Department of Computer Science

Course Descriptions

500 Level Courses
600 Level Courses
700 Level Courses
800 Level Courses
900 Level Courses

COSC 502 - Computer Organization

3 Credits

Prerequisites: Graduate Status

Contemporary computer internal architecture and operation are described at various levels, beginning with a summary of digital logic design of memory, buses and processor chips. Topics include: microprogramming, machine language, addressing techniques, interrupts, operating systems, virtual memory and memory management, one-pass and two-pass assemblers, linking and loading, and advanced computer architectures.

COSC 503 - Software Design and Development I

4 Credits

Prerequisites: Graduate Status.

Fundamental techniques of computer program development using a high-level language. Topics include assignment, expression, declarations, control statements, arrays, structures, functions and subroutines, block structure, string handling, and programming methodology, including top-down design, structured programming, programming style, and debugging.

COSC 504 - Software Design and Development II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 503 or instructor's permission

Topics include preprocessor facilities, storage control, pointer variables, direct I/0, and recursion. Data structures, such as stacks, queues, circular lists, linked lists, trees, and graphs. Algorithms for searching, sorting, merging, hashing. System functions, such as compiling, link editing, and libraries.

COSC 514 - Operating Systems I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 502 and COSC 504

Introduction to the structure of multiprogramming computer operating systems. Topics include concurrent programming and monitors, process communication and synchronization, process and disk scheduling, deadlocks, memory hierarchies, paging and segmentation. Survey of various processors, performance coprocessors, open systems, O/S security, Unix, and VMS.

COSC 516 - Computer Architecture

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 502

Introduction to high-speed computer architecture. Parallel architecture, memory and I/O subsystems. Principles of pipelining and vector processing, pipeline computers and vectorization methods, examples of vector processors. Structures and algorithms for array processors, SIMD and MIMD computers, interconnection networks, associative array processors. Case studies of representative high-speed processors.

COSC 517 - Satellite Opr & Control

3 Credits

Prerequisites: Graduate status

This course provides students with a basic understanding of satellite operations and control. Topics to be covered include: orbits, launch vehicle and propulsion spacecraft systems, satellite communications, ground systems, earth stations, flight software and table maintenance, analysis of data.

COSC 518 - Computer Graphics I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 502 and COSC 504

Two-Dimensional (2D) interactive graphics. Basic clipping and scan conversion techniques, 2D homogeneous coordinate system, graphics hardware and software systems, user interfaces, graphics standards, and rendering techniques

COSC 522 - Discrete Structures

3 Credits

Prerequisites: Graduate status

This course includes a survey of those areas in mathematics that are particularly useful to computer science. Topics discussed include set theory, relations and functions, equivalence and order relations, digraph and trees, and probability concepts.

COSC 523 - Logic Computability & Automata I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 522

An elementary development of propositional and predicate logics, set and Boolean algebras with a discussion of Markov algorithms, Turing machines and recursive functions. Topics include post productions, word problems and formal languages.

COSC 528 - Design & Analysis of Algorithms

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504 and COSC 522

This course includes discussion of design and analysis of basic computer algorithms based on the following techniques: divide-and-conquer, greedy, dynamic programming, tree and graph traversals, backtracking, and branch-and-bound method. Applications to problems, such as sorting and searching, traveling salesman, knapsack, graph coloring, set union-and-find, matrix multiplication, and scheduling. Use of advanced data structures appropriate for different techniques and problems. Use of mathematical tools, such as big-oh notation and recurrence relations in the analysis of algorithms to NP-completeness and discussion of P=NP question.

COSC 531- Database Design

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

Introduction to database design and database information management systems. Discussions of the various types of data and information models, such as hierarchical, network, relational, entity-relation, and object-oriented models. Functional dependencies and data normalization. An in-depth look into relational data base systems and query languages.

COSC 535 - Information Privacy & Security

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

Introduction to security and privacy issues associated with information systems. Technical, physical, and administrative methods of providing security. Identification and authentication. Encryption and management of encryption systems, including key protection and distribution. Cost/risk trade-offs. Privacy legislation and technical means of providing privacy.

