Computer Science Courses

CSA* 105
Introduction to Software Applications ------ 3 Credits

An introduction to computers and their applications using IBM-compatible personal computers. Students will get hands-on experience with an operating system and with application useful to students, including word processing, literature searches, spreadsheets, database management, and telecommunications. Students will learn how to learn about computers so they can continue learning on their own.
   Prerequisite:

CSC* 106
Structured Programming ------ 3 Credits

Introduces general principles of programming. Students will learn to break a problem into manageable parts and think in logical ways. The course builds a strong foundation of structured programming before introducing object oriented programming. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the high-level computer programming languages such as C or JAVA.
   Prerequisite: MAT* 095 or placement into college level math

CST* 110
Introduction to Information Technology ------ 3 Credits

This foundation course for Computer Services students covers the basics of hardware, standard software and networking in a hands-on, experiential, interactive lab environment. Topics will include operating systems, software applications, programming, system units, storage, peripherals, maintenance, network architecture, hardware, and cabling.
   Prerequisite: MAT* 075 or placement in MAT* 095 on the Basic Skills Assessment or consent of instructor.

CST* 120
Introduction to Operating Systems ------ 3 Credits

The course will begin by discussing the purpose and theory behind the functions of an operating system (OS), such as the management of memory and files, scheduling of jobs, and communication with peripherals. The students will gain an in-depth working knowledge of an OS (such as a Windows environment) currently in broad use with personal computers. Students will also become familiar with a range of other operating systems, character based and graphic (such as DOS, MAC OS, and UNIX) and will gain an understanding of principles common to all systems. Students will become skilled in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting an operating system.
   Prerequisite: CSA* 105

CST* 130
Network Essentials I ------ 3 Credits

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of data communications, telecommunications, and networking. This course provides a general overview of computer networks by focusing on the terminology and technology in current networking environments including the OSI model, LAN architecture, the client/server model and network operating systems, system architectures, internet working components, and telecommunications.
   Prerequisite:

CSA* 135
Spreadsheet Applications ------ 3 Credits

An applied course that introduces students to the power of a current state-of-the-art spreadsheet software. Students will examine electronic spreadsheets, database management, and macros to handle a wide range of personal, educational, and business tasks.
   Prerequisite: CSC* 105 or permission of instructor.

CST* 140
Introduction to Computer Hardware ------ 3 Credits

An introduction to computer hardware, peripherals, system architectures, operating system concepts, maintenance and upgrade procedures, focusing primarily on personal computers.
   Prerequisite: CST* 110 or permission of the instructor

CSA* 145
Database Management ------ 3 Credits

An introduction to database software. Students will learn to create and manipulate databases. A leading database package such as ACCESS will be used to maximize the student’s marketable skills. Students will get an overview of the range of available database management systems and an understanding of fundamental theory. Hands-on work will be emphasized. Prior knowledge of computers and operating systems is recommended.
   Prerequisite:

CST* 150
Web Design and Development I ------ 3 Credits

Students will become more proficient in all aspects covered in Internet I; will use HTML and an editor to produce a well designed web page, using a variety of advanced tags, tools and features; and will gain a thorough understanding of the current hardware and software underlying the Internet.
   Prerequisite: CSA* 163 or permission of the instructor

CSA* 163
The Internet ------ 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the Internet, with emphasis on tools useful to students. Students will learn how to get connected to the Internet; browse the World Wide Web; communicate with others using e-mail and newsgroups; use the Internet for careful, thorough, and critical research; and make a simple web page. Students will gain an understanding of the basics of the hardware and software underlying the Internet.
   Prerequisite:

CST* 170
Introduction to Local Area Networks ------ 3 Credits

This course covers how LANs are built including what physical cables are used, how those cables are connected together and how hardware platforms (such as servers and workstations) attach to LANs. Major network operating systems and applications that run on LANs are also introduced.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130

CST* 171
LAN System Management ------ 3 Credits

This advanced course is intended for networking professionals and other participants who grasp the general concepts of data communications and networking, but would like a more detailed understanding of internetworking and internetworking devices. This course focuses on the issues that are encountered with network growth and the internetworking components that offer solutions to these problems. The components covered in this class include repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, routers and gateways. Network Management and the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) are also discussed.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130, 170, 192, 260

