Concentration Guidelines

Catalog description:

CISC Concentration (12) Twelve credits in advanced courses in an advisor-approved concentration. Students are encouraged to explore how other subject areas impact and are impacted by computer science. An approval form signed by the CISC advisor is required.

What is a subject area?

The concentration must be a coherent group of courses. It provides an opportunity for you to relate your computer science major to a particular interest or life goal. The interest or goal may be vocational or avocational.

"Coherent" only means that the courses chosen must all clearly contribute to your knowledge in the chosen topic and how computer science impacts or is impacted by this topic. The courses chosen for a concentration can come from more than one department. You are encouraged to pursue your interest in a topic that transcends departmental boundaries.

Note that all, some, or none of the courses may be from computer science. The student and advisor need only agree on a logical rationale within the context of a CISC major for his/her proposed concentration. The 12 credits in the concentration are intended to develop a student's knowledge in computer science and/or its relationships to other areas. Students are encouraged to pursue double majors or minors in other departments. In support of that, note that courses taken toward the major or minor in the other department can often be used as part of the concentration requirement for a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

What is an advanced course?

Any course can be included in your concentration if your advisor approves in writing, BEFORE you take the course. Commonly courses numbered 300 and above and typically having prerequisites are approved, but advisor approval is REQUIRED. Generally the approval is dependent on the coherence among the courses as established by the rationale for the concentration. For this reason some high numbered courses, some courses with prerequisites, in some situations may not be approved. Some lower numbered courses with no prerequisites in some situations may be approved.

When and how do I get a concentration approved?

The student should start a discussion with his/her advisor concerning the concentration during the sophomore year. This discussion should start with a topic area, and move on to developing a list of possible courses, and a rationale for the choices. After an agreed plan is reached with your advisor (generally by the end of the sophomore year), submit (1) your concentration title, (2) concentration course list, and (3) concentration rationale by email to your advisor who will enter it into the SIS+ advising notes system. Alternatively you may print out, fill in, and mail the concentration approval form to your advisor. The signed form should then be taken to the department secretaries in 101 Smith. It is advisable to keep a copy for yourself. The course list must include 4 courses meeting the advanced course guidelines. In case you are unsure which of several appropriate courses you may take in the future, it is acceptable to put some alternatives in the concentration course list, such as "4 of these 5 courses" or "these two plus two of the following 4".

• Artificial Intelligence
• Bioinformatics
• Cognitive Science
• Computer Networks and Web Design
• Economics
• Game Design
• Information Technology
• Intelligent Robots
• Internet Applications
• Management Information Systems
• Network and Distributed Computing
• Numerical Computation
• Signal Processing - Communication Networks
• Software Engineering
• Technical Writing

Concentration title: Artificial Intelligence

Rationale: Many problems do not have algorithmic solutions. Artificial Intelligence is the study of computer information processing to deal with such problems or to simulate some aspect(s) of intelligent behavior.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Artificial Intelligence, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval. This list is not intended to be exhaustive; other courses may fit equally well into this concentration.

Sample Courses:
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence
CISC 489 Topics: Artificial Intelligence
CISC 882 Natural Language Processing
CISC 884 Knowledge Representation
CISC 889 Topics: Internet Information Gathering Systems
CISC 889 Topics: Multi-Agent Systems
EDST 462 Language Acquisition
LING 409 Syntax I
LING 491 Semantics
PSYC 310 Sensation and Perception
PSYC 340 Cognition
PSYC 411 Brain and Computer

Note: PSYC 441 Computers and Cognition is not appropriate as a CIS Concentration Course.

Concentration title: Bioinformatics

Rationale: Advances in genetic engineering and theoretical biology are fueled by computer technology. To fully understand how computers might be applied to this field, knowledge of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology are important. The courses taken in this concentration emphasize such understanding.

A selection of courses such as those listed below would likely meet your advisor's approval for this concentration.

