The Field of Computer Science

In a contemporary world where every educated person must have some knowledge of computing, the Department of Computer Science offers courses to meet a variety of needs. The department offers a bachelor of science program to prepare specialists in the area of computer science itself, a minor in computer science, and individual courses directed to the needs of non-majors who will be using computers as tools in their chosen careers. The department also offers the M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science (see Graduate Catalog).

As a major, computer science involves far more than just writing computer programs. It is a technically rigorous field that requires a strong background in mathematics. Computer scientists must be good at problem solving. Their work requires the ability to think abstractly and to represent real-world objects and interactions as symbols that can be manipulated by a computer. The field of computer science is characterized by rapid change and entrepreneurship, with new opportunities emerging every year to improve life in diverse areas such as education, communication, science, commerce and entertainment.

Accreditation and Program Objectives

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Part of the accreditation process is a clear statement of program objectives and desired outcomes for graduates. The objective of the computer science program is to provide majors with a balanced breadth and depth of knowledge in computer science that allows them the choice between continuing their education in graduate school and beginning their professional career, and to excel in either environment.

The following program educational objectives describe what graduates of the Virginia Tech Computer Science program are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Alumni will have:

• Demonstrated technical expertise by applying computer science knowledge and practice to solve challenging problems, whether in employment, graduate study, or individual pursuits;
• Advanced their skills in communication, teamwork, and professional and ethical behavior;
• Demonstrated leadership in their technical or professional pursuits;
• Engaged in post-graduate learning through graduate studies, professional improvement opportunities, or self-study;
• Served society through professional or personal contribution.

Desired outcomes for graduates are organized into the following six areas:

• Foundations of computing: ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science to carry out analysis of computer science problems and design appropriate solutions; ability to use techniques, skills, and modern software development tools necessary for computing practice.
• Depth of knowledge: ability to identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems; ability to design a computing system to meet desired needs; ability to apply problem-solving strategies to new, unknown, or open-ended situations in computer science.
• Breadth of knowledge: knowledge and understanding of the impact of the many sub-disciplines of computer science.
• Communication skills: ability to function in teams; ability to use written and oral communication skills effectively.
• Professional ethics: understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• Lifelong learning: recognition of the need for and ability to engage in lifelong learning; ability to acquire and use the ever-changing technical knowledge required of computing professionals.

Program Requirements

The curriculum in computer science is designed to provide a broad general computer science background that will prepare a student for a professional career as a computer scientist or to continue study at the graduate level. All majors take a set of foundational courses in software design and development, algorithms, and computer organization at the freshmen and sophomore level. Students at the junior and senior level select one theoretical course, four specialty courses and a capstone course according to their individual interests within the field.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.

Opportunities for Majors

The curriculum in computer science is designed to provide a broad general computer science background that will prepare a student for a professional career as a computer scientist or to continue study at the graduate level. All majors take a set of foundational courses in software design and development, algorithms, and computer organization at the freshman and sophomore level. Students at the junior and senior level select one theoretical course, four specialty courses and a capstone course according to their individual interests within the field. In all, a minimum of 44 credit hours of computer science is required.

The department offers computer science majors the opportunity to enhance their education through a variety of curricular and extracurricular activities. Students who meet the requirements for independent study or undergraduate research can pursue research or individualized study under the direction of a faculty member. Through the honors program, superior students can work toward earning their degree "in honors" or even elect to earn both the bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated undergraduate/graduate program. The Cooperative Education Program makes it possible for students to acquire professional experience while pursuing their degree.

The department sponsors chapters of three national computer science organizations: the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the national professional organization for computer scientists; the Association for Women in Computing (AWC), which is dedicated to the advancement of women in information technology fields; and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the national computer science honor society. Additional recognition of student achievements is made during the annual graduation ceremonies. Among the awards given are the Gorsline award, awarded to a rising senior who has overcome freshman-year academic difficulties and subsequently demonstrated great academic achievement.

Information for Non-Majors

The department offers a Computer Science minor for non-majors seeking a strong background in computer science. The requirements to earn a minor in Computer Science can be found on its checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html. Minors must meet the same prerequisites as majors. This includes Math 2534 as a co-requisite for CS 2505 and achievement of a "C" (2.0) or better in all CS courses which are prerequisites for subsequent CS courses.

