Course Descriptions: Computer Science

MCO 104 Computing Theory and Applications for Computer Majors (Fall)

This course is the foundation course for those students who are majoring in Computer Science or Management Information Systems.  Students will learn concepts related to computer architecture, hardware, software (system and application), data storage devices, telecommunications as well as the Windows and DOS operating systems.  An additional component of the course will be the self-study of a popular Windows application suite.  3 credits.

 MCO 105 Internet Tools and Web Page Design (Upon Request)

This distance-learning course is taken by receiving and submitting assignments via a Course Management System such as Blackboard.  Students will learn how to communicate, do research, and design Web pages through a series of labs and papers.  This course is an approved elective for a minor in Information Technology.  It is not an approved elective for Computer Science or MIS majors.  Prerequisite:  MCO 140.  3 credits.

 MCO 122 Computer Literacy and Information Retrieval (Annual)

Students examine basic computer topics and terminology, with a special emphasis on electronic information retrieval, as they explore ways to utilize information retrieval technology to keep abreast of developments in their various academic disciplines.  To this end, computer hardware and software are discussed, along with personal computer applications such as Microsoft Office.  Internet topics, such as advanced search techniques, constructing deep searches, and finding specialty information are examined in detail.  A capstone project is the preparation of a research project, which should use both traditional as well as electronic methods of research.  3 credits.  For Education majors.

MCO 140 Computer Concepts with Microcomputer Applications (Fall, Spring, Summer)

This course introduces students to basic computer topics and terminology.  Computer hardware and software are discussed along with personal computer (PC) applications. Office applications are taught, as well.  Students will complete this course with a solid understanding of computers, how to use computers, and how to access information on the World Wide Web.  This course is not a required course or approved elective for a Computer Science or MIS degree.  3 credits.

MCO 141 Introduction to Programming (Fall)

This course introduces students to problem solving techniques used in programming.  In order to reinforce these concepts in a concrete manner, students will develop numerous programs using a popular programming language.  They will implement programs using objects, input, output and variables and utilize programming control structures such as loops, selection structures, methods, and arrays.  Corequisite:  MCO 104.  3 credits.

MCO 148 Advanced Computer Business Applications (Fall, Spring)

This course discusses advanced features of Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.  An accounting application such as Peachtree or QuickBooks is introduced, as well.  The goal is to fully expose business students to PC applications that they can integrate into their studies and use on the job.  This course is not a required course or approved elective for a Computer Science or MIS degree.  Prerequisites:  MCO 140, EBA 101, and EBF 101.  3 credits.

MCO 152 Computer Methodology (Bi-Annual)

This course introduces students to a major software development methodology, e.g. Agile Programming. Topics typically covered include Test-Driven Development, logging, group development, software documentation, standardized naming conventions, best software development practices, design patterns and idioms. All concepts are typically covered in the context of a semester-length programming project.  Prerequisite:  MCO 260.  3 credits.

MCO 201 Digital Electronics (Upon Request)

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the theoretical background and experimental application of modern electronic devices and circuitry.  Students will develop knowledge of analog and digital electronics concepts and techniques as a fundamental background to understand networked computer systems.  Topics include concept of electricity, Direct Current circuitry, Ohm’s law, Kirchoff's rules, Alternate Current circuits, capacitance, inductance, complex impedance, diodes, bipolar transistor, single and multiple voltage amplifiers, binary logic, logic gates, resistor, diode, transistor-transistor logic; digital memory; analog to digital and digital to analog converters.  Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  3 credits.

MCO 208 Language Tutorial-COBOL

Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  1 credit.

MCO 212 Language Tutorial-Special Topics

Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  1 credit.

MCO 213 Language Tutorial-Java

Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  1 credit.

MCO 214 PC Application Tutorial-Spreadsheets (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Prerequisite:  MCO 104 or MCO 140.  1 credit.

MCO 215 PC Applications Tutorial-Database (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  1 credit.

MCO 216 PC Applications Tutorial-Advanced Spreadsheets (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Prerequisite:  MCO 104 or MCO 140.  1 credit.

MCO 217 PC Language Tutorial-Visual Languages

Prerequisite:  MCO232.  1 credit.

MCO 218 PC Application Tutorial-Advanced Database (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  1 credit.

MCO 223 Wide Area Networks I (Annual)

This course introduces students to the networking field. The course focuses on network terminology and protocols, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANS), Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, cabling, cabling tools, routers, router programming, Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing, and network standards. Moreover, this course focuses on initial router configuration, Cisco IOS Software management, routing protocol configuration, TCP/IP, and Access Control Lists (ACLs).  Prerequisite:  MCO 353.  3 credits.