CST* 192
Wide Area Networks ------ 3 Credits

This course details the telecommunications concepts (point to point, multipoint, and packet switch services) and components used to build WANs, as well as the protocols used to transport voice and data including ISDN, Frame Relay and SONET.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130

CST* 194
Internet Technology ------ 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the organizations, technologies, and applications associated with the Internet. It builds on basic networking architecture and how it applies to the structure and organizational aspects of the World Wide Web. Web clients and servers and the underlying protocols used by both are also covered as well as the requirements for building a web server.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130

CST* 196
Protocol Analysis ------ 3 Credits

This is an advanced course intended for networking professionals and students who already grasp the general concepts of data communications and networking, but would like a more detailed understanding of the processes and protocols used in today’s networks. Network architectures will be discussed from an OSI model perspective of the networking protocol stack, and a detailed analysis of the protocol will ensue using traces taken with protocol analyzers.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130, 170, 192, 260

CSC* 210
C Programming ------ 3 Credits

Introduces basic concepts of the C Programming Language. Students will apply a structured programming process involving problem definition, algorithm design, coding, testing, and debugging. Students will also focus on the basic C contracts (such as variables, operators, data types, functions) plus the syntax and semantics of sequential, iterative, and conditional structures, functions, arrays, and I/O.
   Prerequisite: MAT* 137 and CSC* 106, or MAT*137 and any previous computer programming course, or MAT* 137 and permission of instructor.

CST* 240
Advanced Computer Hardware ------ 3 Credits

This course follows CST* 140 Hardware and Troubleshooting I, and is intended for those who plan to specialize in computer hardware. The course provides an in-depth study of computer systems and components. Emphasis is on the solution of cabling, connectivity, and complex hardware problems in a less structured environment than in Hardware and Troubleshooting I.
   Prerequisite: CST* 140

CST* 260
System Architecture ------ 3 Credits

This course introduces the four dominant networking architectures used in corporate networks – TCP/IP, SNA, DecNet and Apple Talk – with the greatest emphasis falling on TCP/IP.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130

CST* 261
Network Design ------ 3 Credits

This is an advanced course intended for networking professionals and students who already grasp the general concepts of data communications and networking, but would like a more detailed understanding of network design and analysis. This course will present methods for analyzing, designing and managing computer networks.
   Prerequisite: CST* 130, 170, 171, 192, 194, 196, 260

CST* 265
Networking with Linux ------ 3 Credits

This course provides an in depth review of the Linux Operating System and the open source software model. Students will be able to install, troubleshoot and improve performance of the basic operating system, and associated software applications. The exploration of Linux will take a practical approach that also includes creation of a functioning network of two PC’S. CST* 120, Operating Systems and CST* 130, Networking Essentials I are recommended.
   Prerequisite:

CST* 270
Network Security Fundamentals ------ 3 Credits

Information Technology specialists spend increasing time on network security as software companies race to stay ahead of the worms and other attacks that seek to take advantage of newly discovered vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications. This course provides students with the theoretical background necessary to understand the current risks and threats to an organization’s data along with a structured way of addressing the safeguarding of these critical electronic assets.
   Prerequisite:

CSC* 295
Cooperative Education/Work Experience I ------ 3 Credits

Supervised internship at the college or in a private, public or non-profit organization previously approved by the instructor. Students will synthesize and apply concepts and skills learned in computer science courses. Supervisory personnel will coordinate and evaluate a student’s performance with the college instructor. Three credits will be earned by the student upon completion of a minimum of 120 hours internship experience. The student and instructor will also hold periodic conferences.
   Prerequisite: Enrollment in Computer Services degree program. Minimum of 18 credits completed in computer science courses, minimum of 2.0 GPA, grades of C or better in program core courses, and approval of program director on practicum application. Application must be made in the semester before the practicum experience.

CSC* 296
Cooperative Education/Work Experience II ------ 3 Credits

Supervised internship at the college or in a private, public or non-profit organization previously approved by the instructor. Students will synthesize and apply concepts and skills learned in computer science courses. Supervisory personnel will coordinate and evaluate a student’s performance with the college instructor. Three credits will be earned by the student upon completion of a minimum of 120 hours internship experience. The student and instructor will also hold periodic conferences.
   Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CSC* 295 and approval of program director or course director. Placement must be approved by course instructor.