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, computer science and technology department. The department uses 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.
Three majors are available: computer science, information technology and information systems. Minors are offered in computer science, information technology and graphic design (offered through the art department).
Computer Science
The computer science major is designed to provide students with a current, comprehensive knowledge of computer science and with a strong problem-solving orientation designed to prepare students for professional careers or graduate study in this ever-growing field. This is accomplished by placing the fundamental computer science core subjects within a framework of mathematics, science and the standard liberal arts program.
The computer science core subject curriculum is aimed at developing competency through hands-on experiences. The mathematics and science components allow development of the technical background one expects a computer scientist to possess. The liberal arts component of the program provides the essential non-technical skills necessary for a successful career.
Computer Science major (59 hours)
Computer science courses: (36 hours)
CPS 108 Computer Programming (3)
CPS 112 Data Structures & Algorithms (3)
CPS 220 Introduction to Object-oriented Programming (3)
CPS 221 Applications in Object-oriented Programming (2)
CPS 320 Numerical Analysis (3)
CPS 322 Database Systems (3)
CPS 331 Programming Languages and Compilers (3)
CPS 333 Systems Programming (3)
CPS 341 Operating Systems (3)
CPS 343 Network and Systems Administration (3)
CPS 350 Computer Organization and Assembly Language (3)
CPS 352 Digital Electronics and Computers (4)
Mathematics courses: (13 hours)
MAT 135 Calculus 1 (5)
MAT 136 Calculus 2 (5)
MAT 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
Physics courses: (10 hours)
PHY 211 Physics for Science and Engineering I (5)
PHY 212 Physics for Science and Engineering 2 (5)
Computer Science minor (20-21 hours)
The computer science minor allows students desiring a computer background within another major to obtain a solid foundation in the field. Following the required core courses, students minoring in computer science are able to take as electives those upper level computer science courses that best fit their professional needs. This minor is not available to those students majoring in information systems.
Required computer science courses: (11 hours)
CPS 108 Computer Programming (3)
CPS 112 Data Structures & Algorithms (3)
CPS 220 Introduction to Object-oriented Programming (3)
CPS 221 Applications in Object-oriented Programming (2)
Three additional courses must be taken from the following list: (9-10 hours)
CPS 320 Numerical Analysis (3)
CPS 322 Database Systems (3)
CPS 331 Programming Languages and Compilers (3)
CPS 333 Systems Programming (3)
CPS 341 Operating Systems (3)
CPS 343 Network and Systems Administration (3)
CPS 350 Computer Organization and Assembly Language (3)
CPS 352 Digital Electronics and Computers (4)
Information Technology
The information technology major stresses the understanding of computer-based media, programming through an intermediate level, and critical judgment and communication skills. The information technology major prepares students for jobs as project managers, Web masters and computer experts in small business, education or creative design environments. The core courses overlap with the computer science and information systems majors, while emphasizing Web-programming environments like scripting language, database structure and media. The information technology major has a core of courses and allows students to select 12 hours from technology, business and graphic art courses according to their interests.
Information Technology major (63 hours)
Core courses: (51 hours)
TEC 100 Information Technology and Media (3)
TEC 102 Using Microcomputers 2 (2)
TEC 200 Scripting Languages (3)
TEC 385 Technology Practicum 1 (2)
TEC 485 Technology Practicum 2 (2)
TEC 400 Technology, Ethics and Society (3)
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)
ART 350 Internet Design (3)
COM 185 Public Speaking and Persuasion (3)
COM 305 Writing for the Media (3)
or ENG 207 Professional and Technical Writing (3)
CPS 108 Computer Programming (3)
CPS 112 Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
CPS 220 Introduction to Object-oriented Programming (3)
CPS 322 Database Systems (3)
EBA 325 E-Commerce (3) (Prerequisites waived)
EBA 356 Principles of Marketing (3) (Prerequisites waived)
EBA 369 Introduction to Information Systems (3) (Prerequisites waived)
Electives selected from the following: (12 hours)
ART 255 Graphic Design I: Desktop Publishing (3)
ART 265 Graphic Design II: Photo Editing (3)
ART 270 Graphic Design III: Illustrating (3)
ART 345 Typography (3)
ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
COM 240 Media and Culture (3)
COM 338 Gender, Race and Communication (3)
COM 370 Visual Culture and Communication (3)
CPS 221 Applications in Object-oriented Programming (3)
CPS 341 Operating Systems (3)
CPS 343 Network and Systems Administration (3)
EBA 354 Principles of Management (3)
EBA 376 Business Intelligence (3)
Information Technology minor (20 hours)
TEC 100 Information Technology and Media (3)
TEC 200 Scripting Languages (3)
TEC 385 Technology Practicum 1 (2)
TEC 400 Technology, Ethics and Society (3)
ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)
CPS 108 Computer Programming (3)
EBA 369 Introduction to Information Systems (3)
Information Systems
The information systems major is a blend of computer science, economics/business/accounting and information systems courses. Graduates would be expected to pursue careers involving the use and management of information within a business or organization.
Information Systems major (56 hours)
Required computer science courses:
CPS 108 Computer Programming (3)
CPS 112 Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
CPS 220 Introduction to Object-oriented Programming (3)
CPS 221 Applications in Object-oriented Programming (2)
CPS 322 Database Systems (3)
CPS 341 Operating Systems (3)
CPS 343 Network and Systems Administration (3)
CPS 350 Computer Organization & Assembly Language (3)
Required EBA courses:
EBA 141 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
EBA 151 Principles of Accounting 1 (3)
EBA 152 Principles of Accounting 2 (3)
EBA 245 Business Law (3)
EBA 354 Principles of Management (3)
EBA 355 Production & Operations Management (3)
EBA 356 Principles of Marketing (3)
EBA 364 Human Resource Management (3)
Required information systems courses:
EBA 369 Introduction to Information Systems (3)
EBA 376 Business Intelligence (3)
Required mathematics course:
MAT 220 Discrete Mathematics (3)
In addition to the above courses, some graduate programs will expect the student to have courses in calculus and statistics, as well as more courses in computer science and business administration. Information systems majors should work closely with their advisor(s) to be sure they fulfill all the expectations for the next phase of their education.
Computer Science courses
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 Data Structures and Algorithms (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 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
TEC 100 Information Technology and Media (3)
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to use digital technology and media creatively and effectively. Students work in small groups with defined responsibilities and create multimedia projects both within the group and as individuals. Media tools and resources presently available to the student are explored and electronic communications skills are emphasized throughout the course. The course builds on basic computer skills with an emphasis on media and communications tools such as PowerPoint, HTML, e-mail, the internet and the basics of how a network functions, as well as digital imaging and editing, basic digital audio, video and streaming technology.
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. Prerequisites: Students who have had some exposure to computers may take TEC 102 without further prerequisites.
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 100 or permission of instructor.
TEC 385 Technology Practicum 1 (2)
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.
TEC 400 Technology, Ethics and Society (3)
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 100, junior standing or permission of instructor.
TEC 485 Technology Practicum 2 (2)
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.
Information Systems courses
EBA 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: EBA 354, EBA 356, CPS 112.
