists, multilists, multirings, queues, sets, hashing, trees, graphs, recursion, searching and sorting, and applications such as text processing, polynomials, sparse matrices, storage management, and unlimited-precision arithmetic. Requires extensive programming and supervised lab sessions. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 411 Computer Architecture (A).Prerequisite: CSC 303 and CSC 311. Covers design and organization of digital computers. Includes these topics: digital logic and circuit design, data representation, registers, memories and memory management, CPU and ALU architectures, instruction sets, busses and I/O systems, interrupt structure, and microprogramming. Covers additional topics such as virtual machines, parallelism, pipelining, and data flow machines. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 412 Operating Systems (A).Prerequisites: CSC 303 and CSC 311. Recommended: CSC 319 or knowledge of C and UNIX. Covers basic principles of operating systems. Includes these topics: file systems, CPU scheduling and context switching, memory management and virtual memory, disk scheduling, deadlock, concurrent processes and programming, protection mechanisms, design principles, and attempts at standardization. Includes an in-depth study of the UNIX operating system. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 419 Computer Networks (A).Prerequisites: CSC 303 and CSC 311 and CSC 319. Provides a comprehensive study of the field of computer communications, with emphasis on the theoretical aspects of local area networks. Compares specific LANs. Includes these topics: the ISO model, protocols, topologies, error detection and correction, routing, packet-switching, virtual circuits, and datagrams. 3 Cr. Fall.

CSC 422 Relational Database Design (A).Prerequisite: CSC 205. Provides a study of the theory and practice of the relational approach to database design. Includes these topics: DBMS vs. a traditional file processing, relational algebra, normalization, lossless and/or dependency preserving decomposition, query languages such as SQL and a language that is available on the system, query optimization, integrity and security, and database project design. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Fall.

CSC 427 Software Engineering (A).Prerequisites: CSC 311 and instructor's permission. Provides an introduction to software engineering and programming-in-the-large. Includes these topics: life-cycle models, development standards, project organization, requirements engineering, configuration management, quality assurance, cost and manpower estimates, specification techniques, design methods and representations, human factors, structured programming, object-oriented programming, testing and integration, validation, maintenance, and documentation. Requires the class to work as a project team developing a system for an actual customer. Communication and writing skills are essential. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Fall.

CSC 429 Object-Oriented Programming (A).Prerequisite: CSC 205. Introduction to basic concepts in object-oriented programming (OOP) and how to apply OOP techniques using an appropriate OOP language such as Java or C++. Topics include: the OOP programming paradigm including analysis and design, a survey of related languages, data hiding and encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Implementation of these concepts using appropriate programming language constructs. Extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 432 Simulation (A).Prerequisites: CSC 203 and MTH 281. Covers computer modeling of complex systems with an emphasis on discrete stochastic models. Includes these topics: brief review of random variables, distributions and statistical tests, random number generation, mathematical model of a simple queue, simulation of discrete systems (with SIMSCRIPT), and continuous system simulation. 3 Cr. Fall.

CSC 433 Computer Graphics (A).Prerequisite: CSC 311. Provides a hands-on approach to computer graphics, emphasizing interactive 2D raster techniques. Includes these topics: graphics models, drawing primitives and clipping, color models, user interaction, 2D geometrical transformations, animation, curve and surface representations, introduction to 3D projections, solid modeling and rendering. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 434 Artificial Intelligence (A).Prerequisite: CSC 205. Provides an introduction to artificial intelligence. Includes these topics: history and state of the art in AI; programming techniques in the languages LISP and PROLOG; fundamental methods in AI including heuristic search, knowledge representation using predicate logic, and production systems; classic basic problems involving games, graphs, theorem-proving, symbolic algebra, expert systems, natural language, etc. Requires extensive programming. 3 Cr. Fall.

