Computer Science, BS

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Computing Facilities
Curriculum Sequence

The computer science program at Widener consists of a sequence of core courses and a set of technical elective courses. The core courses cover fundamental principles. The upper-level courses include two full-year course sequences and provide in-depth exploration of chosen areas in computer science or related areas in mathematics, physics, or engineering. The program prepares students for graduate study or for employment as computer scientists.

Computing Facilities

A separate computing facility supports computer science majors, independent of the facilities that serve the computing needs of all university students. This computer science laboratory is housed in Freedom Hall and is run by students majoring in computer science or computer information systems under the supervision of the faculty. Students are hired as managers and consultants for this laboratory. The computing facility consists of a network of late-model Intel-based machines, including SMP machines, and HP LaserJet printers. A rich assortment of software is available, including translators for C, C++, Pascal, LISP, Prolog, FORTRAN, Python, and Java. Several operating systems are installed, including Windows 7 and Linux. The database software used is Oracle and MYSQL.

Curriculum Sequence

Freshman

Fall (13.5 Credits)

CSCI 151 - Introduction to Computer Science I 4 Credit(s) *
MATH 151 - Elementary Discrete Mathematics I 3 Credit(s)
ENGL 101 - Reading, Thinking and Writing 3 Credit(s)
HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)
Physical Education Elective 0.5 Credit(s)

Spring (16.5 Credits)

CSCI 152 - Introduction to Computer Science II 4 Credit(s) *
MATH 152 - Elementary Discrete Mathematics II 3 Credit(s)
HUM/SSCI Electives 9 Credit(s)
Physical Education Elective 0.5 Credit(s)

Sophomore

Fall (16 Credits)

CSCI 257 - Object-Oriented Programming 4 Credit(s)
MATH 141 - Calculus I 4 Credit(s) **
PHIL 120 - Symbolic Logic 3 Credit(s)
PHYS 111 - Physics of Digital Circuits and Information 2 Credit(s)
HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)

Spring (15 Credits)

CSCI 258 - Data Structures and Algorithms 4 Credit(s)
CSCI 264 - Assembly Language 4 Credit(s)
MATH 142 - Calculus II 4 Credit(s) **
HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)

Junior

Fall (17 Credits)

CSCI 347 - Computer Architecture I 3 Credit(s)
CSCI 451 - Operating Systems I 3 Credit(s)
PHYS 141 - College Physics I 4 Credit(s)
PHYS 143 - College Physics I Laboratory 1 Credit(s)
MATH 273 - Introduction to Probability 3 Credit(s)
Technical Elective 3 Credit(s) ^†

Spring (15 Credits)

CSCI 373 - Software Engineering 3 Credit(s)
CSCI 398 - Research Topics 1 Credit(s)
PHYS 142 - College Physics II 4 Credit(s)
PHYS 144 - College Physics II Laboratory 1 Credit(s)
Elective 3 Credit(s)
Technical Elective 3 Credit(s) †

Senior

Fall (17 Credits)

ASC 400 - Values Seminar 3 Credit(s)
CSCI 408 - Senior Project I 2 Credit(s)
HUM/SSCI Elective 3 Credit(s)
Technical Electives 6 Credit(s) ^†
Elective 3 Credit(s)

Spring (14 Credits)

CSCI 344 - Programming Languages 3 Credit(s)
CSCI 409 - Senior Project II 2 Credit(s)
Technical Elective 3 Credit(s) ^†
Electives 6 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 124

*CSCI 143 and one technical elective may substitute for CSCI 151 and CSCI 152 .

**The MATH 131 , MATH 132 , MATH 133 sequence can substitute for MATH 141 and MATH 142 .

†Technical electives must be selected from the following: Any 300- level or 400-level CSCI course not in the core, ENGR 219 & ENGR 223 ; EE 230 ; MATH 331 ; PHYS 315 , PHYS 316 ; or PHIL 320 . Three of the technical electives must be 300-level or 400-level CSCI courses. Additionally, technical electives must include two of the following second semester courses: CSCI 348 , CSCI 350 , CSCI 356 , CSCI 372 , CSCI 382 , CSCI 392 , CSCI 435 , CSCI 452 , CSCI 462 . No more than 3 credits of CSCI 499 may be counted toward the technical elective requirement.

Note that some of the selections for the technical and science electives require 3 and some 4 or 5 credit hours.

The timing of courses in the above ladder is recommended; it may vary, subject to individual course prerequisites.