University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Natural and Social Sciences

1994-96 UNK Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems

Courses (CSIS)

100. Computing Environments - 1 hour

This course presents any one of a variety of currently demanded computer topics. It focuses on hands-on exposure to computer-based enhancement of personal productivity. Sample courses are: CSIS 100.1 Word Processing, CSIS 100.2 Spreadsheet; CSIS 100.3 Data Base; CSIS 100.4 MS/DOS Operating System; CSIS 100.5 Graphics; CSIS 100.6 Networking, CSIS 100.7 Advanced MS/DOS, CSIS 100.8 & 100.9 & 100.A Telecourse, CSIS 100.B VM/CMS, CSIS 100.C UNIX, CSIS 100.D Windows.

108GS. Computers in Society - 3 hours

An elementary description of the components and principles of digital computers. Background and implications of information processing, computer influence on society, and uses of computers. Hands-on computer applications to reinforce concepts of problem solving and critical thinking and to illustrate modern applications of computers.

109GS. FORTRAN Programming - 3 hours

Recommended co-requisite: CSIS 100.B VM/CMS. Basic concepts of problem analysis and computation. Introduction to the study of the FORTRAN programming language with mathematical and nonmathematical applications.

110GS. Structured COBOL Programming - 3 hours

Recommended co-requisite: CSIS 100.B VM/CMS. Structured programming and data processing in a commercial environment. Introduction to the study of the COBOL programming language with business applications.

111GS. Applied BASIC Programming - 3 hours

This course is a study of advanced concepts, techniques, and applications in structured BASIC programming; includes table handling, subprograms, sequential and direct files, sorting and graphics. Emphasis is on development of applications.

130GS. Introduction to Computer Science - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 108GS or equivalent. Intended for the serious computer science or computer information systems student. An introduction to various aspects of the body of knowledge known as computer science. Topics to include concepts of computer hardware and software, CPU concepts, program development and applications, ethics, and career opportunities in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, including an introduction to structured programming using an appropriate state-of-the-art structured language. As the first course in all CS and CIS options, this course is intended to help students in choosing a major.

150. Structured Programming - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 130. Structured programming concepts and principles including an introduction to data structures. Comprehensive study of a structured programming language with a variety of programming applications. An appropriate state-of-the-art language will be used.

180. Discrete Structures - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 130. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: MATH 115. The study of mathematical topics and data structures necessary for a successful program of study in Computer Science. Topics include set theory, Boolean algebra, propositional calculus, logic circuits and finite state machines.

201. Assembler Languages - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 150 and 180. Recommended co-requisite: CSIS 100.B VM/CMS. Study of machine characteristics including main storage organization, machine instruction formats, data formats, and instruction sets. Introduction to the study of IBM System/370 Assembler Language with a variety of programming applications.

220. Computer Organization - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 150. A study of computer organization, binary arithmetic, and basic logic design. Functional logic design level is emphasized, rather than circuit details, to provide understanding of the mechanics of information transfer and control within the computer system. Presented in a form that is independent of any particular technology.

230. Principles of Programming Languages - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 201 and CSIS 150. A comparative study of the run-time behavior of contemporary programming languages, such as ALGOL, C, Ada, Modula II, SNOBOL, LISP, Simula 67, APL, and others. Topics include language definition, the history and evolution of programming languages, control constructs, variables and constants, typing, binding, recursion, scope and extent, data abstraction, exception handling, concurrency, functional programming and object-oriented programming.

310. Advanced Structured COBOL - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 110GS. Study of advanced structured COBOL programming techniques and applications with respect to table handling, subprograms, sequential magnetic tape files, sequential magnetic disk files, and indexed sequential/magnetic disk files.

318. Advanced FORTRAN - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 109GS and CSIS 180. Study of advanced topics and programming techniques utilizing numerical and non-numerical models emphasizing efficiency. Coverage also includes non-numerical aspects of FORTRAN.

330. Algorithms and Data Structures - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 201 and MATH 115 or MATH 223. Comprehensive study of data structures, abstract data types, sorting and searching techniques, and program applications of algorithmic process utilizing a structured programming language.

