Course Descriptions: Computer Science

MCO 140 Computer Concepts with Microcomputer Applications (annual)
Personal computers present new opportunities for people to directly interface with computer-based systems. The course begins to discuss and answer basic questions as: What is a computer? How does it work? How can I make it do what I want? The students receive hands-on experience in using the computer and non-procedural programs such as a spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs. These programs are taught and utilized with exercises drawn from everyday business situations. 4 credits.

MCO 141 Introduction to Programming (annual)
Concentrated orientation course dealing with algorithms, programs, and basic processing of quantitative character information. Emphasis is placed on flow-charting techniques and general programming concepts to include: instruction types, loops, arrays, input/output blocks, functions, pointers, arithmetic operations, debugging and verification of programs. Applications are selected from the areas of business, accounting, mathematics/statistics and the social sciences.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: MCO 140. 3 credits.

MCO 152 Computer Methodology (bi-annual)
A comprehensive study of computer structure with assembly and related machine language. Topics include: number systems, complements, index systems, floating and fixed point arithmetic, packed field, base systems, relocatability, buffer management, radix conversion, searching, sorting and hashing.
Prerequisite: MCO 141. 3 credits.

MCO 160 Electronic Desktop Publishing I (upon request)
Students will learn the basic standard software to create desktop design work for industry especially Finance, Advertising and/or Publishing. This class uses a workshop/lab environment using Windows based Desktop Publishing applications software. The principals of desktop publishing software will examine spot color, bezier curves, importing and exporting files of graphic images into layouts. Students will be required to produce assignments using all aspects of desktop software. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies available.
Prerequisite: MCO 140. 3 credits.

MCO 165 Publication and Graphic Design I (upon request)
This course will teach students advanced software to create business desktop design layout and the use of type. Students will receive instruction in basic logo and page layout design using tracking, kerning and simple color. Students will be required to design several elementary logos and one major page layout using predesigned logos, enhancing the software used in Electronic Desktop Publishing I. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies available.
Prerequisite: MCO 140. 3 credits.

MCO 203-217 Language/PC Applications Tutorials (annual)
Students may choose any of the following languages or applications that have not been previously studied.
Prerequisite: MCO 140 or MCO 141
1 credit each.

MCO 203 Language Tutorial-RPG

MCO 204 Language Tutorial-PASCAL

MCO 205 Language Tutorial-"C"
(May not be taken without departmental permission)

MCO 206 Language Tutorial-APL

MCO 207 Language Tutorial-JCL

MCO 208 Language Tutorial-COBOL
Prerequisite: MCO 235

MCO 209 Language Tutorial-BASIC

MCO 210 Language Tutorial-FORTRAN

MCO 211 Language Tutorial-LISP

MCO 212 Language Tutorial-REXX

MCO 213 Language Tutorial-PROLOG

MCO 214 PC Application Tutorial-SPREADSHEETS

MCO 215 PC Application Tutorial-MICROCOMPUTER DATABASE

MCO 216 PC Application Tutorial-ADVANCED SPREADSHEETS

MCO 217 PC Application-VISUAL LANGUAGES

MCO 232 Advanced Programming (annual)
Disciplined programming techniques including style analysis structured programming. Advanced programming concepts including structures, advanced topics in pointers and addresses. Prerequisite: MCO 141. 3 credits.

MCO 235 File Structures (annual)
File l/O, physical organization of files, files structures, file maintenance. Experience in selecting and using sequential data structures. Concepts and experience in selecting and using input-output techniques for sequential and non-sequential file processing.
Prerequisite: MCO 232. 3 credits.

MCO 242 Data Structures (bi-annual)
Representations, implementations, and applications of stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, and graphs. Recursion and its implementation. Sorting and searching techniques. Dynamic storage allocations.
Prerequisite: MCO 235 3 credits.

MAT 243 Operating Systems (annual)
Design and implementation of operating systems. Multi-programming, multi-processing, time-sharing. Resource allocation, job scheduling. Communications, conversational computing, computer networks, memory protection, process management, interrupts segmentation, inter process communications, paging, virtual memories, memory management. The deadlock problem, detection, recovery, and prevention methods. Input, output, buffering, channels.
Prerequisite: MCO 232. 3 credits.

MCO 245 UNIX Operating System (upon request)
This course is designed to introduce the student to advanced features of the UNIX Operating System. The student will gain valuable in-depth knowledge of the entire UNIX environment and the inner workings of this operating system.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MCO 232. 3 credits.
 

MCO 251 Programming Languages (bi-annual)
Formal definition of programming languages and specification of syntax and semantics; global properties of algorithmic languages including scopes of declaration, storage allocation, binding time, subroutines, and co-routines; list processing, string manipulation, data description and simulation languages; BNF notation, formal language description and specification.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 3 credits.

