Computer Science
253.535.7400
www.cs.plu.edu

Course Offerings

Computer Science
Computer science deals with the theory, design, and application of computing systems and the study of the storing and manipulation of information. The program at Pacific Lutheran University provides a broad base core of fundamental material that stresses analysis and design experiences with substantial laboratory work, including software development. In addition, students are exposed to a variety of programming languages and systems. Students can choose from a number of upper-level courses which insure a depth of knowledge and an understanding of current developments in the field.

The Bachelor of Science degree in computer science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is a relatively new engineering specialty that has grown out of rapidly evolving micro- and mini-computer technology. The curriculum consists of essential and advanced elements from computer science and electrical engineering, developing both hardware and software expertise. Electives permit concentration in areas such as integrated circuit design, microprocessor applications, computer design, application software development, and artificial intelligence.

Faculty: Blaha, Chair; Brink, Hauser, Kakar, Murphy, Spillman, Wolff.

Beginning Classes: There are several beginning-level classes in computer science designed for students with various needs:

Computer Science and Computer Engineering 115: Solve it with the Computer
Especially for students with little or no background in computer science who wish an introduction to the use of the computer for problem solving. Not recommended for students with strong mathematics backgrounds. This course also satisfies the Mathematical Reasoning requirement.

Computer Science and Computer Engineering 120: Computerized Information Systems
Especially appropriate for business majors and other students wishing an introduction to the computer and applications of software packages.

Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144: Introduction to Computer Science
For students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and most science majors, as well as others wishing a strong experience in computer programming.

Computer Science and Computer Engineering 270: Data Structures
This is the second course in the major. With departmental approval, students with a strong programming background may receive advanced placement into this course.

Computer Equipment: All students have unlimited access to the university Computer Center's user-room facilities. The Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering also maintains a Solaris server and laboratories of its own. The upper-level lab contains Linux, and Windows workstations. The other lab is used as a teaching laboratory and open lab; it has 18 Windows NT workstations and computer projection equipment. All machines are on the Ethernet, are accessible through the campus network, and have full access to the Internet.

Computer Science Majors: Students majoring in computer science may choose to earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Arts program is the minimum preparation suitable for further professional study and is often combined with extensive study or a second major in an allied field. The Bachelor of Science is a strong, scientific degree that contains additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and science and serves both students going directly into employment on graduation and those going into graduate programs.

Both degrees are based on the same core courses: Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144, 270, 346, 380, 499, Mathematics 151, 152, and 245. Students should begin Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144, 270 and Mathematics 151, 152 early in their program.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses (including supporting courses) counted for the major.

Bachelor of Arts Major: At least 26 semester hours of computer science and engineering including 144, 270; 346 or 380; and 499. The remaining hours are from computer science and engineering courses numbered above 329 (except 345, 449, and 501-509). Up to 4 hours may be substituted from Math 340, 341, and 356. Required supporting: Math 151, 152, and 245.

Bachelor of Science Major: 44 semester hours in computer science plus 30 hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science. The 40 semester hours of computer science must include 144, 270, 343, 346, 371, 372, 380, 499, and 14 additional credits of approved elective courses, one of which must be from 367, 420, 436, or 444. Elective courses submitted for approval are to be selected from the computer science courses numbered above 329 (except 345, 449 and 501-509), or hours from Math 356 not counted toward the 30 hours of required supporting courses. The 30 hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science must include:

1. Math 151, 152, 245, 230 (or 331), 340 (or 341).
2. A minimum of 12 hours of approved science courses which includes a year's sequence of a laboratory science. Physics 153, 154 with 163, 164 are preferred. Chemistry 120 or 125 and either 232 or 338, Biology 161, 162, Geosciences 101, 102, or 103; and 201 are acceptable.
3. Approved sciences courses are: any Biology except 111,112; any Chemistry except 104, 105, 210; any Geosciences except 104; any Physics except 205; Computer Science and Engineering 345.
4. The remaining hours, if any, may be chosen from any Mathematics course numbered above 329 (except 446) or any approved science course.

Minor in Computer Science: 20 semester hours including Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144, 270, and 8 additional hours of upper-division computer science courses numbered above 329 (except 345, 449, and 501-509). Required supporting: Mathematics 151, 128, or equivalent.

Minor in Information Science: 24 semester hours including Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144 and 367, Business 202, at least 4 additional hours from computer science courses numbered above 250 (except 345, 449, and 501-509), and at least 8 additional hours selected from Business 320, 375, 376, 378, or 478.

Secondary Teaching Minor: See description under School of Education.

Elementary Teaching Major: See description under School of Education.

State Endorsement Requirements: See description under School of Education.

