Skip to Content Find it Fast

This browser does not support Cascading Style Sheets.

Undergraduate Course Catalog 2012-2013

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

» http://www.ceps.unh.edu


Computer Science (CS)

» http://www.cs.unh.edu

» Click to view course offerings

Chairperson: Radim Bartos
Professor: R. Daniel Bergeron, Philip J. Hatcher, Ted M. Sparr, Colin Ware
Affiliate Professor: Jason H. Moore
Associate Professor: Radim Bartos, Michel Charpentier, Robert D. Russell, Elizabeth Varki, James L. Weiner
Affiliate Associate Professor: Sylvia Weber Russell, Mihaela Sabin
Assistant Professor: Wheeler Ruml
Affiliate Assistant Professor: Michael S. Deutsch, Anthony J. Lapadula, Matthew Plumlee, Kurt Schwehr
Instructor: Michael Gildersleeve, Israel J. Yost
Lecturer: Mark L. Bochert, Ellen M. Hepp, Karl Shump

Computer Science

Undergraduate students may choose from one of three degree options: the B.S. in computer science, which is designed for students interested in the design and implementation of software systems; the B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics option, which is designed for students who wish to apply computer science expertise in the life sciences; and the B.S. in information technology, which focuses on the application of existing computing technologies to the information needs of organizations and individual computer users.


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer scientists are concerned with problem solving in general, with particular emphasis on the design of computer-efficient solutions. This involves a detailed understanding of the nature of algorithms, the software implementation necessary to utilize algorithms on computers, and how algorithms can be combined in a structured manner to form highly complex systems.

The broad objectives for B.S. in Computer Science graduates are:
1. To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of complex software systems;
2. To understand computer science fundamentals along with supporting mathematics and science so they will be prepared for a wide range of jobs and the pursuit of advanced degrees;
3. To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
4. To have a broad education that promotes professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The B.S. in computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700.

The program is designed to prepare students for employment and/or graduate study. Most courses require heavy computer use, and the laboratories stress hands-on experience with building software systems.

Computer science majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, and computer engineering courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student’s cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS major. In order to be able to take a CS or MATH course with prerequisites, the prerequisite course(s) must be passed with a grade of a C- or better.

Computer science majors should not take CS 401,  CS 405, or CS 410.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The curriculum includes coursework in mathematics, computer engineering, science, English, and philosophy. The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


First Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
MATH   425   Calculus I   4    
  444   Inquiry   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II     4  
MATH   426   Calculus II     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing     4  
    Discovery Science*     4  
    Total   17   16  

 

*Students are required to take four science courses. You must have at least one course in a biological science and at least one course in a physical science.  Two courses must be a sequence and  should be chosen from the following list:   BIOL 411-412, CHEM 403-404, ESCI 401-402, ESCI 409-402, or PHYS 407-408.  The other two courses must be Discovery Lab Science (DLAB)  

 



Biological Science

Abbreviation Course Number Title
BIOL   411   Principles of Biology I  
BIOL   412   Principles of Biology II  
BIOL   413   Principles of Biology I (UNH Manchester Course)  
BIOL   414   Principles of Biology II (UNH Manchester Course)  
BMS   412   Biology of Animals  
ECE   444   Bionics  
MICR   501   Public Health Microbiology  
PBIO   412   Introduction to Botany  


Physical Science

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CHEM   403   General Chemistry I  
CHEM   404   General Chemistry II  
CHEM   405   General Chemistry  
ESCI   401   Principles of Geology  
ESCI   402   Earth History  
ESCI   409   Environmental Geology  
ESCI   501   Introduction to Oceanography  
NR   433   Wildlife Ecology  
NR   504   Freshwater Resources  
PHYS   407   General Physics I  
PHYS   408   General Physics II  


Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   515   Data Structures   4    
MATH   531   Mathematical Proof   4    
    Discovery Science   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization     4  
CS   659   Introduction to the Theory of Computation     4  
    Discovery Science     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   16   16  


Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   620   Operating System Fundamentals   4    
CS   619   Introduction to Software Design and Development   4    
    Statistics Course*   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Discovery ETS)   4    
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features     4  
    Computer Science Theory Course**     4  
ECE   543   Introduction to Digital Systems     4  
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar     2  
ENGL   502   Technical Writing     4  
    Total   16   18  

*The statistics requirement can be fulfilled by MATH 539, Introduction to Statistical Analysis, or MATH 644, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists.

**The CS theory requirement can be fulfilled by CS 712, Compiler Design, CS 745 Formal Specification and Verification of Software Systems, or CS 758, Algorithms.



Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   791   Senior Project I*   2    
CS   700-level or CS 696WI   Writing Intensive Course   4    
ECE   562   Computer Organization   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   792   Senior Project II*     2  
CS   700-Level   Implementation Intensive     4  
CS   700-Level   Elective     4  
    Discovery Science     4  
    Free Elective     1  
    Total   14   15  

*This is the senior capstone course.

