Computer Science concerns itself with the formulation and algorithmic solution of problems that can be implemented on computers and the technological structures that facilitate the efficient transmission of data and design of networks.
The ever-changing face of the discipline requires that our courses be evaluated and changed, and new courses introduced in order to deal with new developments. Our two-semester introductory sequence on the fundamentals of programming (CSCI-161 and 162) is a lab-based course in the object- oriented paradigm. Each week there is a two-hour lecture period and a two- hour supervised, formal laboratory period. The laboratory materials are written by the faculty. The curriculum progresses through courses in data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, theory of computation, data communications, database theory and programming, artificial intelligence, parallel programming, and other required courses and electives.
Students have the opportunity to be lab assistants to the Computer Lab Coordinator and also to be instructional lab assistants. There are many jobs available in the Math Center as tutors for those who are qualified. Others work on the Web Page team or as technical assistants to the Jason Project , a nationally and internationally distinguished educational initiative that introduces elementary and middle school students to science and to collaboration with a team of scientists from around the world. The Jason Project is a consortium of many schools and colleges around the country and was founded by Dr. Robert Ballard whose work has been featured on PBS and the National Geographic Society. The Fisher involvement with Jason includes a robot development project which you can try when you enter the Jason site. Students are encouraged to become involved in this project.
Of special note is the Internship Program, which places qualified senior students in internships in local-area companies. Examples of such companies are Xerox, Kodak, RealTime Enterprises, EDS, University of Rochester, and Paychex. Furthermore there are frequent opportunities for part-time jobs, which provide significant work experience that sometimes leads to permanent employment. Qualifications and guidelines for the internships are available from the Chairman of the Department.
Our graduates have gone on to become programmers, software engineers, analysts, teachers and university faculty members.
CSCI-161 Fundamentals of Programming I
CSCI-162 Fundamentals of Programming II
CSCI-231 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSCI-241 Assembly Language
CSCI-242 Computer Architecture
CSCI-301, 302, 303 - One Semester-Hour Language Modules
Core Mathematics Component:
MATH-150 Elementary Discrete Mathematics
MATH-200 Discrete Structures
MATH-260 Applied Mathematical Statistics
Advanced Computer Theory Component:
One course from
CSCI-340 Operating Systems
CSCI-353 Database Structures
CSCI-440 Automata Theory
CSCI-461 Programming Language Concepts
Applications Programming Component:
Either
CSCI-420 Compiler Construction
or
CSCI-452 Database Applications
Advanced Computer Science Component:
Six additional courses from those CSCI courses
numbered 310 or above,
or from MATH 391, 392 Numerical Analysis I, II
Written and verbal Expression Component:
COMM-250 Speech Communication
and either
ENGL-251 Advanced Writing or ENGL 355 Technical and Professional Writing
History of Computing at Fisher