Computer Science Course Descriptions

Please note that this listing is merely a descriptive reference of courses that are offered by the program. Any mention of a specific course in this listing should not be construed to mean that the course in question is currently being offered this term. Rather, please check the semester schedule listings for course availiability.

CSC 305 - Entrance Assessment
Evaluation of computer science knowledge on entering the program. CSC 300 must be taken during the student's first semester of enrollment.
Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. 0 Credit Hours

CSC 225 - Computer Programming Concepts I
Structured programming techniques. Emphasis on control structures, procedures, simple data types, and structured data types, including arrays, records, and files. Assigned problems require considerable time in the computer lab. Prior programming experience is recommended.
Course Information: 3 Credit Hours

CSC 368 - Systems Programming Languages
Design principles and implementation of systems programming languages. Topics include syntax data types, control structures, storage management. Four systems programming software language tools will be studied: shell scripts, Perl, PHP, SQL. Class activities and hands-on laboratories. Typical laboratories and class assignments, repetitive tasks, scheduled file maintenance, log file analysis, electronic administrator notification.
Prerequisite: CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 275 - Computer Programming Concepts II
Extensive top-down design principles to solve non-trivial problems. Emphasis on advanced array applications, dynamic storage, and classes. Programming assignments include implementation of lists, stacks, queues, and recursions.
Prerequisite: CSC 225. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 376 - Computer Organization
Introduction to elementary computer architecture and assembly/machine language. Emphasis on the fetch-execute cycle and CPU organization, binary information representations, combinational logic, and sequential circuits. An overview of the memory hierarchy and I/O interfaces included as time permits.
Prerequisite: CSC 275 and MAT 302. MAT 302 may be taken concurrently. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 385 - Data Structures and Algorithms
Object-oriented software design including sorting and searching algorithms. Implementation of trees, graphs, and other advanced data structures. Algorithm analysis of running times and storage requirements.
Prerequisites: MAT 302 and CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 387 - Foundations of Computer Science
An overview of selected computer science topics: computers and society, software engineering, file structures, database structures, artificial intelligence, theory of computation, and human-computer interaction. Topics are selected to complement material in the core computer science curriculum.
Prerequisite: CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 388 - Programming Languages
Design principles and implementation of computer programming languages. Topics include syntax, data types, control structures, storage management, and binding. Four programming language paradigms studied: imperative, object-oriented, functional, and logical. Languages studied may include C#, Smalltalk, Java, LISP, and Perl.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 389 - Introduction to Operating Systems
Assemblers, macro processing, loaders, time sharing operating system, process control, I/O, primary memory allocation, and virtual memory.
Prerequisites: CSC 275 and CSC 376. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 399 - Tutorial
Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours if topics vary. 1 to 12 Credit Hours

CSC 405 - Exit Assessment
Evaluation of computer science knowledge on graduation. Exit assessment helps students assess the body of knowledge they've attained and helps the program revise its curriculum. CSC 301 must be taken during the student's final semester before graduation.
Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. 0 Credit Hours

CSC 421 - Introduction to Computer Networks
Includes CCNA1 & 2 Cisco Networking Academy. Emphasis on LANs, network design, virtual circuits, protocols, routing algorithms, network hardware devices. IP addressing. Labs.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 422 - Routing Configuration in WAN Environment
Includes CCNA3 & 4 Cisco Networking Academy. Emphasis will be placed on configuring routers and switches to operate in a secure WAN environment. Includes configuring access lists, remote access and VPNs.
Prerequisite: CSC 421. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 430 - Foundations of Network Security and Information Assurance
Students learn to identify system resources at risk to malicious attacks. Network tools designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access are covered. Demonstrations of tools used to assess and identify vulnerability including penetration analysis, scanners and probes are covered. Case studies and exploit scenarios give students hands-on practice reducing network security threats.
Prerequisite: CSC 421. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 431 - Network Security & Computer Ethics
This course introduces the basics of network security while describing how the technical decisions associated with network security interact with the values of individuals, organizations, and society. The course includes methods of avoiding, detecting, and analyzing intrusions. Students will examine tradeoffs inherent in security policies, behaviors, and protocols.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 432 - Hardware/Firewall Security Implementation
The course focuses on overall security processes with particular emphasis on security policy design & management. This course also provides a survey of security technologies, products & solutions. Labs focus on firewall design, installation, configuration and maintenance of firewalls.
Prerequisite: CSC 421. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 433 - Intrusion Detection
Topics will include network and host based intrusion, detection, intrusion detection system implementation Schemes, IP packet analysis tools, schemes for analysis including rules and anomaly detection, and attack signatures. Several IDS tools will be explored by demonstration and exercises. These tools will include Windump, Ethereal, and Snort. Case reports of various recognized attacks will be studied.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 436 - Secure Programming
The course introduces the secure software development process including secure applications, writing secure code that can withstand attacks, and security testing and auditing. It focuses on the security issues a developer faces, common security vulnerabilities and flaws, and security threats. The course explains security principles, strategies, coding techniques, and tools that can help make code more resistant to attacks. Students will write and analyze code that demonstrates specific security development techniques.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 438 - Systems Security and Information Assurance Capstone
This is the capstone design course for the Systems Security and Information Assurance concentration in the Computer Science Bachelor's Degree. This course will emphasize a group approach to information assurance system design and data collection. Students will be given case studies to design and implement a total IT security system.
Prerequisites: CSC 421 and one additional security elective.4 Credit Hours