Computational Facilities

The Department of Computer Science possesses extensive facilities for both instruction and research. There are several undergraduate teaching laboratories and a number of specially equipped research laboratories. These include two large parallel computing clusters and numerous compute and file servers for research and instruction in areas such as animation, digital libraries, software engineering, data mining, bioinformatics and networking. The department also operates extensively equipped laboratories for human-computer Interaction, virtual environments and information visualization. These labs include display walls, state-of-the-art 3D and head-mounted displays, and a 4-wall CAVE immersive theater.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the Curriculum for Liberal Education (see Academics) and toward the degree in computer science.

Satisfactory progress toward the B.S. in Computer Science requires that a Computer Science major must:

• be registered in at least one 3-credit course required in the major during each on-campus semester of the regular academic year;
• maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in the major;
• not take any CS course required in the major more than twice, including attempts ending in course withdrawal; and
• not repeat more than 3 CS courses required in the major, including attempts ending in course withdrawal.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CS)

1014: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
An exploration of basic ideas of computational thinking focusing on the perspectives, thought processes, and skills that underlie computational approaches to problem formulation and problem solving. Applications of computational tools to investigate complex, large-scale problems in a variety of knowledge domains. Basic introduction to algorithms and a practical programming language. Examination of the societal and ethical implications of computational systems. (3H,3C)

1044: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING IN C
Fundamental concepts underlying software solutions of many problems. Structured data, statement sequencing, logic control, input/output, and functions. The course will be taught using a structured approach to programming. Partially duplicates 1344. (3H,3C)

1054: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING IN JAVA
This course provides an introduction to object oriented programming using the Java language. Fundamental concepts underlying programming and software solutions to many problems. Structured data, statement sequencing, logic control, classes, objects, methods, instantiation of classes, sending messages to objects. (2H,2L,3C)

1064: INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON
Developing computational problem solving skills and software solutions to a variety of multimedia, scientific, and engineering problems using the Python programming language. Statement sequencing, conditional program flow, iteration, functional decomposition, and recursion. Simple numeric data types, strings, lists, list comprehensions, sets, and dictionaries. Input/output of file-based data, content obtained from the web, and manipulation of digital images. Basic object-oriented concepts, classes, objects, and methods. (3H,3C)

1114: INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE DESIGN
Fundamental concepts of programming from an object-oriented perspective. Basic software engineering principles and programming skills in a programming language that supports the object-oriented paradigm. Simple data types, control structures, array and string data structures, basic algorithms, testing and debugging. A basic model of the computer as an abstract machine. Modeling and problem-solving skills applicable to programming at this level. Partially duplicates 1054, 1124, and 1705. (2H,2L,3C)

1124: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA COMPUTATION
This course teaches fundamental manipulations of digital media as an introduction to computer science. Basic software engineering principles and programming skills are taught with a programming language that supports object-oriented programming. Simple data types, control structures, array and string data structures and algorithms, testing and debugging. Partially duplicates 1054 and 1705. (2H,2L,3C)

1604: INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET
Introduces the concepts, software, data organization and issues involved with using networked information. Also covers file formats (as applied in networked hypermedia and multimedia sound/video documents), local and global (Internet) network access, electronic mail, transferring files, network news, the World Wide Web, digital libraries, on-line public access catalogs and electronic journals, CD-ROMs and on-line databases, and commercial and other networks. Word processing ability required. (1H,1C)

1944: COMPUTER SCIENCE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR
An introduction to academic and career planning for computer science majors. Pass/Fail only. Pre: 1114. (1H,1C)

2104: INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
This course introduces the student to a broad range of heuristics for solving problems in a range of settings that are relevant to computation. Emphasis on problem-solving techniques that aid programmers and computer scientists. Heuristics for solving problems "in the small" (classical math and word problems), generating potential solutions to "real-life" problems encountered in the profession, problem solving through computation, and problem solving in teams. Pre: MATH 1205 or MATH 1225 or MATH 1526, CS 1114. (3H,3C)

2114: SOFTWARE DESIGN AND DATA STRUCTURES
A programming-intensive exploration of software design concepts and implementation techniques. Builds on knowledge of fundamental object-oriented programming. Advanced object-oriented software design, algorithm development and analysis, and classic data structures. Includes a team-based, semester-long software project. A grade of C or better is required in CS pre-requisite 1114 or 1124. Pre: 1114 or 1124. (2H,2L,3C)

