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:

  • To be competent in formulating and solving computer science problems, including the development of complex software systems;
  • 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;
  • To be able to function in the workplace with the necessary technical skills and with appropriate oral and written communication skills; and
  • 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. Phone: (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 (GPA) of 2.00 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 GPA in these courses falls below 2.00, 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.

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 2.00 or better in all courses taken at UNH.

The curriculum includes coursework in mathematics, science, 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.

Freshman Year

Course

Fall

Spring

CS 400, Introduction to Computing 1 -
CS 415, Introduction to Computer Science I 4 -
MATH 425, Calculus I (Gen Ed 2) 4 -
Gen Ed 3 (Science/Technology)* 4 -
Gen Ed 4 -
CS 416, Introduction to Computer Science II - 4
MATH 426, Calculus II - 4
ENGL 401, First-Year Writing (Gen Ed 1) - 4
Gen Ed 3 (Science/Technology)* - 4
Total 17 16

*These two additional technology or science courses are required, in addition to a two semester lab science sequence. One will satisfy a general education requirement. Students can choose these two courses from the following list:

Biology:
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)
ECE, 444, Bionics
HMP 501, Epidemiology and Community Medicine
MICR 501, Public Health Microbiology
PBIO 412, Introductory Botany
PBIO 421, Concepts of Plant Growth
ZOOL 412, Principles of Zoology

Physical Science:
CHEM 401-402, Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM 403-404, General Chemistry
CHEM 405, General Chemistry
ESCI 401, Dynamic Earth
ESCI 402, Earth History
ESCI 405, Global Environmental Change
ESCI 409, Environmental Geology
ESCI 501, Introduction to Oceanography
NR 504, Freshwater Resources
PHYS 407, General Physics I
PHYS 408, General Physics II

Technology:
PHIL 447, Computer Power and Human Reason

 Sophomore Year

Course

Fall

Spring

CS 515, Data Structures 4 -
MATH 531, Mathematical Proof 4 -
Lab Science I* 4 -
Gen Ed 4 -
CS 516, Intro to Software Design and Development - 4
CS 659, Intro to the Theory of Computation - 4
Lab Science II* - 4
Gen Ed - 4
Total 16 16

*Students may choose from the following lab science sequences:
Biology 411 & 412, Principles of Biology I & II
Chemistry 403 & 404, General Chemistry I & II
Earth Science 401 & 402, Dynamic Earth & Earth History
Earth Science 409 & 402, Environmental Geology & Earth History
Physics 407 & 408, General Physics I & II

Junior Year

Course

Fall

Spring

CS 520, Assembly Language Prog and Machine Org 4 -
CS 671, Prog Language Concepts and Features 4 -
Statistics Course* 4 -
PHIL 424, Science, Technology and Society (Gen Ed 8) 4 -
CS 620, Operating System Fundamentals - 4
Computer Science Theory Course** - 4
ECE 543, Introduction to Digital Systems - 4
Gen Ed - 4
CS 595, Computer Science Seminar - 2
Total 16 18

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

**Theory course requirement may be fulfilled by CS 712, Compiler Design; CS 745, Formal Specifications and Verification of Software Systems; or CS 758, Algorithms.

Senior Year

Course

Fall

Spring

CS 719, Object-Oriented Methodology 4 -
CS Writing Intensive Course 4 -
ECE 562, Computer Organization 4 -
Liberal Arts Elective* 4 -
CS 700-Level Elective - 4
CS 700-Level Elective - 4
Liberal Arts Elective* - 4
Free Elective - 1
Total 16 13

*Liberal Arts electives can be any course within the College of Liberal Arts that does not have a math or science component.


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