Computer Science (CSCI)

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://e-catalog.sewanee.edu.

CSCI 101     Introduction to Computer Science  (4)

An introductory survey of computer science designed for liberal arts students, including such topics as machine architecture, language translation, artificial intelligence, and noncomputability.

CSCI 157     Introduction to Modeling and Programming  (4)

An introduction to creative modeling of both natural and virtual worlds, in which students gain understanding of human interaction with computing devices as well as the expertise needed for further course work in computer science. Lab experiences using the explicit notation of a programming language reinforce the application of abstractions while affording practice in algorithmic problem solving and relevant theory.

CSCI 257     Data Structures  (4)

Focuses on data abstraction, algorithm design and analysis, recursion, and the implementation of larger programs. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

CSCI 270     Computer Systems and Organization  (4)

This course explores levels of abstraction in computer systems, processors and related hardware components, instruction sets, program execution, and process management. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

CSCI 276     Multimedia Programming and Design  (4)

An introduction to object-oriented programming techniques that underlie the creation, manipulation, and transmission of digital media, including digital photography, audio, and video. Topics include scaling and transforming pictures, sound waveform visualization and manipulation, MIDI, chromakey, frame-based animation, and compression, encoding, and transmission of digital media over the Internet. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

CSCI 277     Modeling Physical Systems  (4)

This course introduces the tools and techniques used to model natural systems in software. Techniques studied are important not only in scientific programs, but also in graphics, game engines, and animation; these include vectors, particle systems, fractals, and autonomous agents. Students will apply these to abstractions of physical systems such as predator-prey models, flocking, cellular automata, genetic algorithms, and artificial neural networks. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

CSCI 284     Database Design with Web Applications  (4)

This course provides students with a working knowledge of the power and potential of modern networked databases as well as of common uses and abuses. Students receive hands-on experience with open source development tools, which are widely used for building and placing databases on the web. Database development is explored, from conceptual elaboration through design and implementation, and interview techniques for effective database design are considered. Programming techniques are introduced for building, maintaining, accessing, interacting, and protecting the information in large data depositories. Discussions include consideration of concerns driving policy decisions for amassing and managing sensitive, and sometimes dangerous, information collections. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

CSCI 286     Computer Mapping and Geolocation  (4)

An introduction to computer location algorithms and networks with an emphasis on fundamental principles, this course provides basic understanding of location services and underlying technologies, including comparisons of popular mapping and geolocation programming technologies appropriate for web and mobile platforms. Prerequisite: CSCI 257.

CSCI 290     Data Mining  (4)

Data mining is the automated analysis of large quantities of data to extract previously unknown patterns such as clusters, anomalies, relationships, and dependencies. As large columns of data accumulate, techniques are needed to make sense of the stored information and predict future trends. Data mining applications have become important in fields such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and marketing. This course introduces students to the principal ideas in statistical learning, including areas such as classification, clustering, and data extraction. Along the way, students develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of programming techniques and data structures. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 or CSCI 284.

CSCI 320     Analysis of Algorithms  (4)

Systematic study of algorithms and their complexity, searching and sorting, pattern matching, geometric and graph algorithms, NP-complete and intractable problems. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 and MATH 215.

CSCI 326     Functional Programming  (4)

Data abstraction and data-driven recursion, higher-order functions, and the management of state. An exploration of the functional paradigm in the context of concurrent and distributed computing. Prerequisite: CSCI 257.

CSCI 356     Artificial Intelligence  (4)

Knowledge representation, expert systems, natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, game playing, cognition. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 and MATH 215.

CSCI 360     Principles of Interactive Computer Graphics  (4)

Introduction to interactive computer graphics including 2D and 3D viewing, clipping, hidden line/surface removal, shading, interaction handling, geometrical transformations, projections, and hierarchical data structures. Brief introductions to related and dependent fields of physically-based modeling and scientific visualization will be included. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 and MATH 215.

CSCI 370     Computer Architecture  (4)

Advanced processor design including pipelining, speculative execution, hyperthreading and their effects on program execution. The memory hierarchy and virtual memory design. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 and CSCI 270.

CSCI 376     Programming Languages  (4)

Imperative, object-oriented, declarative, and functional programming language paradigms. Prerequisite: CSCI 257 and MATH 215.

CSCI 415     Special Topics  (2 or 4)

This course explores emerging concepts, methodologies, and applications to other disciplines in the field of computer science. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite: CSCI 257.

CSCI 428     Operating Systems  (4)

Process management, memory management, processor scheduling, file systems, concurrent programming, distributed processing, security. Prerequisite: (CSCI 270 or CSCI 370) and MATH 215.

CSCI 444     Independent Study  (2 or 4)

An opportunity for advanced students to pursue topics of special interest. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.