2164 (BIT 2164) (PSCI 2164): FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY SECURITY ENVIRONMENTS
Introduction to multiple analytical perspectives on contemporary security environments, including political, legal, ethical, technical, environmental and historical and cultural perspectives relative to the conception, design and implementation of security solutions, practices, and policies. Emphasizes applying and analyzing the effectiveness of diverse procedures, tools and policies used in security and privacy solutions, decision-making, risk management and operational policy to mitigate local, national, international and global threats. (3H,3C)

2304: SELF STUDY IN A PROGRAMMING SYSTEM
Guided self-study in a specific programming system, its syntax and applications; based on prior knowledge of the programming process and experience in programming with some high level language; may be taken three times for credit with different system each time; may be taken only twice for CS major or minor credit; systems to be offered may include FORTRAN, COBOL, C, UNIX, LISP. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 1706. Pre: 2114. (1C)

2505-2506: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ORGANIZATION
An introduction to the design and operation of digital computers. Works up from the logic gate level to combinational and sequential circuits, information representation, computer arithmetic, arithmetic/logic units, control unit design, basic computer organization, relationships between high level programming languages and instruction set architectures. A grade of C or better is required in CS prerequisite. Corequisites: MATH 2534 or MATH 3034. Pre: 2114 for 2505; 2505, 2114, (MATH 2534 or MATH 3034) for 2506. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3114: DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS
Advanced data structures and analysis of data structure and algorithm performance. Sorting, searching, hashing, and advanced tree structures and algorithms. File system organization and access methods. Course projects require advanced problem-solving, design, and implementation skills. A grade of C or better is required in CS prerequisites 2114 and 2505. Pre: 2114, 2505, (MATH 2534 or MATH 3034). (3H,3C)

3214: COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Introduction to computer systems as they are relevant to application programmers today, with emphasis on operating system principles. Operating system design and architectures; processes; threads, synchronization techniques, deadlock; CPU scheduling; system call interfaces, system level I/O and file management; shell programming; separate compilation, loading and linking; inter-process communication (IPC); virtual and physical memory management and garbage collection; network protocols and programming; virtualization; performance analysis and optimization. A grade of C or better is required in CS pre-requisites 2506 and 2114. Pre: 2506, 2114. (3H,3C)

3304: COMPARATIVE LANGUAGES
This course in programming language constructs emphasizes the run-time behavior of programs. The languages are studied from two points of view: (1) the fundamental elements of languages and their inclusion in commercially available systems; and (2) the differences between implementations of common elements in languages. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

3414 (MATH 3414): NUMERICAL METHODS
Computational methods for numerical solution of non-linear equations, differential equations, approximations, iterations, methods of least squares, and other topics. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 1044 or 1705. A student can earn credit for at most one of 3414 and MATH 4404. Pre: (1044 or 1705 or 1114 or 1124), (MATH 2214 or MATH 2214H), (MATH 2224 or MATH 2224H or MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H). (3H,3C)

3604: PROFESSIONALISM IN COMPUTING
Studies the ethical, social, and professional concerns of the computer science field. Covers the social impact of the computer, implications and effects of computers on society, and the responsibilities of computer professionals in directing the emerging technology. The topics are studied through case studies of reliable, risk-free technologies, and systems that provide user friendly processes. Specific studies are augmented by an overview of the history of computing, interaction with industrial partners and computing professionals, and attention to the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals. This is a web-supported course, incorporating writing intensive exercises, making extensive use of active learning technologies. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 1944, 2114, COMM 2004. (3H,3C)

3634 (CMDA 3634): COMPUTER SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS FOR COMPUTATIONAL MODELING & DATA ANALYTICS
Survey of computer science concepts and tools that enable computational science and data analytics. Data structure design and implementation. Analysis of data structure and algorithm performance. Introduction to high-performance computer architectures and parallel computation. Basic operating systems concepts that influence the performance of large-scale computational modeling and data analytics. Software development and software tools for computational modeling. Not for CS major credit. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C)

3654 (CMDA 3654) (STAT 3654): INTRODUCTORY DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALIZATION
Basic principles and techniques in data analytics; methods for the collection of, storing, accessing, and manipulating standard-size and large datasets; data visualization; and identifying sources of bias. Pre: (1114 or 1044 or 1054 or 1064), (MATH 2224 or MATH 2224H or MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H or MATH 2406H or CMDA 2005), (STAT 3006 or STAT 4705 or STAT 4714 or CMDA 2006). (3H,3C)

