1996-1997 catalog
Degrees and Programs
Computer Science
College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of
Mathematical Sciences
(907) 474-7332
Minimum Requirements: B.S.: 120 credits; M.S.: 30 additional credits
The computer science program is administered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences within the College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics. Computer science is the study of information handling and its application to the problems of the world. Computing is widely used in support of activities in science, engineering, business, law, medicine, education, and the social sciences. The potential for employment is one of the highest in the entire range of subjects spanned by the College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
Both the B.S. and M.S. degrees follow the recommendations of the
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute for Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computer
Sciences Accreditation Board, Inc. The curriculum for the B.S. in computer
science consists of a core of courses which introduces the student to the
fundamentals of computer programming, hardware, theory, and applications.
Mathematics and engineering play critical roles in the core. Throughout the
curriculum the emphasis is on problem solving and applications of general
principles to real-world problems. A solid background in fundamentals enables
the graduate not only to understand today's computers and their uses, but also
to understand and participate in future developments.
One track of the M.S. Degree, the Technical track, follows the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE). A second track, the Software Engineering track, is also available. This track is derived in part from recommendations of Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute.
The intent of the M.S. degree in computer science is to provide breadth and depth in coursework and to culminate with a major unifying project. The Technical track is accessible to students who have completed a B.S. in C.S. at most institutions. Students from other universities who have completed a substantive portion of a Bachelors level computer science program may be admitted to the M.S. program. In such cases, undergraduate courses may be required to remedy deficiencies. The Software Engineering track is intended for software practitioners with a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience.
For admission to the MS Computer Science program, both tracks require the GRE general exam. The Technical track requires the GRE Computer Science subject exam in addition. For teaching assistantship consideration, foreign applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score of at least 600, and the department is currently giving preference to those applicants who also submit results of the Test of Spoken English (TSE).
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
A student may declare a major in Computer Science only when she/he is ready to matriculate into MATH 200, Calculus I.
- Complete the general university requirements and B.S. degree requirements. A portion of the Perspectives on the Human Condition requirement should be met with ethics (PHIL 322X). The mathematics requirement for the B.S. should be met with MATH 200X-201X. A portion of the science requirement for the B.S. should be met with a one year physics sequence, PHYS 103X-104X or PHYS 211X-212X.
- Complete the following mathematics requirement:
MATH 307 Discrete Mathematical Structures (3)
STAT 300 Statistics (3)
One of the following:
MATH 302 Differential Equations (3)
MATH 308 Abstract Algebra (3)
MATH 310 Numerical Analysis (3)
MATH 314 Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 371 Probability (3)
MATH 408 Mathematical Statistics (3)
MATH 460 Mathematical Modeling (3) - Complete the following major requirements:
CS 201 Computer Programming I (3)
CS 202 Computer Programming II (3)
CS 301 Assembly Language Programming (3)
CS 311 Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
CS 321 Operating System (3)
CS 331 Programming Languages (3)
CS 402 Senior Project and Professional Practice (3)
CS 411 Analysis of Algorithms or CS 451 Automata and Formal Languages (3)
EE 341 Computer Organization I (4)
EE 342 Computer Organization II (4)
Upper Division electives: either CS courses or approved electives such as AIS 310, EE 443, EE 454 (9) - Total Credits Required 120
MINOR in Computer Science
- CS 201 Computer Programming I (3)
CS 202 Computer Programming II (3)
Three upper division elective courses from CS, EE 341, AIS 310, MATH 310, MATH 460 or approved by CS advisor (9)
These courses can be used to simultaneously satisfy other major or general distribution requirements.
Graduate Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements: (Technical and Software Engineering Tracks)
- Complete UAF degree requirements.
- Upon completion of core coursework, the candidate must pass a comprehensive examination based on the core material.
- Course Requirements, at least 24 credits must be at the 600 level. (30 credits)
Technical Track
Required Courses (12 credits)
CS 631 Programming Language Implementation (3)
CS 411 Analysis of Algorithms or CS 611 Complexity of Algorithms or CS 451 Automata and Formal Languages or CS 651 The Theory of Computation (3)
CS 448 System Architecture o or CS 641 Advanced System Architecture (3)
CS 671 Software Engineering (3)
Approved electives (12)
Seminar and Project (6 credits)
CS 690-691 Graduate Seminar and Project (6)
Total Credits Required (30 credits)
Software Engineering Track (30 credits)
Required Courses (12 Credits)
CS 670 Computer Science for Software Engineers (3)
CS 671 Software Engineering (3)
CS 402 Senior Project and Professional Practice or ESM 609 Project Management (3)
ESM 608 Legal Principles for Engineering Mgmnt or BA 604 The Legal Environment of Business (3)
Approved Electives (12)
Seminar and Project (6 Credits)
CS 690-691 Graduate Seminar and Project (6)
Total Credits Required 30