2011-2012 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2011-2012 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Computer Science

(See also: Computer Studies & Information Technology)

Computer science is the study of computers and their applications. This discipline includes a variety of specialties, such as systems programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, networking, and graphics. In preparation for transfer into more advanced fundamental and specialized areas, students learn basic programming, data structures, and architecture. Computer science majors will also need two or three semesters of calculus and discrete mathematics, depending on their choice of transfer institution. Career options in computer science include software engineer, computer engineer, systems analyst, database administrator, and software project manager.

Contact Information

Department Chair: June Porto

Dean: Al Taccone

www.miracosta.edu/CS

Department: Computer Science

Office: Building 4800, 760.795.6841

Full-Time Faculty

June Porto

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree

Computer Science

The Computer Science Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses:
CS 111	Introduction to Computer Science I: Java	3
CS 112	Introduction to Computer Science II: Java	3
CS 113	Basic Data Structures and Algorithms	3
CS 220	Computer Architecture and Assembly Language	3
MATH 150	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I	5
MATH 155	Calculus and Analytic Geometry II	4
Total Units		21

Some of the following courses may also be required as preparation for the Computer Science major at a four-year university.

MATH 260	Calculus and Analytic Geometry III	4
MATH 226	Discrete Mathematics	3
MATH 265	Differential Equations	3
PHYS 151	Principles of Physics I	4
PHYS 152	Principles of Physics II	4
PHYS 253	Principles of Physics III	4

Associate in Arts Degree

Computer Programming Fundamentals

Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Certificate

Certificate of Achievement

Computer Programming Fundamentals

This certificate provides a strong foundation for knowledge of basic object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques and data structures used in computer science. Students gain experience in several OOP programming languages and in analyzing and assessing problems and formulating appropriate solutions. Completing this certificate will help students advance in their careers as computer programming professionals and solidify the foundation of their computer science skills.

Required courses:
CS 111	Introduction to Computer Science I: Java	3
CS 112	Introduction to Computer Science II: Java	3
CS 113	Basic Data Structures and Algorithms	3
CS 130	Fundamentals of Scripting Languages	3
CS 150	C++ Programming	3
CS 151	Advanced C++ Programming	3
Select at least 6 elective units from the following:		6
CS 107	Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
CS 134	Mobile Device Application Development
CS 138	Programming with Python
CS 140	Visual Basic Programming
CS 141	Fundamentals of Game Programming
CS 220	Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
MATH 226	Discrete Mathematics
Total Units		24

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2011, spring 2012, and summer 2012 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area. This subject-area designator is followed by the official course number and a descriptive title. The next lines indicate the course's unit value, prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

CS 107: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

In this introductory computer programming course, students use pre-built objects to create animated storyboards in 3-D virtual worlds while learning the concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP). Using two abstracted high-level languages, such as Alice and Java, students experiment with drag-and-drop coding (Alice) and write code (Java). This course is highly recommended for beginning programming students prior to taking a code-writing class, such as Java or C++. (Formerly CIS 107.) UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken after CS 111.

CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science I: Java

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MATH 101 OR MATH 101A and MATH 101B.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course provides an introduction to computer science and programming using an object-oriented language. It is designed primarily for students majoring in computer science and engineering. The course explores language basics, including control structures, data types, input/output, operators, classes, methods and parameters, basic inheritance, and documentation practices as well as testing and verification techniques. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken after CS 112.

CS 112: Introduction to Computer Science II: Java

Units: 3
Prerequisites: CS 111.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course develops advanced object-oriented programming concepts and refines the concepts of inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. Topics include various data structures and their usage, recursion, modularity and abstraction, including generics, event-driven programming, graphical user interfaces, applets, and exception handling.

CS 113: Basic Data Structures and Algorithms

Units: 3
Prerequisites: CS 112.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces the software development process using efficient algorithms and properly designed data structures to develop effective solutions to common programming problems. Topics include searching, sorting, hashing, algorithm analysis, object-oriented design, collections, lists, stacks, queues, trees, sets, dictionaries, and graphs.

CS 130: Fundamentals of Scripting Languages

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces students to scripting language(s) and webpage programming. Students develop, debug, implement, and integrate client-side scripts using automated tasking. Comparisons may be made among common scripting languages, such as JavaScript, PHP, Perl, and CGI.

CS 134: Mobile Device Application Development

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course covers the essential steps of writing applications for a mobile device. Discussions include the application life-cycle, the necessary source and resources files as well as performance criteria and objectives. At the end of the course, students will be able to create basic applications for a specified mobile device. This course is designed for students who have little or no experience programming mobile devices but have some experience with Java and/or C++.

CS 138: Programming with Python

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces the Python programming language and its features. Python is a dynamic, object-oriented, extensible language that is perfect for the beginner and also meets industry needs. Python is well-suited for large, complex applications as well as website development and systems administration.

CS 140: Visual Basic Programming

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MATH 101 or MATH 101A and MATH 101B.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course guides students through all aspects of Visual Basic programming while developing Windows applications. Students design and develop programs using an object-oriented approach, and they create windows with familiar elements, such as menus, text boxes, command buttons, option buttons, check boxes, and scroll bars, using Visual Basic tools. Topics include event handling and database integration.

CS 141: Fundamentals of Game Programming

Units: 3
Prerequisites: CS 111 or CS 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces the fundamental techniques, concepts, process(es), and technologies of computer game programming. Using Java, C++, or Python as the programming language of choice, the course covers the basic building tools for games as well as the process for game development, programming, and production.

CS 150: C++ Programming

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MATH 101 or MATH 101A and MATH 101B.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

Using an object-oriented (OOP) approach to design and programming in the C++ language, this course covers data input/output, data types, control structures, operators, functions, and the operating environment. Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to construct moderately complex programs in C++.

CS 151: Advanced C++ Programming

Units: 3
Prerequisites: CS 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

In this advanced programming course, students design and implement increasingly difficult C++ programs that build upon skills acquired in C++ Programming (CS 150). They also develop appropriate and efficient methods to test their programs. Topics include polymorphism, inheritance, class libraries, the standard template library, advanced file input/output operations, recursion, virtual functions, exception handling, and data structures, such as linked lists, stacks, queues, and binary trees.

CS 220: Computer Architecture and Assembly Language

Units: 3
Prerequisites: CS 112.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces the fundamental physical and structural concepts of assembly language programming. Topics include machine architecture, memory addressing, input/output, interrupts, control structures, compiling, and linking.

CS 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0707.10)

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

CS 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Employed in a position related to major; complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0707.10)

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.