3704: INTERMEDIATE SOFTWARE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Explores the principles of software design in detail, with an emphasis on software engineering aspects. Includes exposure of software lifecycle activities including design, coding, testing, debugging, and maintenance, highlighting how design affects these activities. Peer reviews, designing for software reuse, CASE tools, and writing software to specifications are also covered. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

3714: MOBILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Technologies and concepts underlying software development for mobile devices (handheld computers). Mobile computing platforms, including architecture, operating system, and programming environment. Software design patterns and structuring for mobile applications. Network-centric mobile software development. Data persistence. Programming for mobile device components such as cameras, recorders, accelerometer, gyroscope and antennas. Location-aware software development. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C)

3724: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
Survey of human-computer interaction concepts, theory, and practice. Basic components of human-computer interaction. Interdisciplinary underpinnings. Informed and critical evaluation of computer-based technology. User-oriented perspective, rather than system-oriented, with two thrusts: human (cognitive, social) and technological (input/output, interactions styles, devices). Design guidelines, evaluation methods, participatory design, communication between users and system developers. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 2114. Pre: 1114 or 1044 or 1054 or 1064. (3H,3C)

3744: INTRODUCTION TO GUI PROGRAMMING AND GRAPHICS
Design and implementation of object-oriented graphical user interfaces (GUI) and two-dimensional computer graphics systems. Implementation methodologies including callbacks, handlers, event listeners, design patterns, layout managers, and architectural models. Mathematical foundations of computer graphics applied to fundamental algorithms for clipping, scan conversion, affine and convex linear transformations, projections, viewing, structuring, and modeling. A grade of C or better is required in CS pre-requisite 2114. Pre: 2114, (MATH 1114 or MATH 1114H or MATH 2114 or MATH 2114H), (MATH 1224 or MATH 1224H or MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H). (3H,3C)

3754: CLOUD SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Fundamentals of cloud software development, including design patterns, application programming interfaces, and underlying middleware technologies. Development of distributed multi-tiered enterprise software applications that run on a server computer and are accessed using a web browser over the Internet on a network-connected computer such as desktop, laptop, or handheld computer (tablet, smartphone, or mobile device. A grade of C or better is required in prerequisite. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C)

3824: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS
Introduction to computational biology and bioinformatics (CBB) through hands-on learning experiences. Emphasis on problem solving in CBB. Breadth of topics covering structural bioinformatics; modeling and simulation of biological networks; computational sequence analysis; algorithms for reconstructing phylogenies; computational systems biology; and data mining algorithms. Pre-requisite: Grade of C or better in CS 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4104: DATA AND ALGORITHM ANALYSIS
Data structures and algorithms from an analytical perspective. Theoretical analysis of algorithm efficiency. Comparing algorithms with respect to space and run-time requirements. Analytical methods for describing theoretical and practical bounds on performance. Constraints affecting problem solvability. A grade of C or better is required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114, (MATH 3034 or MATH 3134). (3H,3C)

4114: INTRODUCTION TO FORMAL LANGUAGES AND AUTOMATA THEORY
The course presents a study of formal languages and the correspondence between language classes and the automata that recognize them. Formal definitions of grammars and acceptors, deterministic and nondeterministic systems, grammar ambiguity, finite state and push-down automata, and normal forms will be discussed. Pre: MATH 3134 or MATH 3034. (3H,3C)

4124: THEORY OF COMPUTATION
Theoretical analysis of the computational process; fundamental concepts such as abstract programs, classes of computational machines and their equivalence, recursive function theory, unsolvable problems, Church’s thesis, Kleene’s theorem, program equivalence, and generability, acceptability, decidability will be covered. Pre: MATH 3134 or MATH 3034. (3H,3C)

4164 (BIT 4164) (PSCI 4164): FUTURE OF SECURITY: INTEGRATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX SECURITY SYSTEMS
Identification and analysis of complex, real-world security problems and threats to people, organizations, and nations across multiple domains, roles and future scenarios. Crisis communication, decision making tools, ethical principles and problem-solving methods to respond, assess options, plan, scope, and communicate before, during and after conflicts, disasters and attacks. Use of an experiential learning facility, and participation in a reality-based team simulation of cascading security and disaster events. Pre: PSCI 2164 or BIT 2164 or CS 2164. (3H,3C)

