Computer Science Courses
Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog, and/or the Director of General Education to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.
CSC 111
Storytelling-Comp Animation
Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)
Technology has opened up new horizons in the creative art of storytelling by making it possible for stories to be interactive, blurring the boundary between the storyteller and the audience. Using a graphically-based object-oriented programming language, students in this course will learn to design and construct virtual worlds with 3D objects and characters. Students will gain knowledge in advancing plot, building themes, and developing characters while employing visual elements such as location, camera angle, lighting, and point-of-view, as they create interactive stories, animated movies, and simple video games set in these virtual worlds. No previous computer programming experience is required. Offered in alternate Spring terms. (This course is non-credit for students who completed this course as CSC111 in Short Term '07.)
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)
Technology has opened up new horizons in the creative art of storytelling by making it possible for stories to be interactive, blurring the boundary between the storyteller and the audience. Using a graphically-based object-oriented programming language, students in this course will learn to design and construct virtual worlds with 3D objects and characters. Students will gain knowledge in advancing plot, building themes, and developing characters while employing visual elements such as location, camera angle, lighting, and point-of-view, as they create interactive stories, animated movies, and simple video games set in these virtual worlds. No previous computer programming experience is required. Offered in alternate Spring terms. (This course is non-credit for students who completed this course as CSC111 in Short Term '07.)
1 Course Credit
CSC 125
Intro to Internet Programming
Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
This course will introduce the student to major themes of computer science, including computer usage in application programs, an exploration of computer hardware, and computer control through computer programming. Constructs of computer programming, such as representation of numbers and usage of variables, as well as assignment, conditional, and repetition statements, will be covered. Students will learn to program in HTML to create Web pages. Common application environments such as the spreadsheet and database will be discussed, and an additional programming language will be selected to further explore these themes. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 205.
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
This course will introduce the student to major themes of computer science, including computer usage in application programs, an exploration of computer hardware, and computer control through computer programming. Constructs of computer programming, such as representation of numbers and usage of variables, as well as assignment, conditional, and repetition statements, will be covered. Students will learn to program in HTML to create Web pages. Common application environments such as the spreadsheet and database will be discussed, and an additional programming language will be selected to further explore these themes. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 205.
1 Course Credit
CSC 126
Intro to Robotics
Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Robots often perform tasks that are too dull, too dirty, or too dangerous for humans. Robots entertain us, clean our houses, mow our lawns, build our cars, fight our wars, perform surgery on our bodies, dive to the bottoms of the deepest oceans on our planet, and visit distant planets in our galaxy. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of robotics. Topics include how robots move, sense, and perceive the world around them. Students will construct and program robots in laboratory sessions. No previous computer programming or electronics experience is necessary. Practical Reasoning (PR). NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 206.
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Robots often perform tasks that are too dull, too dirty, or too dangerous for humans. Robots entertain us, clean our houses, mow our lawns, build our cars, fight our wars, perform surgery on our bodies, dive to the bottoms of the deepest oceans on our planet, and visit distant planets in our galaxy. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of robotics. Topics include how robots move, sense, and perceive the world around them. Students will construct and program robots in laboratory sessions. No previous computer programming or electronics experience is necessary. Practical Reasoning (PR). NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 206.
1 Course Credit
CSC 186
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
CSC 226
Intro Computer Science w/ C++
Prerequisite: CSC 125 or 126 (formerly 205 or 206); or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
This course will be concerned with an introduction to the C language, emphasizing structured programming. The course will include pseudocode and stepwise refinement as means of algorithm development. Other programming topics will include data types, arrays, structures, functions, and files. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 320.
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
This course will be concerned with an introduction to the C language, emphasizing structured programming. The course will include pseudocode and stepwise refinement as means of algorithm development. Other programming topics will include data types, arrays, structures, functions, and files. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 320.
1 Course Credit
CSC 236
Data Structures
Prerequisite: CSC 226 (formerly 306) with a grade of C or higher
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
This course continues the introduction to the methodology of programming from an object-oriented perspective with an emphasis on algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 320.
1 Course Credit
CSC 286
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
CSC 303
Theory of Computation
Prerequisite: CSC 125 or 126 or 226 (formerly 205, 206, 306), AND MAT 105
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2008)
An introduction to the fundamental ideas and the basic paradigms of computer science, the very foundation on which to base one's thinking about computers now and in the future. This course will address some of the following topics in the theory of computation--the theory of automata and formal languages, computability by a Turing machine, and computational complexity. Computational tasks that cannot be solved on any computer or tasks where there is no practical, reasonably fast algorithm to solve them will be considered. The perspective here is from that of computing, but the treatment is mathematical in nature.