COSC 540 Human Factors

Credits: 4

Prerequisites: Graduate Status

Human Factors is about people and their interactions with computers. This course will introduce the psychological, physiological, linguistic and perceptual factors and fundamental concepts prevalent in the field of human factors. The advantages and disadvantages of various interaction techniques between humans and technology will be discussed and implemented. Students will implement a project using Visual Basic.

COSC 541 Numerical Analysis I

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Graduate status

Introduction to the types of problems that require numerical techniques for their solution and examples of error propagation that
arise when applying numerical methods. Topics include solutions of equations in one variable using bisection, fixed-point iteration, Newton Raphson and Muller's methods; interpolation and polynomial approximation; iterative and direct methods of solving linear and nonlinear systems.

COSC 545 - Software Security

3 Credits

Prerequisite: Graduate status

This course teaches principles and practice of secure coding. It provides a sound theoretical background, as well as hands-on experiences through the examination of security resources and standard practices in a specific programming language, such as Java or C++. Programming security, operating systems security are examples of some of the topics that will be covered.

COSC 551 - Formal Methods in Programming Languages

3 Credits

Prerequisite: COSC 504

Evolution of some imperative programming languages; formal methods of describing syntax; semantics; data types and variables; assignment statements; control structures; subprograms and their implementation; exception handling; logic programming languages; data abstraction.

COSC 554 - Design of Embedded Systems

3 Credits

Prerequisite: COSC 502

This course presents the basic material required to design and implement embedded systems. Topics covered include single-purpose processors, general-purpose processors, peripheral control, memory use, device interfacing, state machine and concurrent process models, control systems, IC technology, and design technology.

COSC 561 - Compiler Design & Construction I

3 Credits

Prerequisite: COSC 504

Design and implementation of compilers. Semantics and pragmatics as they affect the design of compilers. Topics include: lexical and syntax analysis, parsers, semantics processing, code generation, and simple code optimization.

COSC 565 - Software Engineering I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

This course introduces the student to major topics in software engineering such as: requirement specification, analysis and design, testing, project management, and implementation. Additional topics such as software life cycle models, the Unified Modeling Language (UML), agile software development techniques, configuration management, change control, and project documentation will be discussed.

COSC 573 - Artificial Intelligence I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 528

This course introduces students to the ideas, challenges, techniques, and problems in artificial intelligence. The course will cover both fundamental concepts such as search and knowledge representation, as well as applied work in areas such as planning and vision. Topics covered include basic search, heuristic search, game search, constraint satisfaction, knowledge representation, logic and inference, probabilistic modeling, and machine learning. Students are also exposed to the history and ethical questions related to artificial intelligence.

COSC 575 - Object-Oriented Programming and Design Paradigm

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

Software engineering issues as they relate to object-oriented techniques will be covered. Students will study object-oriented design methodology, and will acquire the ability to analyze a system using object-oriented techniques. Students will learn to enhance maintainability and reusability by the use of encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and other object oriented concepts. Object oriented programming languages, such as Java, C++, and Smalltalk, will be compared and discussed. Advanced topics such as frameworks, components, etc. will be covered.

COSC 585 - Computer Communication Networks I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

Introduction to computer communication and layered network architectures. Encoding and modulation, compression and multiplexing, error detection and correction. Use of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model as a framework. Review of layered network architecture: design of layered protocols, network topology, switching techniques. Protocols and network design from the physical layer to the application layer.

COSC 590-592 - Selected Topics in Computer Science

3 Credits

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Presentation of selected modern developments and advanced topics in computer science.

COSC 614 - Operating Systems II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 514

Continuation of COSC 514. Advanced topics in virtual memory management, file and data base system management, operating systems security, disk performance optimization, analytic modeling, and distributed operating systems. Case studies in operating systems.

COSC 615 - Performance Evaluation

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 514 and COSC 516

A survey of computer systems performance issues and evaluation methodologies. Topics include workload characterization, parallelism, concepts in hardware/software, computer measurement tools (e.g., hardware and software monitors, modeling and benchmarking), system utilization and performance profiles, and systems evaluation methodology (including the analysis and optimization of CPU, memory, channels, and peripheral resources).