Bachelor of science major in computer engineering: Computer Science and Computer Engineering 131, 245, 345, 346, 499; Mathematics 151, 152, 245, 253, 340 or 341 and one of 230, 331, or 356; Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144, 270, 380, 480; Physics 153, 154, 163, 164; Chemistry 120 or 125; at least 4 semester hours chosen from Physics 233, 234, 333, 334, 336, or Chemistry 341; 10 additional semester hours from any upper-level Computer Science and Computer Engineering course (except 449 and 501-509).

Minor in electrical engineering: Computer Science and Computer Engineering 131, 245, 345, 346; and 144. Required supporting: Chemistry 120 or 125; Math 151, 152, and 245 or 253; Physics 125, 126, 135, 136 or 153, 154, 163, 164.

Back to topCourse Offerings

A grade of C or higher is strongly recommended in all prerequisite courses.

115 Solve It With the Computer - MR, NS
Teaches how computer use can be combined with mathematical reasoning to solve problems. Spreadsheet package and other computer tools to solve problems from elementary statistics, financial transactions, and other areas where mathematics and data are used in every day life. Prerequisite: fulfillment of the PLU entrance requirement in mathematics. II (4)

120 Computerized Information Systems - NS
Introduction to computers including management information systems development, telecommunications, operating systems, spreadsheets, graphics, and database management. Includes a computer laboratory component. Prerequisite: MATH 128 or 140 or equivalent. I II (4)

131 Introduction to Engineering - NS
An introduction to the engineering profession and development of basic skills important to the profession, including problem solving, engineering design, graphics, use of computers, computer programming, engineering economics, and ethics in engineering. Prerequisite: Completion of college-preparatory mathematics. I, II (2)

144 Introduction to Computer Science - NS
An introduction to computer science including problem solving, algorithm design, object-oriented programming, numerical and non-numerical applications, and use of data files. Ethical and social impacts of computing. Prerequisite: 4 years of high school mathematics or MATH 140 or equivalent. I II (4)

199 Directed Reading
Supervised study of topics selected to meet the individual's needs or interests, primarily for students awarded advanced placement in computer science. Admission only by department invitation. (1 or 2)

245 Electrical Circuits - NS
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of DC and AC circuits analysis including Kirchhoff's Laws, circuit theorems, first and second order circuits, and frequency response. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: MATH 151; PHYS 154 or consent of the instructor. I (4)

270 Data Structures - NS
Study of object-oriented programming techniques and fundamental data structure abstractions and implementations including list, stack, queue, and trees with applications to sorting, searching, and data storage. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or higher in 144. I II (4)

291 Independent Studies - NS
Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1-4)

330 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - NS
An introduction to concepts of artificial intelligence (AI), including expert systems, natural language processing, image understanding, and problem solving techniques. Consideration of the ethical and social dilemmas posed by AI. The programming languages LISP and PROLOG will be taught and used in several projects. Prerequisite: 270, MATH 245. a/y (4)

343 Programming Language Concepts - NS
A study and comparison of features found in different computer languages. Imperative object-oriented, functional, and declarative languages will be studied. Programs written in several of the languages. Prerequisite: 270. I, II (4)

345 Analog Electronics - NS
An introduction to analog integrated circuit design techniques, including single and multistage amplifiers, frequency response and feedback methods. Laboratory work is part of the course. Prerequisite: 245 II (4)

346 Digital Electronics - NS
Analysis of digital design techniques, including coverage of combinational logic, flip flops, registers, counters, and timing circuits. The hardware description language WHDL will be taught and used in several projects. Prerequisite: 144. I II (4)

348 Modeling and Simulation - NS
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The course will cover building and validating abstract models and simulating them using simulation languages. Prerequisite: 144. Recommended: 270 and either MATH 341 or 345. a/y (4)

367 Database Management - NS
An introduction to the fundamental concepts necessary for design, use, and implementation of database systems. The entity-relationship and relational models are studied in detail. Individual, organization, and societal concerns related to accuracy and privacy of data. Major small group project. Prerequisite: 144 Recommended: 270. II (4)

371 Design and Analysis of Algorithms - NS
Elementary data structures reviewed for efficiency under different conditions. Analysis of problems associated with searching and sorting. This course will also include analysis of advanced data structures including Hash Tables, and Height-balanced trees. It will include the study of algorithms for graph theory, heuristic search, and other topics selected by the instructor. There will be a significant programming component where students will implement and test algorithm. Prerequisite: 270, MATH 245. I (4)

372 Algorithms, Machines, and Grammars - NS
Study of formal models of computation (finite automata, pushdown automata, and Turing machines). Study of formal language concepts such as regular expressions and grammars. There will be a significant programming component where students implement and text algorithms. Prerequisite: 371. II (4)

