Computer Science
Note: the courses on this page reflect Summer Term 2008 offerings.
Please check back on December 15 for a list of courses available during Summer Term 2009.
College of Art and Sciences
CAS CS 101 Introduction to Computers
The computer is presented as a tool that can assist in solving a broad spectrum
of problems. This course provides a general introduction designed to dispel
the mystery surrounding computers and introduces the fundamental ideas of programs
and algorithms. (Does not count for CS major or minor concentration credit.)
4 cr.
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CAS CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science I
The first course for computer science,
mathematics, and physical science
concentrators, and others wishing
a more
technical approach than CAS CS 101 through CS 108. Develops basic skills in computer
programming using the Java programming language. (Counts as a CS Background Course
for the concentration.)
4 cr.
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CAS CS 112 Introduction to Computer Science II
Prereq: CAS CS 111 or equivalent. Covers
advanced programming techniques and data structures.
Topics include recursion, algorithm analysis,
linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, tables,
searching, and sorting.
4 cr.
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CAS CS 591 Introduction to Cryptography
Prereq: CAS CS 330 or consent of instructor. Focuses on modern cryptography,
both symmetric and public-key, and also covers some relatively recent history
of the field. Studies classical cipher systems and cipher machines, up to
and including the Data
Encryption standard and its successors. Also discusses encryption
machines and statistical decryption. Briefly considers elementary
information theory, the limits of secure coding, and how to make claims of
security more precise. Looks at the design and implementation of public-key
cryptosystems, signature schemes, secret sharing and the theoretical basis
for the security of such protocols. The course also briefly introduces
some aspects of system security. Topics may be network security or UNIX
security or topics about privacy. The choice of topics will depend on interests.
This course is intended for undergraduates, and will not count for breadth-requirement
credit for the MA or PhD programs. 4 cr.
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College of Engineering
ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
An introduction to engineering problem solving using a modern computational environment.
Basic procedural programming concepts include input/output, branching, looping,
functions, recursion, string manipulation, file input/output, and data structures
such as arrays and structures. An introduction to basic linear algebra concepts
such as matrix operations and solving sets of equations. Introduction to numerical
methods, for example least squares solutions and their use for curve fitting.
Symbolic mathematics, statistics, sorting, searching, indexing, anonymous functions,
and graphics primitives are introduced. Taught in a state-of-the-art computation
lab using MATLAB. Please contact the instructor
directly at sa@bu.edu for details. 4 cr.
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ENG EK 406 Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture
Prereq: junior standing in engineering, or higher, or consent of instructor.
Manufacturability of high-tech products has grown and excelled in the present
digital era due to enormous advances in computation, communication, control
and software. Computer-integrated design and manufacturing (CIM) concepts are
first introduced, followed by a heavy emphasis on computer-aided design (CAD),
manufacturing (CAM), and engineering (CAE) tools. Topics include geometrical
tolerancing and specification, transformation and manipulation of objects,
description of curves and surfaces, solid modeling, tooling and fixturing,
computer numerical control (CNC) of machine tools, rapid prototyping technologies,
optimization of designs, introduction of finite element methods (FEM) and application
to stress/strain, deformations, and thermal engineering problems, and testing
of parts while incorporating CAD/CAE methods. Projects are selected from a
variety of engineering areas. The course includes a lab with extensive use
of Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks, plus exposure to COSMOSWorks and COMSOL. 4
cr.
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ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design
Prereq: ENG EK 307. Coreq: ENG EK 307. Introduction to hardware building blocks
used in digital computers. Boolean algebra, combinatorial and sequential circuits:
analysis and design. Adders, multipliers, decoders, encoders, multiplexors.
Programmable logic devices: read-only memory, programmable arrays. Counters
and registers. Includes lab. 4 cr.
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Metropolitan College
MET CS 101 Computers and Their Applications
For students with no previous experience with computers. Organization and
function of computer systems; application of computers in today's society;
social impact of computers. Introduction to algorithms and various types of
application packages and the Internet. Not for computer science majors. 4 cr.
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MET CS 201 Introduction to Computer Science with C++
Introduction to problem-solving methods and algorithm development.
Includes procedural and data abstractions, program design, debugging, testing,
and documentation. Covers data types, control structures, functions, parameter
passing, library functions, and arrays. Laboratory exercises in C++. Laboratory
course. 4 cr.
MET CS 248 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Prereq: high school algebra or instructor's consent. Introduction to
first
order
logic:
propositions, predicates, logic sets, relations, and functions. Combinatorics.
Introduction
to graph theory. Monoids and groups; Boolean algebra; introduction to probability
theory. 4 cr.
