Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S.


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The computer science curriculum consists of classroom and laboratory experiences in such fields as algorithms and data structures, theory and design of programming languages and systems, operating systems, compilers, interaction design, computer graphics, distributed systems, database systems, artificial intelligence, networks, software engineering, and the organization and design of microprocessor-based computer systems. The curriculum embraces the values, best practices, and philosophy of the open source culture.

Program Educational Objectives


The Computer Science program educational objectives are:

  1. preparation for professional practice
  2. preparation for advanced study
  3. promotion of the ideas of life-long learning
  4. development of self-fulfillment through professional activity
  5. development of ethical values and personal responsibility.

The program educational objectives are met by a modern curriculum that balances computing practices with the fundamental theories of computer science. Mathematics and digital hardware courses are important components of the curriculum. In addition to these traditional technical courses, and in keeping with the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, the curriculum includes studies in the humanities, communications, social sciences, and fine arts. Opportunities for involvement in professional societies, student design competitions, public opensource projects, research with faculty, and University co-curricular activities are plentiful and help to accomplish these objectives.

Student Outcomes


Graduates of the Computer Science undergraduate program will be able to:

  1. Communicate the purpose and technical details of a software system
  2. Work effectively as a team member
  3. Apply the right language or tool for a given computing task
  4. Design, implement, test, and evaluate software components and systems

Transfer Requirements


Students interested in transferring into the Computer Science undergraduate program must complete MATH 131 , CMSI 185 , and CMSI 186  with a minimum grade of B (3.0) in each course before being considered. Final approval of the transfer request resides with the department chair.

Graduation Requirements


Department criteria for graduation include (1) completion of at least 124 semester hours covering all requirements below, with (2) a minimum of 45 semester hours of upper division courses, and (3) a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) in the upper division courses.

The following courses are to be completed:

Course Semester Hours
FFYS 1000   3*
RHET 1000   4
Philosophical Inquiry 4
Theological Inquiry 4
American Diversity 4
Faith and Reason 4
Ethics and Justice 4
CMSI 370 Interaction Design  (also a Computer Science requirement; satisfies the core requirement Understanding Human Behavior) 3
CMSI 371 Computer Graphics  (also a Computer Science requirement; satisfies the core requirement Creative Experience) 3
Additional Explorations or Integrations courses if necessary to achieve the 32 semester hour minimum. This is typically not necessary unless the student has transferred courses from other institutions with less than 4 semester hours of transfer credit.  
* Course may be 3 or 4 semester hours
  • Free Electives: Courses necessary to bring the total semester hour count to 124. Students will normally prepare a coherent program of electives and related core courses with a faculty advisor. For students not pursuing a second major or minor, the following tracks are suggested, but not required:
    • Business and Information Management: A CMSI course or independent study in electronic markets, selected electives from economics or business, and multiple courses from Applied Information Management Systems, such as AIMS 3720 Systems Analysis and Design , AIMS 4760 Business Analytics , and AIMS 4770 Information Technology Security .
    • Scientific Computing: Three suitable science courses and two suitable math courses (with a computational component), with the CMSI elective fulfilled with an interdisciplinary course such as CMSI 367 Biological Databases .
    • Games and Animation: CMSI 375 Game Design  and CMSI 376 Game Development , together with several suitable animation (ANIM) courses, and one physics course, preferably PHYS 101 Introduction to Mechanics  (which can be used for the science elective).
    • Mathematics: Five or more courses selected from Calculus III, Differential Equations, Abstract Algebra, Methods of Applied Math, Real Variables, Complex Variables, Topology, or any upper division mathematics course.
    • Cognitive Science: CMSI 485 Artificial Intelligence , plus one CMSI elective or independent study in advanced artificial intelligence, PSYC 2003 Brain and Behavior  (with appropriate PSYC prerequisites), PSYC 4001 Cognitive Neuroscience  (with appropriate prerequisites). One or more courses in linguistics or the philosophy of language and thought are recommended.
    • General Breadth Track: Any number of free electives to create a broad-based education. A mix of martial arts, languages, musical instruments or music theory, film, animation, psychology, and various selections from the humanities and creative arts are common choices.

Curriculum


The typical course of study leading to the B.S. degree in computer science is as follows:

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 14-15 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 16-17 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13 semester hours

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