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You are here: FPAS -> DMCS -> Computer Science Section -> BSc Computer Science
 
 
Title image: BSc in Computer Science
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS COMPUTER SCIENCE?
There are many definitions of Computer Science. However, there is a concensus in Computer Science that the central concept is of an algorithm. An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instrutions that can be performed by a computer to solve soom problem. Computer Science can then be defined as the science of:
  • the design of algorithms,
  • the study of their properties and
  • the study of their mechanical and linguistic realisation.
Thus, Computer Science involves carefully analysing the problems that organisations or individuals face in order to arrive at an algorithmic solution to the problem. This solution then has to be linguistically realised, i.e. turned into a program, which can then be executed on a computer system. Clearly, this also means that the design of computer systems to execute programs is an important sub-area of Computer Science.

Finally, many problems allow for more than one algorithmic solution and the final important aspect of Computer Science concern techniques for comparing different algorithms. These techniques include both theoretical tools, and require a good understanding of some Mathematics, as well as empirical comparisons between different algorithms for the same task.
 
 
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Computer Science undergraduate programme aims to:
  • Provide students with the educationak experiences that will enable them to cope with the rapidly changing subject of Computer Science.
  • Provide students with up-to-date training in the discipline so as to prepare them 10 take on entry level positions in the local Information Technology sector, (with the exception of hardware engineer and technician) and to grow into other positions with one or two years working experience.
  • Provide students with a sufficiently broad range of courses to enable them to be successful in postgraduate programmes anywhere in the world.
  • Employ a range of assessment methods and techniques and to enable students to demonstrate the depth of their understanding and their capacity for independent thought.
  • Give students support and guidance in what, for most students, is a new discipline.
 
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The intended learning outcomes can be divided into two classes, namely intended learning of any undergraduate programme in a science subject , and intended learning outcomes specific to Computer Science. The general intended learning outcomes are that students will:
  • Understand the nature of scientific enquiry and research.
  • Be able to analyse a problem, construct alternat approaches to its solution and evaluate the merits and demerits of each.
  • Be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Recognise the need for life-long learning and development.
  • Be able to work in teams.
Specific learning outcomes are that students will:
  • Be aware of the history of the discipline of Computer Science and understand the conceptual underpinnings of the subject.
  • Understand the nature of the software development process, including the need to provide appropriate documentation.
  • Be able to program fluently in one or two programming languages.
  • Understand the major programming paradigms arid be able to learn a new programming language in a fairly short tune (2 to 4 weeks).
  • Understand standard techniques for solving a problem on a computer, including programming techniques and techniques for the representation of information.
  • Be able to recommend a technique for a specific problem to meet a particular objective.
  • Understand the basic theory of computer architectures, including computer hardware and networking.
  • Understand the importance and the nature of operating systems and compilers.
  • Understand how information technology affects society, business and the individual, both from a technical and from an ethical and legal point of view.
  • Be able to effectively communicate with persons who are not technically versed in the subject.
 
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
FACULTY REQUIREMENTS
In order to do the Computer Science Degree, candidates must satisfy the requirements for entrance to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science.
Students must either:
 
  1. Satisfy the University requirements for Normal Matriculation.
  2. Have obtained passes at CXC Secondary Education General Proficiency level (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two subjects at CAPE (both comprising Units 1 & 2) or at GCE A-level (or equivalent) one of which must be an approved science subject.
  Or:
 
  1. Satisfy the University requirements for Lower level Matriclulation.
  2. Have obtained passes at CXC Secondary Education General Proficiency level with grades I, II, or since 1998 grade III (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two approved science subjects.
COMPUTER SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS
In order to enter the Computer Science programme, students must have one of the following:
 
  • A-level Mathematics
  • M08B and M08C
  • EC14C
  • A certificate/diploma in Mathematics at the Associate level degree (e.g. from a teacher's college) or
  • O-level (or CXC CSEC) Mathematics and A-level Computer Science
Students will not be allowed to proceed to Part II of the programme unless they have passed CS11A and CS11B.
 
FACULTY BSc PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The undergraduate programme in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences is divided into two parts each having 2 levels of courses. These are shown in the table below along with the Computer Sciecne course codes for each level.
 
Part
Course Type
Course Level
 CS course codes
 
I
Preliminary
0
 (CS has no preliminary courses)
 
Introductory
I
 CS1*
         
 
II
Advanced
II
 CS2*
 
 
III
 CS3*
 
COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
DURATION
The BSc Computer Science is a full-time programme which normally takes three (3) years. There are no part-time progammes in the department. However, students may do courses on a part-time basis but this means students will have to attend classes during the regular hours of 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
 
SUMMARY OF AMMENDMENTS TO THE CURRICULUM
The SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS includes information on:
  • Requirements for a major in Computer Science.
  • Requirements for the B.Sc. Computer Studies Option.
  • Guidelines for students transitioning between the old and new programmes.
PROGRAMME
A major in Computer Science requires thirty-two (32) credits from Part II Computer Science courses.
These must include:
  • CS20R;
  • CS20S;
  • CS23Q or (CS21R and CS21S);
  • CS27Q;
  • CS39Q (Group Project)
  • Twelve (12) additional credits from Level III courses.
A minor in Computer Science requires sixteen (16) credits from Part II Computer Science courses.
These must include the following four (4) core courses:
  • CS20R;
  • CS20S;
  • CS23Q or (CS21R and CS21S);
  • CS27Q.
COURSES
Course descriptions: Computer Science BSc Course outlines
Part
Level
Code
Credits
Core?
 Title
I
I
CS11A
6
Yes
Introduction to Computer Science I
 
 
CS11B
6
Yes
Introduction to Computer Science II
       
 
II
II
CS20R
4
Yes
Analysis of Algorithms
   
CS20S
4
Yes
Distcrete Mathematics for Computer Science
   
CS21R
4
No - If CS23Q is taken
Yes - If CS23Q is not taken)
Computer Architecture and Organization
   
CS21S
4
No - If CS23Q is taken
Yes - If CS23Q is not taken)
Digital Logic Design
 
 
CS22Q
4
No
Introduction to Software Engineering
   
CS23Q
4
Yes
Computer Organization
   
CS27Q
4
Yes
Object-Oriented Programming
 
 
CS28Q
4
No
Object Technology
           
 
III
CS31A
4
No
Operating Systems
 
 
CS32Q
4
No
Computer Networking and Communication
 
 
CS33Q
4
No
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
 
 
CS34Q
4
No
Language Processors
 
 
CS35A
4
No
Database Management Systems
 
 
CS35Q
4
No
Information Systems in Organisations
   
CS35R
4
No
User Interface Design
 
 
CS36R
4
No
Compiler Optimization
 
 
CS37R
4
No
Theory of Computation
   
CS38Q
4
No
 Real-time Embedded Systems
 
 
CS39Q
4
Yes
Group Project
           
 
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