Computing and Information Technology Courses
110 Information Technology and Society. 4. Introduces students to social, legal and ethical issues arising from the use and ubiquity of current and emerging digital computer technology. Topics include privacy and personal information, encryption and interception of communications, freedom of speech in cyberspace, intellectual property, computer crime and broader issues on the impact and control of computers. Does not count toward the major.
131 HTML. 2. Introduction to HTML and Web page construction. Students will receive hands on training in the development of Web pages using markup languages. The course will also survey Web site design topics and introduce students to the use of mainstream Web development tools.
140 Introduction to Computer Programming. 4. Exploration of computer programming with emphasis on scientific, educational and entertainment applications. Topics include programming fundamentals, user interaction, graphics display, data processing, problem solving and artificial intelligence. Prior programming experience not required. Fulfills business and policy studies requirement. Prerequisite: computer experience at the level of BUS 141: Introduction to Computers and completion of quantitative literacy requirement.
141 Advanced Computer Programming. 4. A continuation of the study of program development begun in CMIT 140. The main areas of study: advanced programming features such as recursion and dynamic memory; a further investigation into object oriented principles such as object-oriented design, inheritance and polymorphism; an introduction to simple data structures – lists, queues, stacks and binary trees; an introduction to algorithm analysis using searching and sorting algorithms. Prerequisite: CMIT140.
144 VB.Net. 2. Programming with VB.NET is an introduction to Windows based programming for business applications. Topics include VB.NET syntax, develop of Windows GUIs, Event Driven and Object Oriented Programming and incorporating the use of external data storage (files and databases) to support real-world business applications. Prerequisite: CMIT140.
201 Data Structures and Algorithms. 4. A more complete and detailed study of data structures. Lists, queues, stacks and trees are reviewed, but with more emphasis on the mathematical analysis of their properties. Advanced data structures such as balanced trees, graphs and heaps are covered, as are specific algorithms which use these structures efficiently. General algorithm techniques and their analysis are also covered. Prerequisites: CMIT 141.
221 Foundations in Information Systems. 4. Computer hardware and software concepts at an intermediate level, based on a broader perspective of the computer industry, incorporating historical developments, current practices and future technologies. Topics include higher-level computing terms and concepts, exploration of a range of operating systems, hands-on experience in the configuration of hardware and software and analysis of the rapid changes in information technology and how to best adapt to them. Prerequisite: CMIT 141.
223 Computer Hardware Construction. 4. This course provides an introduction to and exploration of the current state of the art as evidenced by the actual component parts used in assembling a high performance desktop computer. We will be turning occasionally vague wishes about how we want a computer to perform into a clear set of instructions that make it happen. We will also be examining the basic building blocks used in the construction of these amazing machines. Prerequisites: none.
241 C++. 2. An introduction to the elements of the C++ programming language.Topics covered include language syntax, data types, the concept of variable scope, arrays, pointers, structures, objects, functions and function call structure, parameter passing and the sequence, selection (if-then-else) and repetition control structures (for, while, repeat-until loops).Also covered are the commonly used ANSI C string manipulation, file I/O and memory allocation functions. Prerequisite: CMIT141
250 Special Topics. 4. May also be offered at 350 and 450 levels.
260 Independent Study. 1-4. May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels.
274 Digital Graphic Design (THEA 274). 4. Introduction to the uses of computer-assisted drafting, image manipulation and desktop publishing as applied to the creation of artistic work. Explores basic elements of graphic design: form, space, color, contrast, typography, clip art and images and layout. Step-by-step instruction empowers students to create projects that are both functional and visually appealing. Fulfills arts requirement.
290 Internship. 1-4. May also be offered at the 390 level.
321 Operating Systems. 4. This is an introduction to computer operating systems and their basic organization. It will include concurrent programming and synchronization techniques such as locks, barriers, semaphores and monitors. It will also deal with message passing, memory management, interrupts and file systems. The students will examine the coding used to implement the algorithms and learn to modify these structures to satisfy the specific requirements of a project.
322 (Inter)Networking Computers. 4. In-depth exposure to the terms, concepts and configurations that have historically been, are currently being, and may in the future be used to accomplish inter-computer communication. Topics and technologies covered include telecommunications, wide area networking, local area networking, topologies and protocols, routing, switching and bridging, Internet design and services, security, remote access, emerging technologies and the OSI model. Lab exercises focus on the installation of operating systems and configuration of their networking components, design and construction of examples of computer networks and experimentation with performance and configuration of those networks. Prerequisite: CMIT 221.
331 Information Design. 4. Examination of communication using computers and the Internet from the perspectives of both the provider and the consumer. Topics include Web page design, Web site construction, information quality and evaluation and how technology has affected and will affect communication and information transfer. Comparative study of communication technologies viewed as revolutionary, such as the printing press. Prerequisite: CMIT 131 or equivalent knowledge.
340 Software Engineering. 4. A course that introduces students to the fundamental principles and practical issues of software system design, development and analysis. Topics include: system life-cycle models, requirements engineering, human factors, analysis and design, risk management and project management. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students will integrate and apply the skills and concepts learned in this and previous courses to develop an innovative enterprise system. Prerequisites: CMIT 201
342 Database Systems (BUS 342). 4. Introduction to theory and practice of enterprise-level relational database systems. Using Oracle, the student will learn the principles of entity relationship modeling and normalization. By modifying a database in a project, the student will learn how to create queries using SQL, triggers, stored procedures, cursors, forms and reports. Prerequisites: CMIT140, CMIT141 or CMIT144. BUS 241 is recommended.
401 Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life (IDS 419). 4. Concepts and techniques involved in building artificial systems that claims some level of intelligence or life. Exploration of the technical aspects and the philosophical and social issues involved in attempting to create intelligent and/or living systems. Satisfies the major’s capstone requirement. Prerequisite: CMIT 141.
421 Computer Security and Information Assurance. 4. An introduction to and exploration of the techniques and methods used in the securing computers and computer networks. Prerequisite: CMIT 322
440 Computer Graphics and Animation. 4. Principles and applications of computer graphics and animation in two and three dimensions, including modeling transformations, three-dimensional viewing, lighting models, shading and animation techniques in two and three dimensions. Integration of two- and three-dimensional model mechanics into interactive worlds and game-style settings. Advanced concepts such as photorealistic graphics, ray-tracing, particle animation and others as time permits. Applications chosen from several areas, including entertainment, scientific visualization, virtual environments and others of student interest. Prerequisites: CMIT 141, knowledge of C++ at the level of CMIT 241 and a good understanding of trigonometry.
470 Senior Thesis. 4. A written senior thesis may be undertaken as a separate project or as the culmination of independent study; the senior thesis must represent serious research and independent thought. The senior thesis may satisfy the requirements of the capstone course with the approval of the coordinator of the major.
490 Departmental Honors. 4-8.