MCO 254 Survey of Advanced PC Applications (upon request)
This course is designed to explore the more advanced features of spreadsheets, word processing, databases and operating systems software. Advanced features such as macros, graphics, queries, Windows and merging are discussed in detail. Prerequisite: MCO 140. 3 credits.

MCO 260 Computer Architecture (bi-annual)
Basic digital circuits. Boolean algebra and combinational logic, data representation and transfer, and digital arithmetic. Digital storage and accessing, control functions, input-output facilities, micro programming, system organization, and reliability. Description and simulation techniques. Features needed for multi-programming, multi-processing, and real-time systems. Other advanced topics and alternate machine organizations.
Prerequisite: MCO 232. 3 credits.

MCO 265 Actuarial Computing with APL (bi-annual)
This course will take the student 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 141. 3 credits.

MCO 280 Computers in Education (bi-annual)
This course introduces students to the use of the computer in the K-12 classroom. The student will learn how to use the computer, as a productivity tool for teachers, a learning tool for students, and instructional aid. Current popular educational software will be discussed throughout this course. Lab time will be required for class assignments. The software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies available. 3 credits.

MCO 343 Database Concepts & Design (Fall)
This course provides students with an informed and critical perspective on current alternatives in the Data Base Management Systems (DBMS) area. Topics include: architecture; hierarchic, network and relational database approaches with respect to database structure, integrity, userview mechanisms, data storage and access techniques, data manipulation; normalization; file structures versus DBMS; SQL. QBE.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 3 credits.

MCO 344 Relational Database (upon request)
This course provides students with a critical understanding of relational database concepts, theory and contemporary relational database management systems. Topics include: query language, distributed database management systems, relational database design and trends in database.
Prerequisite: MCO 343. 3 credits.

MCO 346 Business Programming (bi-annual)
Topics of current interest in business related computer languages and tools. Possible offerings include Advanced Visual Basic, Power Builder.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 3 credits.

MCO 351 Construction and Design of Compilers (upon request)
Organization of a compiler including logical analysis, symbol table organization, linear and two-dimensional source text reconstruction, syntax analysis, object code generation and introduction of code optimization techniques. Consideration of internal representations of parsed source programs, Polish/Reverse Polish notation, triples and trees. Techniques for translation of arithmetic expressions and simple statements. Algorithms for object decode generation for internal forms. Emphasis on the practical aspects of compiler construction.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 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 in the analysis phase. Topics include: Data flow, a graphic tool that represents data interfaces and functions; building system models using data flow diagrams; data dictionary; introduction to CASE tools; 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 (annual)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of various major products and designs related to a Local Area Network (LAN). The course discusses in detail topologies, access protocols security, hardware, software products and LAN installation with service and support.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MCO 353. 3 credits.

MCO 355 Advanced Local Area Network Architectures and Software (bi-annual)
This course presents various advanced LAN architectures and industry standards. Details of the IEEE standards are covered along with networking protocol suites - SNA and NETBIOS - as they apply to LANs. The course will discuss in detail netware coexistence, integrating networking, management products and software products.
Prerequisite: MCO 354. 3 credits.

MCO 364-365 Advanced Topics in Programming (bi-annual)
This course includes one or more of the following areas: object-oriented programming in C++; graphics techniques in C/C++; interface with assembly language, memory management, TSRs; standard C library; C in a UNIX environment; programming for WINDOWS.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 3 credits.

MCO 368 Object-Oriented Programming (bi-annual)
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): classes, object and encapsulation; inheritance and polymorphism; static and dynamic binding; case studies in OOP implementation.
Prerequisite: MCO 235. 3 credits.

MCO 370 CASE Tools / Techniques (upon request)
A basic working understanding of the utilization of CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) methodology in providing the design and development of application. An intensive, hands-on exposure to upper and lower CASE tools with code generation and version control.
Prerequisite: MCO 352. 3 credits.

MCO 450 Artificial Intelligence (bi-annual)
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)
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: MCO 232. 3 credits.

MCO 452-453 Internship in Computer Science (upon request)
Students work in a commercial business project requiring a minimum of 120-300 hours in a semester. These internships complement students academic backgrounds and prepare them for the business world. Achievement measured by demonstrable attainment of project's goals.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission. 3 credits.

MCO 481-482 Independent Study (upon request)
Independent Study project supervised by a staff member.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission. 1-4 credits.

MCO 493 Research Project in Computer Science (annual)
Students prepare a 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)
Students are assigned a Senior research project supervised by a faculty member. Achievement is measured by a demonstrable attainment of the project's goals. Typed report required. Prerequisites: Departmental permission.
3 credits.