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2008)
An introduction to the fundamental ideas and the basic paradigms of computer science, the very foundation on which to base one's thinking about computers now and in the future. This course will address some of the following topics in the theory of computation--the theory of automata and formal languages, computability by a Turing machine, and computational complexity. Computational tasks that cannot be solved on any computer or tasks where there is no practical, reasonably fast algorithm to solve them will be considered. The perspective here is from that of computing, but the treatment is mathematical in nature.
1 Course Credit
CSC 325
Oper Systems-Emphasis on Unix
Prerequisite: CSC 236 (formerly 320) with a grade of C or higher; or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)
This course will introduce the main concepts from both traditional and distributed operating systems. Topics will include: goals, structural concepts, process management, memory management, storage management, and security issues. Examples will be drawn from a variety of operating systems, but the majority of the examples will come from the UNIX system.
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)
This course will introduce the main concepts from both traditional and distributed operating systems. Topics will include: goals, structural concepts, process management, memory management, storage management, and security issues. Examples will be drawn from a variety of operating systems, but the majority of the examples will come from the UNIX system.
1 Course Credit
CSC 330
Database Systems
Prerequisite: CSC 226 (formerly 306) with a grade of C or higher
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2009)
An introduction to the use and operating principles of database management systems. Topics covered include: data entities and relationships; data modeling using entity-relation diagrams: hierarchical, network and relational models of databases; the SQL query language; relational algebra and calculus as applied to the design of databases; security and integrity in the context of concurrent use; and ethical issues associated with database design and use. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 230.
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2009)
An introduction to the use and operating principles of database management systems. Topics covered include: data entities and relationships; data modeling using entity-relation diagrams: hierarchical, network and relational models of databases; the SQL query language; relational algebra and calculus as applied to the design of databases; security and integrity in the context of concurrent use; and ethical issues associated with database design and use. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed CSC 230.
1 Course Credit
CSC 386
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit
CSC 390A
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 390B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 395
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
1 to 3 Course Credits
CSC 397A
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 397B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 398
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit
CSC 433
Numerical Analysis (MAT)
Prerequisite: MAT 225; one course chosen from CSC 125, 126, 226, (formerly 205, 206, or 306); AND one course chosen from MAT 214 (formerly 314), 315, or 330
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)
This course is designed for students who are concerned with the development of approximation methods and their use in locating roots of equations, interpolation, numerical differentiation, numerical integrations, and solution of systems of linear equations.
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)
This course is designed for students who are concerned with the development of approximation methods and their use in locating roots of equations, interpolation, numerical differentiation, numerical integrations, and solution of systems of linear equations.
1 Course Credit
CSC 435
Computer Organization
Prerequisite: CSC 236 (formerly 320) and TEC 265
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)
A study of the design of modern computer systems with a focus on the interaction between hardware design and system software: instruction sets, cache and virtual memory in the context of the memory hierarchy, combinatorial and sequential logic design, high-level processor architecture, memory and processor organization, and parallel computing.
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)
A study of the design of modern computer systems with a focus on the interaction between hardware design and system software: instruction sets, cache and virtual memory in the context of the memory hierarchy, combinatorial and sequential logic design, high-level processor architecture, memory and processor organization, and parallel computing.
1 Course Credit
CSC 440
Design & Analysis of Algorithm
Prerequisite: CSC 236 (formerly 320) AND one of the following: MAT 105 or MAT 125 or higher-numbered MAT course
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (first offered Spring 2010)
A study of algorithmic approaches to problem-solving, and techniques for designing, analyzing, and comparing algorithms. Approaches such as divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and backtracking will be studied. Topics in computational complexity include asymptotic complexity measures, intractability, and NP-complete problems.
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (first offered Spring 2010)
A study of algorithmic approaches to problem-solving, and techniques for designing, analyzing, and comparing algorithms. Approaches such as divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and backtracking will be studied. Topics in computational complexity include asymptotic complexity measures, intractability, and NP-complete problems.
1 Course Credit
CSC 486
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1 Course Credit
CSC 490A
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 490B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 492
Senior Seminar
Prerequisite: By permission of instructor
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
The main goal of this course is to introduce students to research topics in computer science. Students first will read selected articles relating to computer science, then will write a formal paper and give a formal presentation on this material. Emphasis will be placed on developing reading comprehension in computer science beyond the textbook level, and on developing effective methods of communicating this information.
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms
The main goal of this course is to introduce students to research topics in computer science. Students first will read selected articles relating to computer science, then will write a formal paper and give a formal presentation on this material. Emphasis will be placed on developing reading comprehension in computer science beyond the textbook level, and on developing effective methods of communicating this information.
1/4 Course Credit
CSC 495
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
1 to 3 Course Credits
CSC 497A
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 497B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course Credit
CSC 498
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit
Notice and Disclaimer
This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.
Effective Date: 9-1-2009
Approved by: Rita Fox