COSC 618 - Computer Graphics II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 518 and COSC 528

Continuation of COSC 518. Topics will be chosen from three-dimensional (3D) interactive graphics, raster display system architecture, 3D homogeneous coordinate system, hidden surface elimination, modeling, shading, shadow generation, anti-aliasing, ray-tracing, fractals, animation techniques, color theory, graphics languages, and modern graphics.

COSC 623 - Logic, Computability & Automata II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 523

Continuation of COSC 523. The theory of abstract mathematical machines. Structural and behavioral classification of automata; finite state automata; theory of regular sets. Pushdown automata, linear bounded automata. Finite transducers. Universal Turing machines.

COSC 631 - Database Information Systems II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 531

Continuation of COSC 531. Advanced topics in data base design and information management systems. Topics include normalization and semantic modeling, view integration, recovery and concurrency, security and integrity, data base machines, distributed and heterogeneous data base management, intelligent data bases, and object-oriented systems

COSC 641 - Numerical Analysis II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 541

This course is a continuation of COSC 541. The topics include numerical differentiation and integration, the solution of initial and boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations, methods of solving nonlinear systems of equations; other topics as time permits.

COSC 645 - Applied Cryptography

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 535

This course teaches students some of the basic paradigms and principles of modern cryptography and their applications. After mathematical preliminaries from algebra and number theory, we will explore the following topics in the field: foundations of cryptography, public key cryptography, pseudorandom generators, elliptic curve cryptography, and fundamental limits to information operations.

COSC 661 - Compiler Design & Construction II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 561

Continuation of COSC 561. Advanced topics in compiler design and construction. Automated compiler tools and compiler compilers. Advanced code optimization techniques. Compilation of different computational models. Role of compilers in natural language processing.

COSC 665 - Software Engineering II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 565

The course will cover software life-cycle models and different phrases of the software development process. Object-oriented techniques are applicable. Students will have a group project on developing complex software systems.

COSC 673 - Artificial Intelligence II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 573

Continuation of COSC 573. Advanced topics in artificial intelligence, such as natural language understanding, computer vision, machine learning, robotics, neural networks, automatic theorem proving, and an in-depth look into the design and implementation of intelligent computer systems.

COSC 675 - Applied Combinatorics and Graph Theory

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 522

General enumeration methods, difference equations, generating functions. Elements of graph theory, matrix representations of graphs, applications of graph theory to transport networks, matching theory and graphical algorithms.

COSC 676 - Queuing Theory In Computer Science

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504 and COSC 522

The development of queueing theory and the application of that theory of discrete simulations, in general, and to computer systems, in particular. Topics include random processes, characterization of different queueing systems, the classical single-server exponential queueing system model, additional single and multiple-server queueing models, including birth-death processes and finite sources, and the assumptions and limitations of the various queueing models. The applications of queueing theory to computer systems are emphasized.

COSC 678 - Modeling & Simulation

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504 and COSC 522

A study of construction of models that simulate real systems. The methodology of solution should include probability and distribution theory, statistical estimation and inference, the use of random variables, and validation procedures. A simulation language should be used for the solution of typical problems.

COSC 685 - Computer Communication Networks II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 514 and COSC 585

Continuation of COSC 585. Advanced topics in computer networks and their applications. Inter-networking: international gateways and datagram internets. Emphasis on the characteristics, implementation and configuration of Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs).

COSC 687 - Distributed Computer Systems

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 514 and COSC 585

Introduction to the concepts and the design principles used in constructing distributed computer systems. Coverage of topics from the architectural foundations of distributed systems through networks; file servers including transaction handling; replication; and security issues, with descriptions of the design and the facilities offered in some specific systems. Areas of applications include distributed data base management, interoperable information systems, and distributed artificial intelligence.

COSC 690-692 Selected Topics (Computer Science)

3 Credits

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor

Presentation of advanced topics reflecting state-of-the-art developments in computer science.

COSC 696 - Master's Thesis in Computer Science I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: A minimum of 18 Graduate Credits in COSC

A research problem in the area of computer science is chosen by the student under the supervision of a faculty advisor from the department of computer science. An advisory committee consisting of the thesis advisor and at least two other faculty members will be constituted. Research must be carried out and concluded over a period of two consecutive semesters and submitted in the form of a formal thesis with the consent of advisory committee. Thesis will be defended in an oral presentation by the student to the faculty.