350. Information Systems Concepts - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 110GS and 130 or equivalent. Role, structure, objectives of information systems. Theory of systems and information. Decision support, human considerations and applications. System evaluation and selection.

375. Operations Research - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 220 and MATH 115 or MATH 123. Principles of operations research, including techniques that are most appropriate to computer science and information systems settings.

380. System Analysis and Design I - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 220. System Life Cycle. Goals, tools, strategies for system and information analysis. Need identification, feasibility determination, requirements assessment. Project management and group dynamics.

399. Campus Lab Consultantship - 1-3 hours

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Work in campus computer labs as a consultant to computer science and computer information system students. (A total of three credit hours in any combination of CSIS 399 and CSIS 492-495 may be applied toward a computer science/information systems major or minor.

400/800P. Computer Simulation - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 220 and STAT 345 or STAT 241GS or BSAD 233. Study of random numbers, simulators, and emulators. Applications involving design and analysis of models constructed utilizing software techniques and an appropriate simulation language.

401/801P. Operating Systems - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 330 and CSIS 220. Investigation of the concepts and capabilities of various operating systems. Topics will include: Job control language, subprogram linkage, input/output control systems, interrupt handling, and the structure of program and data libraries.

402/802P. Introduction to Automata, Formal Languages, and Computability - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 330. A survey of the fundamental concepts of language definition and translation, including the Chomsky hierarchy, finite automata, computability and Turing machines, grammars, parsing, and lexical analysis.

405/805P. Compiler Construction - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 402. Techniques and organization of compilers, assemblers, and interpreters. Structure of programming language symbol tables, scans, and object code generation.

415/815P. Advanced Assembler Languages - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 201. Study of advanced assembler language programming techniques and applications with respect to subprograms, programmed switches, master file processing, sequential magnetic tape files, sequential magnetic disk files, and indexed sequential magnetic disk files.

420/820P. System Analysis and Design II - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 310 and CSIS 380. Continuation of CSIS 380. Logical and physical design. Quality assurance. System construction and testing. Emphasis is on structured techniques.

422/822P. Computer Graphics - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 330. A study of the algorithms and data structures used to implement computer graphics. A discussion of computer graphic history and technology is also included. An appropriate computer language will be used to implement student projects.

425/825P. Data Base Systems - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 220. Comprehensive study of multi-user data base concepts. Detailed study of file organizations. A survey of hierarchical, network, and relational approaches to data bases. Emphasis on proper data base design.

426/826P. Computer Architecture - 4 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 205GS or PHYS 275 and 6 hours of CSIS courses, preferably 130 and 201. The study of the logic and theory of operation of the main hardware blocks of computers, their control, and their software/hardware interactions. The emphasis is on microcomputer architecture, including laboratory experiments with various systems and their I/O and interfacing characteristics.

428/828P. Data Communications and Distributed Processing - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 220. Comprehensive study of needs and characteristics of remote computing. Telephony and related characteristics of communications media. Design and functions of networks, communications hardware, software, systems and protocols.

431/831P. Instructional Technology Concepts - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 108GS or equivalent. An introduction to the field of Instructional Technology; review of the concepts and terminology of computer usage; analysis of the historical perspective and societal impact; overviews of topics such as structured programming, discrete structures, assembler languages, algorithms, and operating systems. Intended for Teachers, Educational Technologists, and Administrators. Cannot be applied toward a Computer Science/Information Systems Major or Minor.

435/835P. Advanced BASIC for Teachers - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 431/831P or equivalent. Syntax and semantics of advanced BASIC programming elements; principles of structured programming; maintenance and processing of sequential and random-access data files; advanced graphics capabilities; internal data formats; internal memory maps; magnetic disk formatting; data structures; sorting. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Science/Information Systems Major or Minor.

436/836P. Computer Assisted Instruction - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 431/831P or equivalent. Concepts and techniques of developing, evaluating, acquiring, and using CAI; includes the use of pre-written, custom written, and authoring systems software, integrating the computer into the classroom. For Teachers, Educational Technologists, and Administrators. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Science/Information Systems Major or Minor.