CSC 463 - Introduction to Distributed Computing
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of distributed programming techniques. Topics include Java I/O, Interprocess Communications, Distributed Computing paradigms, TCP/IP, The Socket APL, client-server paradigm, Group Communication, Distributed Objects, Internet Applications, and advanced topics.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 465 - Windows Network Administration
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an organizational and technical look at network administration. Emphasis is placed on Microsoft Windows operating system. The laboratory assignments will involve a considerable amount of hands-on installation, account management, performance monitoring, security, troubleshooting.
Prerequisite: Familiarity with computer hardware/software. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 470 - Topics in Computer Science
Various topics; description changes according to topic offered. See course schedule for prerequisites.
Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term. 1 to 4 Credit Hours

CSC 471 - Computer Ethics for Computing Professionals
Computer ethics explores the interaction between technical decisions and human values. We also study how computing and telecommunications impact society. This class is limited to computer science majors and students with equivalent backgrounds.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 472 - Introduction to Database Systems
Examination of file organizations and file access methods. Studies various data models including relational, hierarchical, network, and object-oriented. Emphasis given to the relational data model. SQL, the data definition and manipulation language for relational databases, is described.
Prerequisite: CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 476 - Introduction to Microprocessors and Computer Architecture
Analysis and synthesis of combinational and sequential circuits, counters, and decoders. Details of computer organization as applied to microcomputers. Time permitting: control unit design, microprogramming, I/O channels, and memory systems.
Prerequisite: CSC 376. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 477 - Usability Engineering
Provides an analysis of the science and art of graphical user interfaces. Topics will include quantitative methodologies, user interaction, design imperative. Requires extensive Visual Basic programming.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 478 - Software Engineering Capstone
Study of the software life cycle with emphasis on design, documentation, and implementation. Team projects and technical communication skills are emphasized. Students should take this course within their last 12 hours of CSC course work.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 479 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Problem solving methods, data representation and list processing, state-space search strategies, game playing programs, knowledge representation, logic and theorem proving, question answering systems, and natural language processing.
Prerequisite: CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 481 - Introduction to Computer Graphics
Basic concepts, display hardware and techniques, raster graphics, 3-D graphics, and processing of pictorial information.
Prerequisite: CSC 275. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 484 - Introduction to Parallel Processing
Familiarizes students with the broad field of parallel computing and parallel algorithms, while giving hands-on experience with computing on a parallel architecture.
Prerequisite: CSC 376. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 485 - Object-Oriented Design
Study of object-oriented design and programming to solve problems. Topics include classes, inheritance, polymorphism, design notations, development environments, and a survey of languages. Java is used as the implementation language.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 499 - Tutorial
Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours if topics vary. 1 to 12 Credit Hours

CSC 540 - Graduate Research Seminar
Students will investigate research and writing techniques in the field of computer science. Students must produce a formal document that demonstrates they have attained an appropriate understanding of professional ethics and research skills required of IT professionals. CSC 540 serves as the master's closure exercise and must be taken for a letter grade. NOTE: Students who have NOT made satisfactory progress in CSC 540 will be assigned a grade lower than B- and will have to register for and retake the course. Students who have made satisfactory progress in CSC 540, but have not completed the final course document can petition the Department of Computer Science to complete the remaining document by enrolling in CSC 541 Graduate Research Seminar Continuing Enrollment (zero credit hours, one billable hour) for a maximum of two consecutive non-summer semesters. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 541 - Graduate Research Seminar Continuing Enrollment
Refer to NOTE in course description for CSC 540. Course Information: May be repeated for a maximum of two consecutive non-summer semesters. 0 Credit Hours

