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Technology related programs

 In an information age characterized by rapid and powerful change, Bluffton University recognizes the need for flexibility in delivering academic programs in the area of computer science and information technology. These programs are delivered through the mathematics and business departments. The departments use a collaborative approach designed to prepare majors for advanced study and high tech professions and to ensure a program design that anticipates changes in knowledge requirements and professional opportunities for graduates. 

A major in information technology is available. Minors are offered in- information technology and graphic design (offered through the art department).
 

Information technology major

 

Information technology minor 

(19 hours)

 

Computer science courses

Offered through the mathematics department

CPS 108 Computer Programming   (3)
This course is an introduction to computer programming which emphasizes the application of fundamental principles to problem solving and programming techniques. Structured programming concepts using a C-type programming language are stressed. Some familiarity with computers is assumed.

CPS 112 Object Oriented Program With Applied Data Structures   (3)
This course is a study of the design of data structures and the analysis of the algorithms used to manipulate them. The fundamental concepts studied in this course serve as a foundation for the advanced computer science concepts studied in later courses. Topics include data types, records, recursion, queues, stacks, linked lists, trees, graphs, searching, sorting, algorithm complexity and classes of algorithms. Software engineering principles are introduced. Prerequisite: CPS 108.

CPS 220 Introduction to Object-oriented Programming   (3)
This course is an introduction to the object-oriented programming paradigm. Emphasis is placed on methods, objects, graphics, graphical user interfaces and components, applets and applications, and program development tools. Prerequisite: CPS 112.

CPS 221 Applications in Object-oriented Programming   (2)
This course focuses on the application of the object-oriented programming paradigm using Java. Areas covered include multithreaded applications, internationalization and security issues, graphics and animation, and simulation. Students work on a term project in their area of interest. Prerequisite: CPS 220.

CPS 320 Numerical Analysis   (3)
This course focuses on the applications of the computer in science and mathematics. Topics include calculation of functions, roots of equations, integration, Fourier analysis, differential equations, Monte-Carlo methods and curve fitting. Lectures present the concepts of the numerical analysis topics covered and their corresponding algorithms; students are expected to be familiar with the underlying mathematical concepts and the programming methodology necessary for algorithm implementation. Prerequisites: CPS 108 and MAT 136. Offered alternate years.

CPS 322 Database Systems   (3)
This course has its primary focus on the relational model for database organization. Topics include the relational data structure, relational algebra, normalization, integrity, recovery, concurrency and distributed databases. Assignments include team projects involved in the various stages of information systems development: definition, design, implementation, testing and documentation. Prerequisite: CPS 112. Offered alternate years.

CPS 331 Programming Languages and Compilers   (3)
This course studies the design and implementation of modern programming languages, compilers and interpreters. Concepts of data representation, storage allocation, scope, code generation, lexical analysis and parsing of context-free grammars are examined. Students design and implement a simple compiler. Prerequisite: CPS 221. Offered alternate years.

CPS 333 Systems Programming  (3)
This course focuses on the writing of programs that utilize web, network and operating system services in order to perform a task. Topics include Internet protocols, CGI, RPC, XML, DOM, SOAP and AJAX. Operating shell programming is also introduced. Prerequisite: CPS 221. Offered alternate years.

CPS 341 Operating Systems   (3)
Students are provided with an examination of the characteristics of modern operating systems and its related software. Topics include process and memory management, scheduling issues, performance metrics and concurrent programming. Case studies of various operating systems are conducted. Prerequisite: CPS 220 or junior standing. Offered alternate years.

CPS 343 Network and Systems Administration   (3)
This course deals with issues involving both network configuration and systems administration. The OSI layered reference model serves as an outline to the course. Topics include the physical architecture of computer networks, networking protocols and services, resource management, directory services, system and network security/privacy, and network and system monitoring. A special emphasis is placed on understanding TCP/IP and various related services (DNS, DHCP, SMTP, HTTP, LDAP). In addition, Windows NT Server is frequently used as a case study. Prerequisite: CPS 341. Offered alternate years.

CPS 350 Computer Organization and Assembly Language   (3)
Students are provided with an introduction to computer hardware organization, the instruction execution cycle and the relationship between machine/assembly languages and high-level programming languages. The Intel 8086 family of microprocessors is used to provide opportunities for machine and assembly language programming. Architectural and organizational issues are also addressed. Prerequisite: CPS 220 or junior standing. Offered alternate years.

CPS 352 Digital DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTERS   (4)
This course presents a study of digital electronics and an overview of its use in computers. Topics include logic, logic integrated circuits, processors, memory, processor-peripheral communication and instrument interfacing. Prerequisites: CPS 350 and PHY 212. Offered alternate years.

CPS 390 Independent Study in Computer Science   (credit varies)
By arrangement.

CPS 399 Special Topics in Computer Science   (credit varies)
By arrangement. 

Technology courses

Offered through the business department
TEC 102 Using Microcomputers 2   (2)
Designed to provide familiarity with data processing using microcomputers in a hands-on environment. Coverage includes spreadsheet software and database software.
 
TEC 105 Web Applications   (3)
This course is an introduction to web page development using existing standards and web applications such as XHTML and CSS. Basic coding concepts, organization of files, page design, computer ethics and work with common web media types will be stressed.
 

TEC 150 Web Animation (3)
This course is an introduction to animation applications used in web page development using existing standards and web applications. Basic design and interface concepts will be stressed. Topics covered in course: animation concepts, design elements, elements of interface, intro level scripting. 

TEC 200 Scripting Languages   (3)
A study of the basic concepts of scripting languages, their history and development, and their uses as they relate to web-based applications and e-business. Students learn to build and use simple scripts to run within various applications with an emphasis on JavaScript within HTML and ActionScript -within Flash. Prerequisites: TEC 105 or permission of instructor.

TEC 250 Web Animation 2-Scripting and Integration  (3)
This course is a continuation of TEC 150 with an emphasis on scripting applied within web-based animation applications such as Flash, using ActionScript. The course will also introduce other applications used in script-based web applications such as PHP. Topics covered in course: scripting concepts, object-oriented programming concepts, intermediate level scripting and interaction of multiple applications in web design.

TEC 369 Introduction to Information Systems   (3)
A survey of an organization s information needs and the tools and strategies required to satisfy and manage those needs. Prerequisites: MGT 354, MKT 356.

TEC 385 Technology Practicum 1   (credit varies)
A supervised work/study technology placement in a campus or business setting consistent with the student s interest and career goals. Students enrolled in the practicum also meet one hour monthly to discuss their experiences with one another and with the instructor. Credit/no credit.

TEC 400 Technology, Ethics and Society   (2)
Students explore, both individually and in small groups, emerging technologies and the literature on technology as it relates to society. Instructors emphasize the social, ethical and political implications of current and emerging digital technology. Through readings, discussions and projects, students consider selected issues. Students also use technology for communication, research and discussion, both to reinforce technology skills and to stimulate a dialogue about the impact of technology on human interaction and culture. Prerequisites: TEC 105, junior standing or permission of instructor.  Offered every third year.

TEC 485 Technology Practicum 2   (credit varies)
A supervised work/study technology placement in an off-campus setting consistent with the student s interest and career goals. Students enrolled in the practicum also meet one hour monthly to discuss their experiences with one another and with the instructor. Credit/no credit.

June 2012

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