CSC 437 Computer-Human Interface Design (A).Prerequisite: CSC 205. Provides a hands-on introduction to design and implementation of software for streamlined computer-human interaction, emphasizing graphical user interfaces. Includes these topics: theoretical models; design guidelines; implementation and evaluation methodologies; interaction paradigms, e.g., command-line, menus, hypertext, multimedia; case studies of graphical environments, e.g., Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, X-Windows; and application areas, e.g., online help, data entry/editing, query processing, programming, instruction, process control, communication. Extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 444 Introduction to Parallel Computing (A).Prerequisites: MTH 481 and CSC 406. Deals with design and analysis of parallel algorithms. Includes these topics: parallel models of computation, measures of complexity, parallel algorithms for selection, searching, sorting, merging, matrix algorithms, transitive closure, connected components, shortest path, minimum spanning tree and routing algorithms. Hands-on experience in a parallel programming environment. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 483 Theory of Computation (A).Prerequisites: CSC 203 and MTH 481. Provides a study of formal languages and theory of automata with an emphasis on Church's thesis and the "algorithm = machine" point of view. Includes these topics: regular expressions and context-free languages, finite and pushdown automata, Turing machines, computability, undecidability, and complexity of problems. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 486 Junior/Senior Seminar (A,U,E).Prerequisites: CSC 205, junior or senior status, and computer science majors only. Provides an overall view of the professional field of computing, emphasizing development of communication skills for the profession. Includes these topics: detailed history of computing technology, social effects of computing, ethics in the field, professional literature, organizations and related activities, current industrial, social, legal governmental and technical developments, and career opportunities. Requires extensive reading and writing, both technical and non-technical, as w ell as library research, prepared group discussions. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 492 Internship (A).Prerequisites: Junior status, 3.0 or better average in computer science courses, appropriate course work, at least 18 credits towards the major completed prior to starting the internship, and instructor's permission. Provides an opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom by working in a professional setting. This is a valuable and challenging experience for students who have never worked in such a situation, as well as for professionals furthering their education. The successful intern learns how effective professional performance requires integrating substantive knowledge with behavioral skills and proficiency in oral and written communication. Each student is supervised on cam pus by a computer science faculty member, and at the work site by qualified management personnel. Past projects have involved software engineering, graphics, database design, data communications, and process control. 3 Cr.

CSC 493 Senior Thesis (A).Prerequisites: Junior class standing, 3.0 or better average in computer science, appropriate coursework, at least 18 hours towards the major completed prior to starting the thesis, and permission of instructor. The Computer Science Senior Thesis Option provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom by working in an independent research or development project in an academic setting. This is a valuable and challenging experience for students who are contemplating graduate studies in computer science, to test out their potential for independent study and advanced research. Projects pursued may involve substantial software or hardware development, structuring available commercial software/hardware for specific applications, or theoretical analysis of computational schemes. A successful thesis permits students to enrich their knowledge of computer applications, theory, hardware or soft ware, to develop skills in analyzing problems involving current computing technologies, and to make effective oral and written presentations of their accomplishments. Each student is supervised by a Department of Computer Science faculty member. For details, see "The Computer Science Thesis Option" in the Handbook. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CSC 495 Topics in Computer Science (A).Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Addresses current topics in the field. Each offering is motivated by the expertise of the instructor and students' interests. Requires students to complete a major research, design, or development project. Descriptions and prerequisites are published prior to the registration period for the course. Past topics include: networking, human factors, computational linguistics, advanced architecture, software engineering, logic programming, and program validation, object-oriented programming and parallel algorithms. 3 Cr.

CSC 499 Independent Study in Computer Science (A).Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.

Information System Courses

CIS 106 End-User Computing. (A) Intended to develop students' acumen in key end-user computing technologies, to a level that will allow students to utilize technology successfully in the workplace and to meet the contemporary expectations of employers. Topics include word processing, operating systems, spreadsheets, office presentation, net work applications, and databases. Extensive lab work. 3 Cr. Every semester.

CIS 202 Fundamentals of Information Sys tems. (A) Prerequisite: CSC 104 or CIS 106. The use of information systems and information technology in organizations is introduced. Concepts of information management, systems theory, quality, enhanced decision making, and added value in products and services are considered. Information technology, including computing and telecommunications systems, is stressed. Students learn to analyze requirements, define an information system, and develop custom solutions to enhance productivity. 3 Cr. Every semester.

CIS 303 Information Technology Hardware and Software. (A) Prerequisites: CIS 202 and MTH 281. Covers both hardware and software components of computer systems. The basic elements of a computer system are examined including CPU architecture, memory, buses, instruction sets, multi-processors, hard disks, CDs, backup storage, video displays, I/O devices, and networks. System software is also covered, particularly in how it relates to the computer hardware. Topics include assembly language; operating systems; process, file, and memory management; networks and multi-user systems. These topics are covered in theoretical terms. 3 Cr. Every semester.

CIS 304 Computers and Office Productivity. Prerequisite: CSC 104 or (or CIS 106) and CSC 120. Study of computer-mediated office communication and business data processing. Topics include guidelines for buying office computers, operating systems and graphical user interfaces, word processing, desktop publishing, grammar and style checkers, office presentations, multimedia documents, spreadsheets with advanced applications, business charts, Internet and intranet, e-mail, World Wide Web, search engines, Web publishing, copy right and ethical issues. Extensive lab work. 3 Cr. Every semester.