437/837P. Teaching of Computer Science - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 435/835P or permission of instructor. Course will include the topics of curriculum, teaching and learning styles, and evaluation. Intended only for Teachers. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Sci/Information System Major or Minor.

438/838P. Computer Managed Instruction - 3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 431/831P or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Concepts and techniques of developing, evaluating, acquiring, and using CMI; includes use of pre-written, custom written, and generalized software such as word processing, spreadsheet, and data base; includes applications such as construction of classroom materials and tests, gradebook posting, statistical analysis, authoring systems, school administration, counseling and budget management. Setting up and management of computer labs and devices including networking and robotics. Intended for Teachers, Educational Technologists, and Administrators. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Science/Information Systems Major or Minor.

439/839P. LOGO and Problem Solving - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 431/831P or equivalent. Learning the LOGO philosophy and language through applications in graphics, string manipulation, and calculations. Techniques of using the computer for problem solving and application of strategies to the learning process. For Teachers and Educational Technologists. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Science/Information Systems Majors or Minors.

440/840P. Hypertext and Multimedia - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 431/831P or equivalent. This course covers the wide range of state-of-the-art computer technologies that are used to present information in a multimedia context. Students will create cards, stacks and scripts to interface text, graphics, sound and external devices including CD ROM, video disk and tape, scanners, high resolution displays, and specialized projection. Students will program using popular multimedia hypertext languages such as HyperCard and Linkway. Emphasis is on matching technology to curriculum. Intended for Teachers, Educational Technologists, and Administrators. Cannot be applied toward any other Computer Science/Information Systems Major or Minor.

441/841P. Artificial Intelligence - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 220. An in-depth study of programming (language) as applied to programming to model intelligent processes, game-playing, theorem-proving, natural languages and vision systems, problem solving analysis, tree and search methods, augmented transition networks, and frames. Applications to psychology, medicine, and such machines as industrial robots are also discussed.

491/891P. Expanded Campus Workshop - 1-3 hours

Refer to Academic Information section for description.

492/892P. Practicum in Computer Science /Information Systems - 1-6 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 220 and permission of department chair. This course provides the student the opportunity to gain experience in the application of computer science/computer information systems principles in a variety of settings. Arrangements must be made in writing prior to registering for the course. (A total of three credit hours of any combination of CSIS 399 and CSIS 492-495 may be applied toward a computer science/information systems major or minor.)

493/893P. Directed Readings in Computer Science/Information Systems - 1-3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 220 and permission of department chair. Independent readings on advanced or contemporary topics in computer science/computer information systems, to be selected in consultation with and directed by a computer science/computer information systems faculty member. A written contract specifying readings and requirements for the course is required before registering for the course. Any topic that is thoroughly covered by any regularly offered computer science or computer information systems course is not allowed for Directed Readings. (A total of three credit hours of any combination of CSIS 399 and CSIS 492-495 may be applied toward a computer science/information systems major or minor.)

494/894P. Directed Research in Computer Science/Information Systems - 1-3 hours

Prerequisites: CSIS 220 and permission of department chair. Independent original research in computer science/computer information systems under the direction of a computer science/computer information systems faculty member. A written contract specifying topic and requirements is required before registering for the course. (A total of three credit hours in any combination of CSIS 399 and CSIS 492-495 may be applied toward a computer science/information systems major or minor.)

495/895P. Independent Study in Computer Science/Information Systems - 1-3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 220 and Permission of department chair. This course provides the opportunity for students to conduct independent study on any computer science/computer information systems topic not covered by other regularly offered courses. The topic will be selected in consultation with and the study will be supervised by a computer science/computer information systems faculty member. A written contract specifying the topic and requirements is required before registering for the course. (A total of three credit hours in any combination of CSIS 399 and CSIS 492-495 may be applied toward a computer science/information systems major or minor.)

496/896P. Seminar in Computer Science - 3 hours

Prerequisite: CSIS 330. Provides experience and background that will prepare the student for an actual working environment. Reinforcement of previous classwork, enhancement of communication skills, and learning to work with people will be stressed. Primary tasks include a computer project, consulting, and research. Should be taken in student's senior year.