Computer Science

An introduction to structured programming, including conditional statements, loops, functions, input, output, and use of various data types. Object-oriented features are introduced.

An introduction to the theory and methods of Digital Humanities. Topics will include digital text encoding (XML), text computation and analysis, data visualization, and geographic information system (GIS) mapping.

This course assumes students have no prior programming experience and then introduces them to the Python programming language. Topics include basic programming concepts, problem-solving methods, algorithm development, program design and learning the use of  packages/ libraries useful for data processing tasks.

An introduction to object-oriented programming using Java. Topics include problem-solving methods, algorithm development, program design, testing, debugging, and documentation.

In today’s world, no one is safe from cyber-attacks, but everyone can be prepared. This course will teach you how malicious actors use social manipulation and technology to launch devastating attacks – and provide you with the tools you'll need to defend against them. Whether you pursue one of the many available jobs in cybersecurity or just want to secure your own privacy, you'll learn how to make the Internet safer.

Games sit at the intersection of technology, art, and culture, so success within the games industry requires you to understand all three. This course explores why we love games, what role they play in society, and the industry that produces them. You’ll also learn the basics of game development. This course was developed in partnership with Unity and the IGDA (International Game Developers Association) to help everyone interested in the games industry start on the right foot.

This course introduces basic web page development techniques. Topics include HTML, CSS, scripting languages, and commercial software packages used in the development of web pages. The course also includes detailed discussion of design practices, such as the appropriate use of text and graphics, font and color selection, navigation techniques, media formats, and methods of enhancing the user experience.  At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to use specified markup languages to develop basic web pages.

Fundamentals of data structures as they are used for the efficient storage and manipulation of data.Topics include common data structures that are used in various computational problems, such as stacks, queues, trees, lists, and heaps

An introduction to digital electronic circuits and techniques. Boolean algebra, digital logic gates, registers, automa theory, and integrated circuits.

Introduction to computer organization and the basic structure of a modern programmable computer. Topics covered include the von Neumann architecture, the CPU, pipelining, memory hierarchy, assembly/ machine language, and the basic laws underlying performance evaluation.

Study of algorithmic paradigms including divide and conquer algorithms, greedy methods, dynamic programming, heuristics, and probabilistic algorithms.

Generative AI is AI that can produce new content - answers, code, music, art, video, and more. Those who harness it are more productive, more in-demand, and more highly paid. Those who don’t will be left behind. This lightly technical intro will teach you the foundational skills to level up your understanding of transformers, LLMs, and more. By the end of this course, you will engineer better prompts and apply chain-of-thought techniques to generate AI solutions. (Same as DSC 271.)

AI jobs are exploding, but the pathways to discover and land them aren’t always clear. In this course, you’ll explore the wide - and growing - variety of career pathways your AI skills unlock. You’ll understand salaries, growth trends, target jobs, and the skills needed to land them. You’ll deepen an understanding of resume and interview skills, achievable goals, and careers that meet your needs for meaning, excitement, and a lucrative financial future. (Same as DSC 272.)

Modern organizations know that even the strongest systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a result, jobs in cybersecurity are rapidly expanding as companies look to secure their digital assets. This course will teach you how to secure those assets by identifying and fixing potential security vulnerabilities. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify and remedy common network and systems vulnerabilities.

This course explores the critical role of governance in mitigating cybercrime and ensuring the integrity of digital environments. You will learn how governments detect and stop cybercrimes, and become familiar with the laws and policies in place to deter cybercriminals. Develop and implement robust security policies and procedures that align with legal and ethical standards and help create a resilient, compliant digital ecosystem.

This course will help you find a job in Cybersecurity upon graduation. Not just any job; one that meets your personal and financial needs and makes you excited about the future. In this course, you’ll explore career paths in Cybersecurity, potential salary outcomes, and different roles. Then, you’ll pick target jobs and opportunities that are the best fit for you, and make a clear plan of action toward securing them.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the experience of playing a video game, you’ve had a first-hand lesson in how important content and systems design are. The experience of a game is driven by four major components: content, systems, narrative, and user experience. This class will help you learn to design all four components, and build a deeper understanding of the game development process and an introduction to concepts in scripting. This online class has optional live sessions.

Practical experience through a supervised internship. Students can conduct their internships on-site, working under the supervision of computing/automation/IT professionals, or on eIntern.