Courses:
ANSC 644 Bioinformatics
BISC 207 Introduction to Biology I (as a prerequisite to BISC 401, this course may be approved as part of the concentration in certain circumstances which include at least that the student has taken CHEM 103/104 as their lab course and their concentration includes BISC 401 and ANSC644. Note: starting with catalog Fall 04, students should instead take BISC 207 as their third science course.)
BISC 401 Molecular Biology of the Cell
BISC 403 Genetic and Evolutionary Biology
BISC 492 Human and Mammalian Cytogenetics
CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 527 Introduction to Biochemistry
PLSC 300 Principles of Animal and Plant Genetics
PLSC 310 Animal and Plant Genetics Laboratory

Concentration title: Cognitive Science

Rationale: Cognitive Science studies the computational and representational structure of the mind. This concentration provides a general background in Cognitive Science that will provide an understanding of how Computer Science will contribute to Cognitive Science studies, and how Cognitive Science can impact Computer Science.

Note: A concentration in cognitive science can be overlapped with a cognitive science minor. For information about the cognitive science minor please see http://www.udel.edu/catalog/current/as/ling/cgsc.html.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Cognitive Science, a choice of 4 of the following would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence
EDST 462 Language Acquisition
LING 409 Syntax I
LING 491 Semantics
LING 610 Syntax II
PSYC 310 Sensation & Perception
PSYC 314 Brain and Behavior
PSYC 340 Cognition Note: PSYC 441 Computers and Cognition is not appropriate as a CIS Concentration Course.

Concentration title: Computer Networks and Web Design

Rationale: With the internet growing at such huge rates, everything is going to be tied to it soon. Java knowledge along with networking skills will prepare one well for dealing with internet applications. The communications classes deal with the aspects of mass communication (such as the WWW) including legal issues involved with copyrighted material and consumer fraud. These will be valuable for addressing future business-related issues.

Courses:
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 451 Data Compression in Multimedia
CISC 453 Simulation of Computer Networks
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
COMM 345 Legal Issues of the Mass Media
COMM 370 Theories of Mass Communication

Concentration title: Economics

Rationale: A concentration in Economics provides an opportunity to study the role that technology, especially computers, has played in money and labor management issues, and how technology has changed the way businesses on a whole interact with one another.

The following courses would likely fit this rationale. Note: other appropriate classes need to be added for this concentration.

Courses:
ECON 300 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
ECON 302 Banking and Monetary Policy
ECON 381 Economics of Human Resources

Note: Seats are limited in Business and Economics courses.

Concentration title: Game Design

Rationale: In order to have a good chance of getting a job in game programming, it is necessary to be familiar with the techniques and technologies used in designing today's games.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Game Design, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 440 Computer Graphics
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 453 Simuilation of Computer Networks
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence
MATH 349 Elementary Linear Algebra

Concentration title: Information Technology

Rationale: An information technology professional today should be skillful and knowledgeable of networking issues, multimedia, databases, and programming for the internet, given the nature of today's applications. This concentration will prepare one in these important areas. Please note that registering in 800-level courses requires permission from the instructor. Only those with strong grades need apply.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Information Technology a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
ART 307 Multimedia and Interactive Design
CISC 437 Database Systems
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 451 Data Compression in Multimedia
CISC 453 Simulation of Computer Networks
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
CISC 889 Topics: Internet Information Gathering Systems

Concentration title: Intelligent Robots

Rationale: As technology increases, so will the need for smarter robots. Making intelligent robots combines the needs for artificial intelligence, advanced math, and electrical and mechanical engineering knowledge.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Intelligent Robots, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence
CISC 489 Computer Vision
CISC 685 Mechatronics
CISC 689 Topics: Robotics
MATH 349 Elementary Linear Algebra
MATH 426 Intro. to Numerical Analysis
ELEG 633 Image Processing

Note: CISC689 Topics: Robotics and CISC685 Mechatronics may not be offered on a regular basis.