MCO 224 Wide Area Networks II (Annual)

The course focuses on advanced IP addressing techniques (Variable Length Subnet Masking / VLSM, Network Address Translation / NAT, Port Address Translation / PAT, and DHCP), intermediate routing protocols (RIP v2, Single-Area OSPF, EIGRP), command-line interface configuration of switches, Ethernet switching, Virtual LANs (VLANs), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), WAN technology and terminology, PPP, ISDN, DDR, Frame Relay, network management, and introduction to optical networking.  Prerequisite:  MCO 223.  3 credits.

MCO 231 Fundamentals of Network Security (Upon Request)

This course focuses on the overall security policy with an emphasis hands-on skills in the areas of secure perimeter, secure connectivity, secure management, identity services, and intrusion detection.  The course will teach students to design and implement security solutions that will reduce the risk of revenue loss and vulnerability.  Prerequisite:  MCO224.  3 credits.

MCO 232 Advanced Programming (Spring)

This course introduces students to more advanced programming concepts such as: object-oriented programming, program analysis and design, structured data, abstract data types, and testing programs using the IDE debugger tools.  Student will complete extensive programming assignments to develop their skills in problem analysis, program coding, and testing.  Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  3 credits.

MCO 241 Mathematics for Computer Science Majors (Bi-Annual)

Topics include: Boolean algebra, binary numbers, switching circuits; and an overview of theoretical computer science concepts such as formal language theory, computability, finite automata, and unsolvability.  Prerequisite:  MAT 120 or exam.  3 credits.    

MCO 243 Operating Systems  (Bi-Annual)

This course discusses the design and implementation of operating systems.  Topics include multi-programming, multi-processing, time-sharing, resource allocation and job scheduling. Communications, conversational computing, computer networks, memory protection, process management, interrupts segmentation, inter-process communications, paging, virtual memories, memory management will also be taught.  The deadlock problem, detection, recovery, and prevention methods will be explored.  Input, output, and the use of buffering and channels will be addressed as well.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 245 UNIX Operating System (Annual)

This course introduces students to advanced features of the UNIX Operating System.  Student will gain valuable in-depth knowledge of the entire UNIX environment and the inner workings of this operating system.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 251 Programming Languages (Bi-Annual)

This course introduces students to the formal definition of programming languages and specification of syntax and semantics.  Topics include: global properties of algorithmic languages including scopes of declaration, storage allocation, binding time, subroutines, and co-routines.  List processing, string manipulation, data description, simulation languages; BNF notation, and formal language description and specification are also discussed.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 256 Database Programming (Annual)

This course is divided into two parts.  One part covers the concepts of Database Management.  QBE, relational algebra, SQL, normalization, and other advanced topics are discussed.  The second part of the course is comprised of hands-on instruction in advanced features of Microsoft Access.  This course is not a required course or approved elective for a Computer Science or MIS degree.  Prerequisite:  MCO 148.  3 credits.

MCO 260 Computer Architecture (Spring)

This course covers basic computer architecture.  This includes: digital circuits, Boolean algebra, combinatorial logic, data representation and transfer, digital storage and accessing, control functions, input-output facilities, micro-programming, system organization and reliability, description and simulation techniques, digital arithmetic, features needed for multi-programming, multi-processing and real-time systems, and alternate machine organizations.  Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  3 credits.

MCO 264 Data Structures I (Fall)

This course covers the fundamental data structures, their related algorithms and implementation, and their application. This is taught in the context of object-oriented programming and using generic templates.  The major data structures covered are stacks, queues, linked lists and trees.  Corresponding to each kind of data representation are algorithms that provide for data storage, traversal, extraction, searching and sorting.  Students are also taught to estimate the relative efficiencies of algorithms for each of the different data structures. Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 265 Actuarial Computing with APL for Non-Computer Majors (Upon Request)

This course will bring students from understanding the basic primitive operators to a full appreciation of the rich structure and power of the APL language.  The aim is to present in-depth the versatility of the language for simulating and modeling complex systems and for solving complex problems.  Topics include: arithmetic and data storage, APL functions, logical functions, data analysis, data selection, programming, output, storage commands, system commands, files and advanced programming.  Prerequisite:  MCO 104.  3 credits.

MCO 275 Advanced Internet Tools and Web Page Design (Annual)

This course introduces HTML, XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, and DHTML. Students will design and implement significant Internet based Web sites using all the major features of HTML and client side scripting.  Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  3 credits.