 



Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Bioinformatics Option

The bioinformatics field is an increasingly important sub-discipline in computer science. The demand for computer science graduates who can apply their knowledge in the life sciences is significant and is expected to continue to grow. Students who choose this path are still computer science majors but have a concentration in the life sciences. The option has the same core as the B.S. program but requires appropriate coursework in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and statistics.

Computer science: bioinformatics majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, biology, and biochemistry courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student’s cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a computer science: bioinformatics major. In order to be able to take a CS or MATH course with prerequisites, the prerequisite course(s) must be passed with a grade of a C- or better.

Computer bioinformatics majors should not take CS 401,  CS 405, or CS 410.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science: bioinformatics major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The broad objectives for B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics graduates are:
1. To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of non-trivial software systems;
2. To understand computer science fundamentals along with supporting mathematics and science so they will be prepared for a wide range of jobs in the biomedical industry and the pursuit of advanced degrees in both computer science and bioinformatics;
3. To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
4. To have a broad education that promotes professional advancement, lifelong personal development, and social responsibility.

The B.S. in computer science: bioinformatics program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700.

The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


First Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
MATH   425   Calculus I   4    
BIOL   411   Principles of Biology I   4    
  444   Discovery   4    
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II     4  
MATH   426   Calculus II     4  
BIOL   412   Principles of Biology II     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing     4  
    Total   17   16  


Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   515   Data Structures   4    
MATH   531   Mathematical Proof   4    
CHEM   403   General Chemistry I   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization     4  
CS   659   Introduction to the Theory of Computation     4  
CHEM   404   General Chemistry II     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   16   16  


Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   620   Operating Systems Fundamentals   4    
    Statistics Course*   4    
CS   619   Introduction to Software Design and Development   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Discovery ETS)   4    
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar   2    
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features     4  
    Computer Science Theory Course**     4  
BIOL   604   Principles of Genetics     4  
ENGL   502   Technical Writing     4  
    Total   18   16  

*The Statistics requirement can be fulfilled by MATH 539, Introduction to Statistical Analysis, or MATH 644, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists.

 **The CS theory requirement can be fulfilled by CS 712, Compiler Design, CS 745 Formal Specification and Verification of Software Systems, or CS 758, Algorithms.



Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   791   Senior Project I*   2    
BCHEM   711   Genomics and Bioinformatics   4    
  700-Level   Statistics Course**   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   792   Senior Project II     2  
CS     Writing Intensive Course***     4  
CS   775   Database Systems     4  
ECE   543   Introduction to Digital Systems     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   14   18  

*This is the senior capstone course.

**This requirement can be fulfilled by the following courses: MATH 739, Applied Regression Analysis; MATH 742, Multivariate Statistical Methods; or MATH 755, Probability and Stochastic Processes with Applications.

***This course must include a project that addresses bioinformatics issues.



The Minor in Computer Science

The minor in computer science is designed for students in other majors who want to learn the fundamentals of designing and implementing computer software.

Credit toward the minor will be given only for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.0 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the minor. Courses taken on the pass/fail basis may not be used for the minor. Students should declare their intent to earn a minor as early as possible and no later than the end of the junior year. During the final term, an application should be made to the dean of the student’s major college to have the minor shown on the academic record. Students must consult with their major adviser and also the minor supervisor.


Requirements:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I  
CS   416   Introduction to Computer Science II  
CS   515   Data Structures  


Two additional courses chosen from:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
CS   619   Introduction to Software Design and Development  
CS   520   Assembly Language Programming and Machine Organization  
CS   620   Operating System Fundamentals  
*CS   659   Introduction to the Theory of Computation  
CS   671   Programming Language Concepts and Features  
    An approved CS 700-level course  

*CS 659 has mathematics prerequisites: MATH 425, MATH 426, and MATH 531.



The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Information technology is concerned primarily with the application of existing computing technologies to the information needs of organizations and individual computer users. Potential careers include network administrator, database developer, system administrator, and webmaster.

IT programs aim to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in information technology upon graduation and grow into leadership positions in the field. Specifically, within five years of graduation a student must be able to:

1.  apply the full range of core IT concepts and techniques to fill the IT needs of an organization and be prepared to assume managerial and other advanced responsibilities,

2.  confront new problems effectively and anticipate the changing directions of technology,

3.  communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders as well as function appropriately in a team environment,

4.  navigate within the complex relationships between IT and larger organizational goals, and

5.  understand the pervasive and changing role of computing technology in global society, and participate responsibly as both IT professional and citizen.

The B.S. in information technology degree program was approved by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences in May 2008 and the USNH Board of Trustees in fall 2008. The University  welcomed its first IT class in fall 2009. Note: the B.S. in information technology degree program has not yet been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology because ABET requires new programs to graduate students before they are eligible. The CS department will apply for accreditation when it graduates its first class in May 2012.