CIS 317 Analysis and Logical Design of Information Systems. (A) Prerequisites: CIS 202, CIS 304 (or BUS 317), and CSC 203. Study of requirement analysis, system development and modification process. Topics include lifecycle phases and the role of systems analyst; organizational style, feasibility and impact of information systems; requirements analysis, sampling and investigating data, interviewing; data flow diagrams, data dictionaries, preparing and writing proposals; prototyping, designing for effective input and output, user interface; software metrics, quality assurance, and software package evaluation and acquisition. 3 Cr. Fall

CIS 334 Decision Support and Expert Systems. (A) Prerequisites: CIS 202 and CSC 203. Decision Support Systems (DSS) and its subsystems: DSS overview, data management, modeling and model management, knowledge subsystem, user interface subsystem, group decision support systems, executive information and support systems, fundamentals of artificial intelligence, expert systems, knowledge acquisition and validation, knowledge representation, and expert system building tools. 3 Cr. Fall.

CIS 404 Multimedia Applications. (A) (Prerequisites: CIS 303 and CIS 304. Study of multimedia systems and applications in the business world. Topics include multimedia applications, hypertext and hypermedia, audio, graphics, images, and full motion video; multimedia-ready personal computers and workstations, storage devices, operating systems and graphical user interfaces; communication and networking requirements, multimedia applications on the Internet; file formats, data compression and streaming audio/video; and multimedia authoring tools. 3 Cr. Spring.

CIS 419 Computer Networks and Internet Applications. (A) Prerequisites: CIS 304 (or BUS 317) and CSC 203. Study of data communication, computer networks, and Internet applications. Topics include data communication, LAN and WAN applications, Internet and intranet, e-mail, FTP and Web applications, distributed systems, standards; communication concepts, media, coding of data, error control, LAN topologies and protocols, bridges, routers and gateways; TCP/IP, client server paradigm; network configuration, performance monitoring, management, security, and reliability. 3 Cr. Fall.

CIS 422 Physical Design and Implementation of DBMS. (A) Prerequisite: CIS 317 (or BUS 417). Covers information systems design and implementation within a database management system environment. Students will design and construct a physical system using database software to implement the logical design. Stresses basic knowledge of normalization of data modeling, database methods, database design, and the use of databases in business. 3 Cr. Spring.

CIS 427 Project Management and Practice. (A,U) Prerequisite: CIS 317 (or BUS 417). Introduction to software development and management of the development process. Topics include managing the software lifecycle: requirements definition, logical design, physical design, implementation, testing, system integration, maintenance; design techniques (structured, event-driven and object-oriented); implementation; testing and software quality assurance; delivery and user training; metrics for project management and system performance evaluation; management expectations: personnel management, cost analysis and change management; management of behavioral and technical project aspects. Course is placed in frame work of client-server systems. 3 Cr. Spring.

CSC 429 Object-Oriented Programming. (A) Prerequisites: CSC 205. Introduction to basic concepts in object-oriented programming (OOP) and how to apply OOP techniques using an appropriate OOP language such as Java or C++. Topics include: the OOP programming paradigm including analysis and design, a survey of related languages, data hiding and encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Implementation of these concepts using appropriate programming language constructs. Extensive programming. 3 Cr. Spring.

CIS 492 Internship. (A) Prerequisites: Junior class standing, 3.0 or better in major courses, appropriate coursework, at least 18 hours towards the major completed prior to starting the internship, and permission of instructor. Supervised experience in information systems in a practical operating environment. Projects may involve applications in business programming, requirements analysis, requirements tracking, project management assistance, test development, web applications, process control, database design, data communications, etc. 1-3 Cr.

CIS 493 Senior Thesis. (A) Prerequisites: Junior class standing, 3.0 or better average in major courses, appropriate course work, at least 18 hours towards the major completed prior to starting the thesis, and permission of instructor. Supervised experience in Computer Information Systems to pursue an independent research or development project in an academic setting. Each thesis has its own specific objectives. Projects may involve substantial software development, structuring available commercial software/hardware for specific applications, or an empirical case study of the use of technology. A written thesis and an oral presentation are required. 3 Cr.

CIS 495 Topics in Information Systems. (A) Prerequisites: published prior to registration each semester. An advanced course which addresses current topics in the field. Each offering of the course is motivated by the expertise of the instructor and by students' interests. The student is expected to complete a major research, design, or development project. Descriptions and prerequisites are published prior to the registration period for the course. 3 Cr.

CIS 499 Independent Study in Information Systems. (A) Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Arranged in consultation with the professor/sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.