4204: COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Hardware and software techniques for the display of graphical information. 2D and 3D geometry and transformations, clipping and windowing, software systems. Interactive graphics, shading, hidden surface elimination, perspective depth. Modeling and realism. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114 and 3744. Pre: 3114, 3744. (3H,3C)

4214: SIMULATION AND MODELING
Overview of discrete-event digital computer simulation and modeling. Fundamentals of model development, Monte Carlo simulation, the life cycle of a simulation study, input and output data analysis, world views and time control, random number and variate generation, credibility assessment of simulation results, simulation languages, applications of simulation using the General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS). A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 2114. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C)

4234: PARALLEL COMPUTATION
Survey of parallel computer architectures, models of parallel computation, and interconnection networks. Parallel algorithm development and analysis. Programming paradigms and languages for parallel computation. Example applications. Performance measurement and evaluation. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3214. Pre: 3214. (3H,3C)

4244: INTERNET SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Key technology underlying the World-Wide Web. Web architecture, including client and server design, network protocols, and related standards. Static and dynamic content, caching, state management, fault tolerance, error handling. Programming systems and abstractions, e.g., sockets, remote procedures, Web services, frameworks and component models. Document representations and processing. Security. Entrepreneurial issues and emerging technologies. A grade of C or better required in CS 3214 prerequisite. Pre: 3214. (3H,3C)

4254: COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECTURE AND PROGRAMMING
Introduction to computer network architecture, and methods for programming network services and applications (e.g. DNS, Email and MIME, http, SNMP, multimedia). Wired, wireless, and satellite network architectures. OSI protocol model, with an emphasis on upper layers. Congestion control, quality of service, routing. Internet protocol suite (e.g. IP, TCP, ARP, RARP). Server design (e.g. connectionless, concurrent). Network programming abstractions (e.g. XDR, remote procedure calls, sockets, DCOM). Case studies (e.g. TELNET). A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3214. Pre: 3214. (3H,3C)

4264: PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER SECURITY
Survey of computer problems and fundamental computer security design principles and models for software systems. Cryptographic models and methods. Modern cyber security techniques for robust computer operating systems, software, web applications, large-scale networks and data protection. Privacy models and techniques. Contemporary computer and network security examples. A grade of C or better is required in prerequisites. Pre: 3214 or (ECE 2500, ECE 3574). (3H,3C)

4284: SYSTEMS & NETWORKING CAPSTONE
Advanced topics in computer systems & networking, e.g. distributed and parallel processing, emerging architectures, novel systems management & networking design, fault- tolerance, and robust and secure data management. Team- based approach to solving open-ended computer systems & networking problems. Designing, implementing and documenting advanced computer/networking systems. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisites. Pre: 3114, 3214. (3H,3C)

4304: COMPILER DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
This course includes the theory, the design, and the implementation of a large language translator system. Lexical analysis, syntactic analysis, code generation, and optimization are emphasized. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3214. Pre: 3214. (3H,3C)

4414 (MATH 4414): ISSUES IN SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
Theory and techniques of modern computational mathematics, computing environments, computational linear algebra, optimization, approximation, parameter identification, finite difference and finite element methods and symbolic computation. Project-oriented course; modeling and analysis of physical systems using state-of-the-art software and packaged subroutines. Pre: (MATH 2214 or MATH 2214H or MATH 2406H or CMDA 2006), MATH 3214, (CS 2114 or MATH 3054). (2H,3L,3C)

4504 (ECE 4504): COMPUTER ORGANIZATION
Overview of the structure, elements and analysis of modern enterprise computers. Performance evaluation of commercial computing. Past and emerging technology trends. Impact of parallelism at multiple levels of computer architecture. Memory and storage. Fundamental computer system descriptions, Amdahl’s Law, Flynn’s Taxonomy. A grade of C or better required in prerequisites. Pre: ECE 2500 or CS 3214. (3H,3C)

4570 (ECE 4570): WIRELESS NETWORKS AND MOBILE SYSTEMS
Multidisciplinary, project-oriented design course that considers aspects of wireless and mobile systems including wireless networks and link protocols, mobile networking including support for the Internet Protocol suite, mobile middleware, and mobile applications. Students complete multiple experiments and design projects. Pre: 4254 or ECE 4564. (3H,3C)

