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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-division 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 Solaris
servers and laboratories of its own. The upper-level Computer Science
lab contains Solaris and Windows workstations. Another lab is used as a
teaching laboratory and open lab; it has Windows workstations and
computer projection equipment. An electronics lab contains
several Solaris and Windows computers as well as equipment for the
analog and digital electronics courses. All machines are on the
Ethernet, are accessible through the campus network, and have full
access to the Internet.
Computer Science and Computer Engineering Majors: Students majoring
in computer science may choose to earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in either Computer
Science or Computer Engineering. 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 degrees are strong, scientific degrees
that contain additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and
science and serve both students going directly into employment on
graduation and those going into graduate programs.
Students should take Computer Science and Computer Engineering 144, 270 and Mathematics 151, 152 early in their program.
The following restrictions apply to all three majors: A minimum
grade of C is required in all courses (including supporting courses)
counted for a major. At most one CSCE 400 course can be used as
an elective for a major. For the BA degree, at least 12 upper
division hours must be completed at PLU. For the BS degrees, at
least 16 upper division hours must be completed at PLU.
Bachelor of Arts Major in Computer Science: At least 28 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 319 (except 345, 449, and 501-509). Up to 4
hours may be substituted from Math 341 or 356. Required
supporting: Math 151, 152, and 245.
Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science: 44 semester hours in computer science plus 30 hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science. The 44 semester hours of computer science must include 144, 270, 320, 343, 346, 371, 380, 499, and 12 additional credits of approved elective courses, one of which must be from 367, 386, or 444. Elective courses submitted for approval are to be selected from the computer science courses numbered above 319 (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:
Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Engineering:
Computer Science and Computer Engineering 131, 144, 245, 270, 345, 346, 380, 480, 499;
Mathematics 151, 152, 245, 253, 341 and either 331 or 356; 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 Computer Science and
Computer Engineering course numbered above 319 (except 449 and 501-509).
Minors in Computer Science, Information Science, and Electrical Engineering: At least 8 upper-division semester hours must be completed at PLU.
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.
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.
Network security certification: Students who successfully complete the two summer courses, Computer Science and Computer Engineering 400 and 410, with a B- or above will be granted a certification in Network Security to acknowledge their work.
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. (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. F J S (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. F S (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. F S (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. F (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. F S (4)
291 Independent Studies – NS
Prerequisite: consent of department chair. (1–4)
320 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 S (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. F S (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 (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. F S (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 340 or 341. 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. S (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 algorithms.
Prerequisite: 270, MATH 245. F (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 test algorithms.
Prerequisite: 371. a/y S (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. S (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 commu-nication
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. F (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. F (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. a/y J (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, MATH 331. 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 sys-tems 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. F (4)
446 VLSI Design – NS
An introduction to the design of very large-scale integrated systems
using computer-aided design methods. Prerequisite: 346. S (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 (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. S (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. Students
normally work in small groups (2–3 students). Includes discussion
of the skills needed for good research and technical communication of
that research and a 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. There are 2 credits given each term for a total
of 4 credits. Requirements and prerequisites depend on the major and
degree. B.S. in Computer Science: Students design and implement a
significant software program. Prerequisite: CSCE 320. B.S.
in Computer Engineering: Students design and implement a
significant hardware component. Prerequisite: CSCE 346. B.A. in Computer Science: Same as the B.S. in computer science or
write a research paper. Prerequisite: CSCE 270. F S (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)