Introduction to mathematical topics as they relate to computer science, such as finite state automata, regular expressions, context-free grammars, Turing machines, and unsolvability.

A study of programming languages, their data, paradigms, and design and implementation issues. Topics include language representation, control structures, binding, run-time environment, exception handling, information handling, encapsulation and static and dynamic types.

An introduction to the theory of databases, database design, and database application development. Topics include database models such as relational, network, hierarchical, object-oriented, and distributed. Students will apply this theory to the development of an actual database application.

This course brings the predictive power of AI to your toolbox. You'll discover how to analyze, interpret, and forecast complex data using AI tools. Learn through hands-on activities and practice techniques like regression analysis and neural networks. You'll also explore how to fill in missing data and estimate your confidence in your predictions. By the end of this course, you'll have in-demand skills for your career and be ready to take on more advanced studies. (Same as DSC 373)

The moments after a breach can make or break an organization. When the unthinkable happens and a cybercrime is discovered, the actions taken by the security operations team can either contain the damage and restore order or lead to catastrophic consequences. This course examines the tools and techniques used to conduct investigations into cybercrimes and teaches the defensive skills necessary to ensure a breach doesn’t occur in the first place.

To stop a hacker, you need to be able to think like a hacker. In this course, you will learn hands-on techniques for attacking and penetrating networks and systems. You’ll learn the tools to launch these offensive tactics, and then complete a hands-on project where you will be asked to ethically hack a real system.

The Unity engine powers nearly 50% of all games and nearly 75% of mobile games. This course, built in collaboration with Unity and the IGDA (International Game Developers Association), will introduce you to developing games in Unity. By the end of this course, you'll learn how to build a fully functioning game within the Unity system, including all key elements. This online course has optional live sessions.

C# is a modern, general purpose, object oriented programming language with a range of uses, most notably creating desktop applications, web applications, web services and building games using the Unity engine. This course is intended to give students a working knowledge of the C# programming language and the .NET framework, as well as an understanding of C#’s application to the Unity Game Development Engine. This online course has optional live sessions.

Practical experience through a supervised internship. Students can conduct their internships on-site, working under the supervision of computing/automation/IT professionals, or on eIntern.

An introduction to the theory and practice of computer networks, software protocols, communication hardware, error detection, and handling.

Examination of error analysis, interpolation, approximate differentiation, approximate integration, solutions to differential equations, matrix manipulation, and solutions to systems of linear equations. (Same as MTH 415)

An introduction to the components and organization of operating systems. Batch, interactive and distributed operating systems will be considered. Other topics include multiprogramming, multiprocessing, concurrent programming, memory management, and resource allocation.

Individual work on special topics in computer science.

Prescriptive AI teaches you the highest-value technical AI skills available. You’ll use the advanced techniques of optimization, evolutionary computation, surrogate modeling, and agent building, helping you use AI for its true superpower: faster, better business decisions. Through real-world challenges and hands-on projects in decision-making, robotics, and more, you’ll be able to frame problems and train models that make you a desirable hire in any industry. (Same as DSC 474)

Study of selected topics in computer science. Prerequisites will vary.

Technology is racing forward, and cybersecurity must stay ahead to meet new challenges and threats. In this class, you will learn about the changing landscape of cybersecurity, emerging mobile technologies that are likely to be targeted, and new forms of cyber-attacks being launched. By the end of the course, you will be able to implement the most cutting-edge practices in cybersecurity in order to protect against attacks.

The Capstone course is the culmination of the Cybersecurity program, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Students will undertake a comprehensive project integrating various aspects of cybersecurity, including log analysis, vulnerability assessment, incident response, ethical hacking, and cloud security. This project will develop critical thinking skills and prepare students for major cybersecurity certifications.

This course is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge to bring their mastery of the Unity game engine and C# programming up to a professional standard. Students will learn how to perform a range of vital code-based tasks within the Unity platform, and will grow their skills in building core gameplay functionality, supporting systems and platform-specific optimizations. This course was built in collaboration with Unity. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to sit for the Unity Certified Associate: Programmer exam.

This course is intended as a culmination of all a student’s work in the Unity Game Development major. Students will work in groups to build a game in the unity engine that uses real-time 2D or 3D visuals and showcases their understanding of the core principles of game design. Students will pitch their game, design, prototype, build, and test their game. Students will be evaluated based on the quality of their game, and their internal project management processes. This online course has optional live sessions.