Concentration title: Internet Applications

Rationale: Development of effective Internet applications involves understanding of networks, graphics, multi-media, and databases. Please note that registering in 800-level courses requires permission from the instructor. Only those with strong grades need apply.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Internet Applications, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
ART 307 Multimedia and Interactive Design
CISC 437 Database Systems
CISC 440 Computer Graphics
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 451 Data Compression in Multimedia
CISC 452 Telecommunication Systems
CISC 453 Simulation of Computer Networks
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
CISC 889 Topics: Internet Information Gathering Systems
ELEG 404 Multimedia Communications

Concentration title: Management Information Systems

Rationale: This concentration provides a general background in business, with a concentration in the use of computers as a management tool. As there are many different areas of business in which computers can be applied, there are many different business concentrations that could be appropriate, however, if your primary interest is in how business uses computers to gather and process information in order to make better management decisions, this concentration will provide a strong background in these areas.

NOTE: Students wishing to take this concentration must be accepted as an MIS Minor. The following courses have been approved by the College of Business and Economics as appropriate for CIS majors to get an MIS minor.

ACCT 200 Survey of Accounting
BUAD 100 Introduction to Business
BUEC 430 Systems Analysis and Implementation
BUEC 431 Technological Problem Solving
BUEC 432 Problem Solving Project Management Please note that BUEC 325 need not be taken by a CIS major to get the MIS minor. Moreover, BUEC325 may not be counted toward an MIS concentration in CIS. Please see http://www.lerner.udel.edu/Accounting/MIS/MISMinor.html for the application procedure and information about the MIS Minor.

For the BS in CIS concentration in MIS, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
BUEC 430 Systems Analysis and Implementation
BUEC 431 Technological Problem Solving
BUEC 432 Problem Solving Project Management
CISC 437 Database Systems
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence
ECON 152 Introduction to Macroeconomics

Concentration title: Networking and Distributed Computing

Rationale: Distributed computing is gaining in popularity. The ability to wisely partition a large computing job and distribute the resultant pieces of work to multiple processes for faster evaluation on a networked system can be very advantageous.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Networking and Distributed Computing, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 372 Parallel Programming
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 451 Data Compression in Multimedia
CISC 452 Telecommunication Systems
CISC 453 Simulation of Computer Networks

Concentration title: Numerical Computation

Rationale: This concentration covers topics that prepare one for work in scientific and engineering applications of computing. The material covered in this concentration is also useful in graphics.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Numerical Computation, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
MATH 302 Differential Equations
CISC 372 Parallel Programming
CISC 410 Intro to Numerical Analysis I
CISC 411 Intro to Numerical Analysis II
CISC 440 Computer Graphics
MATH 503 Advanced Calculus of Applications

Concentration title: Signal Processing - Communication Networks

Rationale: This concentration provides a solid understanding of the hardware and low level software problems and solutions to build effective communication networks.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Signal Processing - Communication Networks, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 450 Computer Networks
CISC 453 Simulation of Conputer Networks
ELEG 205 Linear Circuit Theory I
ELEG 305 Signal Processing I
ELEG 306 Signal Processing II
ELEG 310 Random Signals and Noise

Concentration title: Software Engineering

Rationale: This concentration provides a solid foundation for a career that involves design, implementation, and maintenance of large, complex software systems.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Software Engineering, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
CISC 440 Computer Graphics
CISC 437 Database Systems
CISC 470 Programming Languages
CISC 471 Compiler Construction
CISC 474 Advanced Web Technologies
CISC 481 Artificial Intelligence

Concentration title: Technical Writing

Rationale: This concentration provides a solid foundation and considerable experience in technical writing skills needed by almost all computer professionals and researchers. This experience will aid in writing user manuals, research papers, proposals, and project descriptions.

For the BS in CIS concentration in Technical Writing, a choice of 4 of the following courses would likely meet your advisor's approval.

Courses:
ENGL 312 Written Communication in Business (if not used for major requirement)
ENGL 410 Technical Writing (if not used for major requirement)
ENGL 411 Rhetoric for Business and Technical Writers
ENGL 412 Business & Technical Publication
ENGL 413 Topics in Technical Writing
ENGL 414 Technical Editing
ENGL 415 Writing in the Professions
ENGL 464 Internship in Business/Technical Writing