MCO 343 Database Concepts & Design (Bi-annual)

This course provides students with an informed and critical perspective on current alternatives in the Database Management Systems (DBMS) area.  Topics include:  architecture; hierarchic, network and relational database approaches with respect to database structure; integrity; user view mechanisms; data storage and access techniques; data manipulation; normalization; file structures versus DBMS; SQL, and QBE.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 346 Business Programming (Bi-annual)

This course is a comprehensive overview of a popular business related programming language.  The programming language will be selected to meet industry needs.  Business applications are emphasized as well.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 351 Computer Hardware (Upon Request)

This course will provide students with an introduction to the hardware levels comprising the structure of a computer.  The components, operations, and data types of each level; starting with the electronic gates and up through the operating system are explored.  Students will develop and integrate an understanding of how the hardware building blocks interface with sophisticated software to enable the computer to operate.  They will also learn to troubleshoot hardware problems.  Prerequisite:  MCO 104.  3 credits.

MCO 352 Structured Systems Analysis (Bi-annual)

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the system life cycle with a strong emphasis on the analysis phase.  Topics include: data flow diagrams (a graphic tool that represents data interfaces and functions); building system models using data flow diagrams; data dictionary; introduction to CASE tools; and AD/cycle.  Students participate in practical case studies and presentations in system analysis.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

MCO 353 Data Communication Fundamentals (Bi-annual)

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the communications industry.  The course discusses: transmission media, transmission impairments, information structure, modems, interfaces, local area networks, wide area networks topologies, standards, and protocols.  Prerequisite:  MCO 141.  3 credits.

MCO 354 Local Area Network Concepts and Software (Upon Request)

This course provides students with a basic understanding of various major products and designs related to Local Area Networks (LANs). The course discusses data communication protocols and several programs that are used to implement LANs. The students will learn to plan and setup basic network services, share resources, and implement access security.  Prerequisite:  MCO 353.  3 credits.

MCO 355 Advanced Local Area Network Architectures and Software (Upon Request)

This course presents various LAN architectures and industry standards.  Advanced topics in resource sharing and security are covered along with networking protocol suites as they apply to LANs. This course will discuss network management products and software products that allow for central resource management, directory services, and user access control.  Prerequisite:  MCO 354.  3 credits.

MCO 356 Advanced Topics in Local Area Networks (Upon Request)

This course introduces students to the latest developments in the field of data communications and provides them with the research tools required to remain abreast of this fast-developing field.  Topics will be selected from a list of emerging technologies in data communications.  Prerequisite:  MCO 355.  3 credits.

MCO 358 Web Programming (Annual)

This course will teach students to compose real life dynamic database-driven web applications. Students will become familiar with server-side web programming using a popular web server platform.  Prerequisite: MCO 264 and MCO 343.   3 credits.

MCO 364 Data Structures II (Spring)

This course covers advanced programming language topics such as advanced and thread safe data structures, multi-threading, database connectivity, web development, networking, graphical user interface development and file processing.  Prerequisite:  MCO 264.  3 credits.

MCO 368 Advanced Topics in Object-Oriented Programming (Annual)

This course will utilize a current object oriented programming language to explore advanced OOP concepts such as: classes, objects and encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism, graphical user interface design and event handling, exception handling, multithreaded development and locking, generic templates, and case studies in OOP implementation.  Corequisite:  MCO 364.  3 credits.

 MCO 450 Artificial Intelligence (Upon Request)

This course introduces students to techniques that allow computers to exhibit intelligent behavior.  Topics covered are taken from the areas of problem solving, perception, game playing, knowledge representation, natural language understanding, programs that learn (adaptive programs), expert systems, and programming languages that work in an artificial intelligence environment.  Prerequisite:  MCO 232.  3 credits.

 MCO 451 Special Topics in Computer Science (Upon Request)

This course will cover topics of current interest in computer science.  Possible offerings include: software engineering, microprocessors, computer graphics, system simulation, expert systems, visual programming, and Internet applications.  Prerequisite:  Departmental permission.  3 credits.

 MCO 452-453 Internship in Computer Science (Fall, Spring, Summer)

This course requires students to complete an internship in a Computer-Science related field.  Students work on a commercial business project requiring a minimum of 160 hours in a semester.  These internships complement students' academic backgrounds and prepare them for the business world.  Achievement is measured by demonstrable attainment of the project's goals.  Prerequisite:  MCO 264 or MCO 354.  3 credits.

 MCO 481-482 Independent Study (Upon Request)

This course enables students to complete an Independent Study project supervised by a staff member.  Credit will be assigned depending on the type of coursework involved.  Prerequisite:  Departmental permission.  1-4 credits.

 MCO 493 Research Project in Computer Science (Upon Request)

This course involves the preparation of a major, approved research project supervised by a faculty member.  Achievement is measured by a demonstrable attainment of the project's goals.  Typed report required.  Prerequisite:  Departmental permission.  3 credits.

 MCO 494 Senior Honors Project in Computer Science (Upon Request)

This course assigns students a senior research project supervised by a faculty member.  Achievement is measured by a demonstrable attainment of the project's goals.  Typed report required.  Prerequisite:  Departmental permission.  3 credits.