Information technology majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required information technology and computer science required courses in order to graduate.  If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student’s cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as an IT major. All required IT courses offered by the CS department at the 400-600 level must be passed with a C- or better.

If a student wishing to transfer into the information technology major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in information technology. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the University.

The IT major requires students to take the equivalent of 10 courses within the CS department that constitute the core coverage of the breadth of IT topics. In addition, students much choose a depth track, consisting of three courses that focus on a more specialized area within the IT field. The CS department currently offers a web track and an admin track. Students who choose the web track must take IT 604, Intermediate Web Development; IT 775, Database Technology; and IT 704, Advanced Web Topics. Students who opt for the admin track must take IT 609, Network/System Administration; IT 725, Network Technology; and IT 775, Database Technology.

The IT curriculum includes a number of courses outside of the CS department. Two courses in mathematics are required: Calculus I (MATH  425) and a statistics course (MATH 439). A two-semester lab science sequence is also required, as are a philosophy course (PHIL 424) and a technical writing course (ENGL 502).

In addition, by the end of their sophomore year, each student must choose a second discipline in a particular domain outside of IT to which the student’s IT skills can be applied. Second disciplines (typically five courses) have been defined by the CS department in such areas as business administration, health management and policy, and justice studies. If a student is interested in an area that is not currently defined, the option of a student-designed second discipline is also available.

The following is a sample schedule depicting the necessary requirements and the layout of the curriculum. Students must consult with their advisers in order to come up with the proper schedule for themselves.


First Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
CS   400   Introduction to Computing   1    
MATH   425   Calculus I (Discovery)   4    
CS   403   Weaving the Web   4    
CS   415   Introduction to Computer Science I   4    
    Discovery   4    
IT   506   Intermediate Applications Programming with Visual Basic (or CS 416 Introduction to Computer Science II)     4  
IT   502   Intermediate Web Design*     4  
ENGL   401   First-Year Writing (Discovery)     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   17   16  

*Meets Discovery Inquiry requirement.



Sophomore Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
MATH   439   Statistical Discovery for Everyone   4    
IT   505   Database Programming   4    
    Discovery   4    
    Lab Science I & II (Discovery)*   4   4  
IT   520   Computer Architecture     4  
ENGL   502   Technical Writing     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   16   16  

* Students are required to take a 2 course lab sequence chosen from the following list: BIOL 411-412, CHEM 403-404, ESCI 401-402, ESCI 409-402, PHYS 401-402, or PHYS 407-408.



Junior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
    Depth Track I   4    
PHIL   424   Science, Technology and Society (Discovery)   4    
    Second Discipline I   4    
    Discovery   4    
CS   600   Internship     1  
CS   595   Computer Science Seminar     2  
IT   666   Computer Security     4  
    Second Discipline II     4  
    Discovery     4  
    Total   16   15  


Senior Year

Abbreviation Course Number Title Fall Spring
    Depth Track II   4    
    Second Discipline III   4    
    Second Discipline IV   4    
IT   705   Project Management   4    
IT   710   Senior Project*     4  
    Second Discipline V     4  
    Depth Track III     4  
    Free Elective     4  
    Total   16   16  

*Meets Discovery Capstone Experience requirement.



Minor in Information Technology

The information technology (IT) minor is a way for students in non-technical majors to bridge the gap between a primarily non-technical education and a technical world. Graduates from a variety of fields are discovering that there is a great need to have computer competency in addition to the knowledge they gain in their major; the IT minor, which is tailored to grow students’ understanding of computer and information technology applications, helps prepare students for the future.

Students who minor in IT must complete a minimum of 20 credits of IT courses. All students must take IT 520, Computer Architecture, as well as an introductory programming course. The other three courses may be chosen from the list below.

Credit toward the minor will be given only for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.0 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the minor. Courses taken on the pass/fail basis may not be used for the minor. Students should declare their intent to earn a minor as early as possible and no later than the end of the junior year. During the final term, an application should be made to the dean of the student’s major college to have the minor shown on the academic record. Students must consult with their major adviser and also the minor supervisor.


Requirements:

Abbreviation Course Number Title
    1.  
IT   520   Computer Architecture  
     
    2. A programming course chosen from the following list:  
CS   405   Introduction to Applications Programming with Visual Basic  
CS   410   Introduction to Scientific Programming  
CS   503   Introduction to Web Programming  
     
    3. Three courses from the following list  
CS   403   Weaving the Web: Creating Content for the World Wide Web  
IT   502   Intermediate Web Design  
IT   505   Database Programming  
IT   506   Intermediate Applications Programming with Visual Basic  
IT   604   Intermediate Web Development  
IT   609   Network/System Administration  
IT   666   Computer Security