Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: Must obtain a grade of “C” or better in COS 125, COS 140, COS 225, MAT 126, MAT 127,  and ENG 101.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: Required GPA in Major: 2.0

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: COS 397 and COS 497

Contact Information: Carol Roberts, 248 Boardman Hall, carolr@maine.edu and Torsten Hahmann, 344 Boardman Hall,  torsten.hahmann@maine.edu


Computer science is the foundation of computing and information technology. Computer scientists study the theory, design, implementation, and performance of computers and computer software, including the study of computability and computation itself. Computer scientists bring their breadth and depth of knowledge to bear to efficiently solve computing problems. They design and implement software systems. They devise new uses for computers, both to solve new problems and to provide novel, innovative capabilities and services.

Core areas of computer science include databases, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, computer networks, computer graphics, software engineering, operating systems, programming languages, cybersecurity and computer organization and architecture. Computer science intersects other sciences to form such fields as computational biology and bioinformatics, medical informatics, computational chemistry, cognitive science, robotics, and computational linguistics. Knowledge of computer science, beyond simply what is needed to implement and use information systems, is increasingly important in medicine, business, law, and science, as well as being important for making informed decisions about technology. 

The required course work in computer science provides the student with an understanding of the basic areas of computer science: structure of programming languages, operating systems, software engineering, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, and the theory of computer science.  Electives allow students to study additional topics such as database, high performance computing, networks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.  A capstone experience allows students to use their accumulated knowledge of the field either through field experience, independent study, or as an undergraduate researcher in one of our laboratories. 

Minimum hours needed for graduation: 120 degree hours. Required GPA: 2.00. Required Major GPA: 2.00. All students must satisfy the general education requirements of both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University. A University of Maine student who wishes to take a course elsewhere for the degree must have the course approved in advance by the department and the college.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is our traditional computer science undergraduate degree.  It prepares students to work in the computer industry or to study computer science in graduate school. The B. S. degree is also appropriate for students who wish to contribute a strong computer science background to an interdisciplinary team, such as one in bioinformatics.    The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (CORPA).

Program Educational Objectives

The Computer Science BS degree provides the foundation for students to pursue meaningful computer science careers in business, industry, and government, and to pursue graduate studies in the field. The specific program educational objectives of our curriculum are to enable our students to:

  • Bring to bear a strong background in the basics of computer science, the theoretical underpinnings of the computing discipline, and the mathematics and science appropriate to the discipline, to solve the new problems that will arise throughout their careers.
  • Be highly proficient in formulating and solving the myriad of computer science problems that they will address in the workforce, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of complex software systems.
  • Function effectively in the workplace with the necessary technical and communication skills, whether working independently or in a team setting.
  • Adapt to changes in technology and society through continued personal and professional growth.
  • Understand the role of ethics in their professional behavior and the impact on society of their work as computer scientists.

Student Outcomes

By the time of graduation, our students will demonstrate ability to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant discipline to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of computer science.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree gives the student a strong foundation in computer science while providing more flexibility in coursework outside the major. It also prepares the student for a rewarding career in computing or for graduate work.

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  page of the catalog.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science


Mathematics Courses - 15-16 credit hours


Capstone Experience:


To meet the capstone requirement for the B.S., students must use their accumulated knowledge of the field in addressing a particular problem.  Students may meet the capstone requirement through completing COS 397 and COS 497.

English - 6 credit hours


Science - 14 credit hours


This must include a two-semester laboratory science sequence from either BIO 100/200 or BIO 100/208 or CHY 121/123, CHY 122/124 or ERS 101/102 or PHY 121/122 for a total of 8 hours, and an additional 6 hours of science courses.  Courses fulfilling this requirement may be from any of the following areas:

  • Astronomy (AST; except AST 114)
  • Biological Sciences (BIO)
  • Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (BMB; BMB 207 and above)
  • Chemistry (CHY; CHY 121 and above)
  • Earth Sciences (ERS; ERS 100 and above)
  • Marine Science (SMS; SMS 100 and above)
  • Physics (PHY; PHY 121 and above)
  • Wildlife Ecology (WLE; WLE 200 and above)

*A student must complete these courses with a grade of C or higher in each.  

Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Computer Science (Model A)


First Year - First Semester (16 Credits)


First Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Second Year - First Semester (16 Credits)


Second Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)


Three Year - First Semester (16 Credits)


Third Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Fourth Year - First Semester (12 Credits)


Fourth Year - Second Semester (13 Credits)


Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Computer Science (Model B)


First Year - First Semester (16 Credits)


First Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Second Year - First Semester (17 Credits)


Second Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)


Third Year- First Semester (16 Credits)


Third Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Fourth Year - First Semester (12 Credits)


Fourth Year - Second Semester (13 Credits)


Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science


Mathematics Courses - 15-16 hours


Capstone Experience:


To meet the capstone requirement for the B.A., students must use their accumulated knowledge of the field in addressing a particular problem.  Students may meet the capstone requirement through completing COS 397 and COS 497.

English - 6 credit hours


Minor


Students must complete an approved minor in some department outside of Computer Science.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities


The School of Computing and Information Science has several research laboratories focusing on such areas as artificial intelligence and software agents, database systems, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and computer modeling of physical processes. Most of these laboratories routinely include undergraduates who assist the professors and the graduate students in their research. Students are mentored by the professors and graduate students, and they get a good idea of what research and graduate school is like. In addition to the interesting and valuable experience gained, the students are often paid and/or co-author research papers.

Career Opportunities


Computer Science graduates are well-positioned to secure rewarding, high-paying jobs in the computer industry that are relatively immune to outsourcing. In addition, graduates can also apply their knowledge wherever computers are used, including businesses, research institutions, educational institutions, and government laboratories and agencies. The B.S. and B.A. degrees both provide a rigorous emphasis on computer science along with a strong liberal arts education. Consequently, students are well prepared to enter any career that requires a liberal arts degree. Graduates of the School of Computing and Information Science are also well prepared to enter graduate school for further study in computer science or other related fields or, with some additional preparation, to enter a professional school.

Graduate Work


The School offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science), the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Spatial Information Science and Engineering, the Master of Science in Spatial Informatics, and the Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Systems. Please see the graduate catalog School’s Web page for more information.

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