4604: INTRODUCTION TO DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Emphasis on introduction of the basic data base models, corresponding logical and physical data structures, comparisons of models, logical data design, and data base usage. Terminology, historical evolution, relationships, implementation, data base personnel, future trends, applications, performance considerations, data integrity. Senior standing required. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

4624: MULTIMEDIA, HYPERTEXT AND INFORMATION ACCESS
Introduces the architectures, concepts, data, hardware, methods, models, software, standards, structures, technologies, and issues involved with: networked multimedia information and systems, hypertext and hypermedia, networked information videoconferencing, authoring/electronic publishing, and information access. Coverage includes how to capture, represent, link, store, compress, browse, search, retrieve, manipulate, interact with, synchronize, perform, and present: text, drawings, still images, animations, audio, video, and their combinations (including in digital libraries). Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

4634: DESIGN OF INFORMATION
Survey of the higher-order properties that allow data to become information, that is, to inform people. The course focuses on the analysis of user needs, user comprehension and local semantics; the design of information organization; and the design of information display appropriate to use and setting. A grade of C or better is required in CS prerequisites 3114 and 3724. Pre: 3114, 3724. (3H,3C)

4644: CREATIVE COMPUTING STUDIO
Capstone computer science course at the intersection of arts and technology. Intensive immersion in different approaches to digital arts such as game design, interactive art, digital music, and immersive virtual reality. Students work in teams to conduct an end-to-end integrative design project. A grade of C or better is required in prerequisite CS 3724. Pre: 3724. (3H,3C)

4654 (CMDA 4654) (STAT 4654): INTERMEDIATE DATA ANALYTICS AND MACHINE LEARNING
A technical analytics course. Covers supervised and unsupervised learning strategies, including regression, generalized linear models, regulations, dimension reduction methods, tree-based methods for classification, and clustering. Upper-level analytical methods shown in practice: e.g., advanced naive Bayes and neural networks. Pre: (STAT 3654 or CMDA 3654 or CS 3654), (STAT 3104 or STAT 4706 or CMDA 2006). (3H,3C)

4704: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CAPSTONE
Senior project course integrating software engineering knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses. Team- based approach to problem formulation, requirements engineering, architecture, design, implementation, integration, documentation and delivery of software system that solves a real-world problem. Pre: A grade of C or better in CS 3704. Pre: 3704. (3H,3C)

4784: HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION CAPSTONE
Advanced, project-based course in Human-Computer Interaction. Team-based, end-to-end, integrative interface design project drawn from area of expertise in the department, e.g., virtual reality, augmented reality, embodied cognition, visualization, semiotic engineering, game design, personal information management, mobile computing, design tools, educational technology, and digital democracy. Pre-requisite: Senior Standing required. A grade of C or better is required in CS pre-requisite 3724 and 3744 Pre: 3724, 3744. (3H,3C)

4804: INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Overview of the areas of problem solving, game playing, and computer vision. Search trees and/or graphs, game trees, block world vision, syntactic pattern recognition, object matching, natural language, and robotics. Senior standing required. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)

4824 (ECE 4424): MACHINE LEARNING
Algorithms and principles involved in machine learning; focus on perception problems arising in computer vision, natural language processing and robotics; fundamentals of representing uncertainty, learning from data, supervised learning, ensemble methods, unsupervised learning, structured models, learning theory and reinforcement learning; design and analysis of machine perception systems; design and implementation of a technical project applied to real-world datasets (images, text, robotics). A grade of C- or better in prerequisites. Pre: ECE 2574 or CS 2114, (STAT 4604 or STAT 4705 or STAT 4714). (3H,3C)

4884: COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY & BIOINFORMATICS CAPSTONE
Advanced topics in computational biology and bioinformatics (CBB). Team-based approach to solving open-ended problems in CBB. Projects drawn from areas of expertise in the department, e.g., algorithms for CBB, computational models for biological systems, analysis of structure-function relationships in biomolecules, genomic data analysis and data mining, computational genomics, systems biology. Design, implementation, documentation and presentation of solutions. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3824. Pre: 3824. (3H,3C)

4944: SEMINAR
Pass/Fail only. Pre: 3604. (1H,1C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.