Computer Science Courses at SRU

If you have additional interests, there is a complete list of the courses offered by the Computer Science Department at Slippery Rock University. This short summary is intended for students taking CPSC 100 to fulfill the University requirement for computer competency, and those interested in Liberal Studies credit.

Computer Competency

All students at SRU must demonstrate basic computer competency by either passing the Computer Comptency exam (CPSC 099) or passing a course to complete the requirement (or transferring credit for an equivalent course). There are currently four courses that are accepted as completion of the requirement:

CPSC 100: Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts

Credit: 1 sh
Prerequisites: none
Notes:
This is not a skill-based course.

Description:
A pass/no credit course to provide an introduction to the computer capabilities needed to succeed in an Information Society. This course is designed to support the SRU Computer Competency requirement. Topics will include computer hardware, system software, application software, societal issues, networking and security & privacy.

CPSC 110: Computer Concepts

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: none
Notes:
A mix of theory and skill development.
Focus on office application software.

Description:
A computer literacy course stressing the use of applications software on personal computers. It covers a survey of computers and their impact on society and the use of word processing software. Other application software is also covered, such as spreadsheets and database software, but the particular applications examined may vary from section to section.

CpSc 130: Introduction to Programming and Information Systems

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: ACSD 110 Beginning Algebra
Notes:
This course counts as a Science, Technology & Math Enrichment course in Liberal Studies
This is a programming course that interweaves computer theory, HTML & JavaScript.

Description:
An introductory course devoted to programming and to a description of hardware and software concepts. Programming concepts covered include top-down program development using pseudocode, algebraic notation, standard control structures, and arrays in an appropriate programming language. Other topics include binary representation, storage, and general architecture and functioning of a computer system.

PE 202: Technology for Physical Education Teacher Education

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: none
Notes:
Open to Physical Education majors only

Description:
This purpose of this course is to familiarize and enhance physical education major's technology skills to support instruction in a K-12 setting. The course includes personal computer use in creating materials to enhance instruction and aid in assessment. Also included are other technologies, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), heart rate monitors and digital cameras/camcorders, in addition to various physical education software and Internet options. A portion of the course will be conducted online using Blackboard. This is a Theory and Technique Course.

Related CS Courses

There are a number of CS courses related to the material covered in CPSC 100. The following three courses require little or no prerequisite:

CpSc 102: Collaborative Information Technology and Society

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: none
Notes:
This course counts in the Human Institutions & Interpersonal Relationships Liberal Studies area.
Primary overlap is the Social Internet & Web, Ethical, Legal and Social Issues

Description:
We will explore how the use of collaborative information technology impacts human interaction in globally diverse contexts. The course provides an introduction to the historical development, current use and future directions of collaborative technology in human societies. We will address the ethical, legal and social issues involved in the use of these collaborative technologies.

CpSc 300: Challenges of Computer Technology

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: Advanced Standing
Notes:
This course counts as a Challenges of the Modern Age course in Liberal Studies
Primary overlap is the Internet, Privacy and Societal Issues

Description:
An in-depth study of the critical issues related to the computerization of society. Ethical, legal, and moral issues raised by the evolution of computer technology will be discussed.

CpSc 301: Practical Computer Security

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: Any CpSc Course Or Permission of the Instructor
Notes:
This course counts as a Science, Technology & Math Enrichment course in Liberal Studies
Primary overlap is Security, Systems Administration, Networks & Wireless LAN, and Privacy.

Description:
A practical introduction to the threats present to the online, electronic community, and how to protect yourself and your organization from them. We will explore the connectivity structure of the Internet, along with the security and criminal threats to members of the online community. The legal, ethical and technical issues related to threats such as viruses, worms, and identity theft will be covered.

Other Liberal Studies Courses

The following two courses are not directly related to CPSC 100, but count for Liberal Studies. Again, they require little or no prerequisite:

CpSc 140: Introduction to Programming Principles

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: ACSD 110 Beginning Algebra
Notes:
This course counts as a Science, Technology & Math course in Liberal Studies.
This is a programming course!

Description:
Techniques are stressed that enable systematic development of clear, correct programs. Other topics include data types, algebraic notation, standard control structures, functions; input/output, arrays, and program testing and debugging.

CpSc 305: Introduction to Expert Systems

Credit: 3 sh
Prerequisites: Computer Literacy
Notes:
This course counts as a Challenges of the Modern Age course in Liberal Studies
This course generally involves programming.

Description:
An overview of the purpose, structure, and applications of expert systems. Topics covered will include expert systems technology, knowledge engineering, applications of expert systems, expert systems development, and the future of expert systems.