380 Assembly Language and Computer Organization - NS
Fundamentals of assembly language and computer organization. Topics include data and instruction formats, addressing, linking, macro definition, interrupt processing, computer architecture, and interface between assembly language and high-level programming languages. Prerequisite: 270. Strongly recommended: 346. I, II (4)

385 Computer Architecture - NS
An introduction to the structure and operation of large computer systems. Topics include data representation, memory structure, I/O processing, multiprocessing systems such as parallel, pipeline, and stack machines. Examples of the architecture of several large systems are analyzed. Prerequisite: 380, MATH 245. a/y (2)

386 Computer Networks - NS
An introduction to computer networks and computer communication protocols from the physical layer through the transport layer. Topics include connection oriented and connectionless networks, error detection and correction, LANs, sockets, and routing. Application layer topics can include HTTP, DNS, and email. Prerequisite: 144. Recommended: 270, 346; MATH 341 or 345. I (4)

391 Problem Solving and Programming Seminar - NS
Designed to improve advanced problem solving and programming skills, including advanced data structures. A goal of the course is participation in the regional ACM programming competition. Pass/Fail only. Students may take this course more than once. Prerequisite: 270 or consent of instructor. I (1)

400 Topics in Computer Science - NS
Selected topic from the list below or topic of current interest
in the discipline. Frequent topics are: Computer Security,
Parallel Computing, Graphical User Interface Programming, Parallel Processing Topologies, Genetic Algorithms, and Neural Networks. J S a/y (1-4)

410 Topics in Computer Engineering - NS
Selected topic from the list below or topic of current interest
in the discipline. Frequent topics are: Computer Security,
Parallel Computing, Graphical User Interface Programming, Parallel Processing Topologies, Genetic Algorithms, and Neural Networks. J S a/y (1-4)

412 Computer Graphics - NS
A study of the techniques and theory used to generate computer graphics. Both two-and three-dimensional representations will be covered. Course work includes several programming assignments plus a project. Prerequisites: 270 and MATH 230 or 331. a/y (4)

420 Software Engineering - NS
An engineering approach to the development of large software packages. Topics include software requirements definition, object-oriented design and programming, specifications, and software testing. Consideration of societal and ethical issues surrounding software engineering. Major small group project. Prerequisites: 270, MATH 245. a/y (4)

436 Pattern Recognition - NS
The use of the computer to recognize patterns in data. Topics include data mining, cluster analysis algorithms, learning algorithms, and pattern processing. Issues associated with making decisions from data analyzed by machines and the societal and privacy implications and ethical concerns involved in those kinds of decisions. Includes a major small group project. Prerequisites: 270, MATH 245. a/y (4)

438 Expert Systems - NS
The development of AI systems which operate at the level of a human expert. Students will explore the structure of expert systems and use an expert system development tool. Prerequisite: 330 or consent of instructor. a/y (4)

444 Operating Systems - NS
An introduction to computer operating systems including process scheduling, memory management, and file systems. Major small group project. Prerequisite: 380, MATH 245. I (4)

446 VLSI Design - NS
An introduction to the design of very large-scale integrated systems using computer-aided design methods. Prerequisite: 346. II (2)

449 Computer Science in the Secondary School
Methods and materials in secondary school computer science teaching. LOGO, PILOT, etc., may be considered. Does not count toward a major in computer science. Prerequisite: 144. a/y II (2)

455 Compilers - NS
An introduction to the organization, specification, and analysis of programming languages, including scanning, parsing, object code, run-time machine structures and optimization. Prerequisites: 380, MATH 245. a/y (2)

480 Microprocessors - NS
Study of microprocessors and their use in microcomputer systems. Prerequisites: 346, 380. II (4)

491 Independent Studies
Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1-4)

492 Computer Science Research
Involvement in an ongoing research project in computer science under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1-4)

499 Capstone: Seminar - SR
Written and oral presentation of a project in a topic of interest by the student under the supervision of a faculty member. Discussion of the skills needed for good research and technical communication of that research. Study of the social implications of computing. Completion of this course satisfies the core requirement for a senior capstone seminar/project. Lasts two semesters beginning in the fall semester; May graduates should start the course in the fall of their senior year and December graduates should begin the course in the fall of their junior year. Final presentations are given during the spring semester. There are 2 credits given each term for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: Senior Computer Science or Computer Engineering major or consent of department chair. I II (2)

503 Workshops in Educational Technology
Workshops designed to expand teachers' knowledge about the application of new computer and related technology in educational settings Does not count toward degrees in computer science. (1-4)