CSC 550 - Master's Project/Thesis
An individual study to demonstrate the ability to formulate, investigate, and analyze a problem and to report results. Written report and oral presentation are required. Guidelines for completing this requirement are available from the CSC program and must be consulted before any work is begun. NOTE: If the project/thesis is not completed during the initial four-hour enrollment, students must register for CSC 551 for zero credit hours (one billable hour) in all subsequent semesters until the project/thesis is completed. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours. Prerequisite: Approval of the project/thesis supervisor. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 551 - Master's Project/Thesis Continuing Enrollment
Refer to NOTE in course description for CSC 550. Course Information: May be repeated. 0 Credit Hours

CSC 560 - Directed Graduate Research
Students will work under the supervision of a graduate faculty member as a member of a research team. Students will complete assigned readings, literature reviews, conduct research and report research results. Students must have approval of the graduate faculty member supervising the research to enroll in the course. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 563 - Computer Cryptography and Digital Steganography
This course provides the fundamentals of modern cryptography and steganography. Cryptography is usually considered to be the art and science of scrambling a message in order to make it unreadable, whereas steganography is the art and science of hiding the very existence of the message. The course focuses on both theory and practice. Students will learn how to use Java to write cryptographic applications.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 564 - Computer Security
This course provides students with a background, foundation, and insight into the subject of Computer Security at a graduate level. It covers various attack techniques and defenses. The course surveys different threats to computer security and methods for preventing intrusions. We study how computer vulnerabilities arise and survey the controls that can reduce or block security.
Course Information: 4 Credit Hours

CSC 570 - Advanced Topics in Computer Systems
Topics vary. See course schedule for prerequisites. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Students may register in more than one section per term. 1 to 4 Credit Hours

CSC 572 - Advanced Database Concepts
Study of the implementation of relational database management systems. Topics include database design algorithms, query implementation, execution and optimization, transaction processing, concurrency control, recovery, distributed query processing, and database security. One of the following advanced database topics will also be discussed: deductive databases, parallel databases, knowledge discovery/data mining, data warehousing.
Prerequisite: CSC 472. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 573 - Data Mining
This course teaches advanced techniques for discovering hidden patterns in the rapidly growing data generated by businesses, science, web, and other sources. Focus is on the key tasks of data mining, including data preparation, classification, clustering, association rule mining, and evaluation.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 574 - Distributed Computing
This course covers advanced topics in computer operating systems with a special emphasis on distributed systems. Topics include middleware, naming and directory services, security, remote method invocation, concurrency, transactions, replication, and message passing.
Prerequisite: CSC 389. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 577 - Software Testing and Reliability
Advanced and classic models of testing software are reviewed and critiqued. Current practice and novel theories of reliability are studied, using primary computer science research literature. Some automated testing tools will be used.
Prerequisite: CSC 478. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 578 - Software Engineering
Problem analysis, system requirements specification, system design, testing methodologies, quality assurance, software maintenance, and automated documentation systems. Team project involving the analysis and creation of a design specification for and formal presentation of a significant software project.
Prerequisite: CSC 478. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 581 - Computer Graphics
Lighting models, ray tracing, radiosity, texture mapping, and other advanced rendering techniques for creating highly realistic images of three-dimensional scenes. Contemporary and classic articles from the computer graphics literature are studied.
Prerequisite: CSC 481. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 582 - Design and Evaluation of User Interfaces
Structured approach for designing graphical user interfaces that are easy to use. Empirical evaluation techniques are used to verify that the software is easy to use.
Prerequisite: CSC 385. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 583 - Network Programming
A historical and technical study of network programming. Emphasis is placed on various network protocols and on the TCP/IP protocol in particular. Assignments involve writing client/server code for Unix in the Java programming language.
Prerequisite: A working knowledge of Unix and the ability to program in Java. 4 Credit Hours

CSC 599 - Tutorial
Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours if topics vary. 1 to 12 Credit Hours

For more information, please direct all inquiries to csc@uis.edu.