Computer Science 

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Introduction

Computer Science is a relatively young field of study, with electronic computers only dating back some fifty years. Certainly, computational devices and theories existed before then, but the culmination of technology and theory that is recognized as the birth of the field took place in the middle of the last century. This is especially notable compared to more traditional sciences such as biology and chemistry, which trace their roots back hundreds of years.

While Computer Science does have much in common with these natural sciences, it also has close ties with other fields, such as engineering and mathematics. The interdisciplinary nature of Computer Science has made it a difficult field to classify.  Is computer science, as the name suggests, simply the study of computers? A more descriptive definition would be to say that Computer Science is the study of computation. It encompasses all facets of problem solving, from the design and analysis of algorithms (step-by-step instructions for accomplishing specific tasks), to the formalization of algorithms as programs, to the design and organization of computational devices for executing those programs.

Advice to Students New to the Department

If you are interested in Computer Science as a major, as a minor, out of interest in the subject, or for the potential career benefits, you are encouraged to enroll in a Computer Science course during the fall of your first year. We reserve a significant number of spots in our introductory Computer Science courses specifically for incoming first-year students. We do this to give you the opportunity to explore Computer Science early in your studies at Dickinson. If you intend to major in Computer Science, starting early gives you the benefits of a flexible schedule later. This expands your options for studying abroad, completing a double major, conducting independent study and selecting elective courses. Even if you think you will take only one course in Computer Science, by taking this course early you will be able to apply the computer skills and literacy that you develop to your future studies.

Introductory Courses that Fulfill Distribution Requirements

Division III Requirement:  COSCI 131, COSCI 132, COSCI 2321

QR Requirement:  COSCI 131, COSCI 132, COSCI 2321

    1 - You cannot double count a course as both a Division III and QR Requirement.

How To Get Started In The Major

Most students will begin a Computer Science major by taking COSCI 131: Introduction to Computer Science I. However, if you have prior experience with computer programming, either through a high school course or just on your own, one of our more advanced courses may be more appropriate for you. If you have taken the Advanced Placement Exam in Computer Science, the Advanced Placement Section below will indicate the correct course for you. If you have experience with programming but haven't taken the AP exam, please see the course descriptions for COSCI 131 and COSCI 132. If after looking at these descriptions, you think that COSCI 132 is the right course for you, please contact the faculty member identified in the Advising section below to discuss placement.

Advanced Placement Exam

The following tables describe our placement policy based on a student's score on the Computer Science AP exams (A or AB):

TEST

SCORE

PLACEMENT

COURSE CREDIT

NOTES

Computer Science AB

5

COSCI 251

COSCI 131
COSCI 132
COSCI General Credit

a,b 

    

4

COSCI 251

COSCI 131
COSCI General Credit

a,c  

 

3

COSCI 132

COSCI 131

 

 

2

COSCI 132

COSCI Gen Cr

d

 

1

COSCI 131*

None

 

TEST

SCORE

PLACEMENT

COURSE CREDIT

NOTES

Computer Science A

5

COSCI 132

COSCI 131

 

     

4

COSCI 132

COSCI 131

 

 

3

COSCI 132

COSCI General Credit

d

 

2

COSCI 131

None

 

1

COSCI 131

None

 

  NOTES:
    a - Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the AB exam are encouraged to contact the faculty member identified in    the Advising section below to discuss course selection.
    b - The COSCI General Credit will be changed to credit for COSCI 232 following successful completion of    COSCI 332.
    c - The COSCI General Credit will be changed to credit for COSCI 132 following successful completion of    COSCI 232.
    d - The COSCI General Credit will be changed to credit for COSCI 131 following successful completion of    COSCI 132.

Major and Minor Requirements for Computer Science

Major: eleven courses in computer science including:

132, 232, 251, 314, 332, 356, 491, 492

A Systems course (352, 354 or another designated special topics course).

One elective numbered 200 or higher (Upon prior approval of the department, an appropriate course outside of computer science may replace the 200-level elective).

One elective course numbered 300 or higher.

Two courses in mathematics:

MATH 161 (or MATH 151 and MATH 152)

MATH 211

Distribution requirements fulfilled as part of the major:

            Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Requirement  (MATH 161)

            Division III Requirement (COSCI 132 & COSCI 232)

            Writing (WR) Requirement (COSCI 251 & COSCI 332)

Minor: six courses in computer science numbered 132 or higher, including: 132, 232 and 251

One elective course numbered 200 or higher (Upon prior approval of the department, an appropriate course outside of computer science may replace the 200 level elective).

Two elective courses numbered 300 or higher.

Distribution requirements fulfilled as part of the minor:

            Division III Requirement (COSCI 132 & COSCI 232)

Course Descriptions and Suggested Four-Year Program: www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/mathcomp.html

Current Course Offerings: www.dickinson.edu/departments/reg/

Additional Information: www.dickinson.edu/departments/mathcs/

Departmental Policy Statements

Advising: Any Computer Scientist in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is more than willing to advise students on a Computer Science related question. If you are not familiar with any of the Computer Science faculty, we recommend that you consult Prof. Grant Braught (braught@dickinson.edu).

 

 

Back to main Advising Handbook page

Updated July 15, 2005