COSC 697 - Master's Thesis in Computer Science II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: A minimum of 18 Graduate Credits in COSC and COSC 696

COSC 698 - Applied Research In Computer Science

3 Credits

Prerequisites: A minimum of 27 Graduate Credits in COSC

This course requires the student to perform research in computer science somewhat less in scope than a master's thesis. Such research should adequately demonstrate the student's proficiency in the subject material. The research must be applied in a semester-long project and concluded with a short seminar and a comprehensive paper.

COSC 719 - Image Processing I

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504

This course is an introduction to Computer Vision and Image Processing fundamentals, human visual system, image resolution, binary images, gray scale images, multispectral images, digital image formats, preprocessing, image algebra, spatial filters, image enhancement, edge detection, segmentation, feature extraction, etc.. Additional topics include discrete transforms and image compression techniques.

COSC 729 - Virtual Reality and Its Applications

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 504 or permission of instructor

The goal of this course is to introduce students to Virtual Reality(VR) hardware, software, and provide an opportunity for them to apply this knowledge to applications for education and games. This course applies cutting-edge virtual reality technology currently available in academia and industry. Students will design, model, and script the VR environment by developing a complete VR application as a group project.

COSC 731 - Principles of Data Mining

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 528 or permission of instructor

The goal of this course is to present fundamental concepts and algorithms for those learning data mining for the first time. This course introduces and studies the concepts, issues, tasks and techniques of data mining. We will review and examine the present techniques and the theories behind them and explore new and improved techniques for real world data mining applications. Topics include data preparation, association rules, classification, clustering, scalability, time-series analysis and prediction, data mining applications etc.

COSC 735 - Advanced Wireless Security

3 Credits

Prerequisites:COSC 535

This course covers wireless networking security at the graduate level. Students will achieve a solid understanding of wireless networking, security issues in wireless networks and how to mitigate the associated risks. At the completion of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of how to better secure various networks such as, ad hoc wireless networks, sensor networks and mobile wireless networks.

COSC 750 - Pattern Recognition I

3 Credits

Prerequisites:COSC 528

This course provides students with an introduction to the statistical inference theory that is fundamental to the area of pattern recognition and computer vision. The main topics include Baye classification, construction of linear classifiers, parameter estimation and nonparametric estimation of probability density functions, classifiers evaluation and feature selection.

COSC 819 - Image Processing II

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 719

This course is a study in the analysis of data stored as images. Image and video data processing has emerged as a major study area in computer science. Topics include color image processing, compression techniques, wavelet and multi resolution processing, image segmentation, and object recognition and tracking.

COSC 829 - Advanced Virtual Reality Systems

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 729

The course explains how to build complex virtual worlds being able to distributed on the networks. Advanced concepts for real-time animation, 3d interaction, gesture recognition, audio,haptic rendering, collision detection and response, facial communication , voice recognition and synthesis will be covered. Students will design and develop an interactive, three dimensional (3D) game or educational application.

COSC 831 - Advanced Data Warehousing and Data Mining

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 531

This course covers the fundamentals of data warehousing architecture and issues involving planning, constructing and maintaining a data warehouse. The course introduces the concept of data mining and how it relates to data warehousing. The specific topics covered include the logical design of a data warehouse, data staging area and extract-transform-load processing. The course discusses multi-dimensional analysis using OLAP techniques, and coverage of knowledge discovery processing including common data modeling techniques.

COSC 871 - Numerical Optimization

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 541

Study of linear and non-linear programming focusing on the implementation and analysis of algorithms. Numerical aspects such as propagation of errors and the control of errors will be covered. Topics such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing will be included as global optimization techniques.

COSC 887 - High Performance Computing

3 Credits

Prerequisites: COSC 599

This course explores the architectural classifications and taxonomies of parallel machines. Topics include enabling technologies including advanced processor concepts, interconnection networks, parallel performance and scalability. An introduction to parallel algorithms and programming models will be studied.

COSC 890-899 Selected Topics in COSC

1 Credit min/ 8 Credits max

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of comprehensive examination

These courses are seminar courses which require the student to research topics of their choosing. This research should adequately demonstrate the student's proficiency in the subject material. At the end of the semester the students are required to write a report of their study/findings and make a seminar presentation.