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MET CS 331 Introduction to Object- Oriented Programming with C++
Prereq: MET CS 201 or instructor's consent. Extends material covered
in CS 201, using the C++ language. Covers the use of classes, member functions,
constructors, destructors, operator overloading, friend functions, class
composition, inheritance and multiple inheritance, input and output streams,
templates, and exceptions. Laboratory course. 4 cr.
MET CS 401 Web Application Development
Complete immersion in web technology, including introductory concepts
such as the Internet, world wide web architectures. Introduces web-page creation
using the standard HTML language, DHTML, JavaScript, and XML. Focuses on client-side
and server-side programming. Topics such as ASP and ADO are also covered.
Meets
with MET CS 601. 4 cr.
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MET CS 425 Business Data Communications and Networks
Prereq: MET CS 201 or CS 231 or CS 232 or instructor’s
consent. Basic concepts of data
communications and computer networks; hardware, software, and reference models;
TCP/IP protocol
suit. Overview of voice communication, LAN, network development life cycle,
security, and management. IT Economics: Total Cost Ownership, Return on Investment
and IT Project Portfolio Management. Meets with MET CS 625, MET TC 425, and MET TC 625. 4 cr.
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MET CS 534 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
Prereq: high school algebra or instructor's consent.
The first part of this course lays down the mathematical foundation for the study
of probability theory and statistics. Functions, combinatorial mathematics, differentiation,
and Integration fundamentals are covered. The second part of the course concentrates
on the study of discrete and continuous distributions and linear regression.
4 cr.
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MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms
Prereq: MET CS 248 and CS 341 or CS 342 or instructor's consent.
Discusses basic methods for designing and analyzing efficient algorithms emphasizing
methods
useful in
practice. Topics include sorting, searching, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms,
advanced data structures, graph algorithms (shortest path, spanning trees,
tree traversals), matrix operations, string matching, and NP completeness.
4
cr.
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MET CS 575 Introduction to Operating Systems
Prereq: MET CS 272 and CS 231 or CS 232 or CS 331 or instructor's
consent. Overview of operating system characteristics, design objectives, and
structures. Topics
include concurrent processes, coordination of asynchronous events, file systems,
resource sharing, memory management, scheduling, and deadlock problems. 4 cr.
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MET CS 579 Database Management
Prereq: MET CS 231 or CS 331. Provides a theoretical yet modern
presentation of database topics ranging from data and object modeling to advanced
topics
such as using C++/Java to develop web-based database applications. Other topics
include relational data model, SQL and manipulating relational data; applications
programming for relational databases; physical characteristics of databases;
achieving performance and reliability with database systems; object-oriented
and distributed information systems. 4 cr.
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MET CS 599 Biometrics
Automatic and reliable identification of individuals for issuing official
documents (e.g., passport and visa) and providing access to secure facilities
(e.g., military base) and proprietary information (e.g., corporate websites)
has become an essential part of our modern networked society. Biometric recognition
systems utilize the physiological or behavioral characteristics of an individual
for identification. By using biometrics, it is possible to establish an identity
based on "who you are", rather than by "what you possess"
(e.g., an ID card) or "what you remember" (e.g., a password). The events
of 9/11 have generated huge interest in the design, deployment and evaluation
of biometric systems.
4 cr.
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MET CS 601 Web Application Development
Prereq: MET CS 231 or CS 232 or CS 331. Complete immersion in web technology,
including introductory concepts such as the Internet, world wide web architectures.
Introduces web-page creation using the standard HTML language, DHTML, JavaScript,
and XML. Focuses on client-side and server-side programming. Topics such as ASP
and ADO are also covered. Meets with MET CS 401. 4 cr.
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MET CS 625 Business Data Communications and Networks
Prereq: MET CS 201 or CS 231 or CS 232. Gives an overview of
computer networks: hardware, software, reference models, example networks, example
data
communication services, standardization, TCP/IP, and emerging protocols, such
as Bluetooth, WAP, 802.11 and HiperLAN. Data communications industry, voice
communications, data communications concepts and technology, LAN architectures,
network operating
systems, network development life cycle, security, and management. IT economics:
Total Cost Ownership, Return on Investment, and IT Project Portfolio Management.
Credit applies toward MS in Computer Information Systems and e-commerce concentrations
but does not apply toward MS in Computer Science or MS in Telecommunications.
Meets with MET CS 425, MET TC 425, and MET TC 625. 4 cr.
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MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory
Prereq: MET CS 566
or consent of instructor. Theory of finite automata and regular expressions
and properties of regular sets. Context-free grammars, context-free languages,
and pushdown automata. Turing machines, undecidability problems, and the Chomsky
hierarchy. Introduction to computational complexity theory and the study of
NP-complete problems. 4 cr.
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MET CS 673 Software Engineering
Prereq: MET CS 341 or CS 342 and at least one 500- level computer
science course or instructor's consent. MET CS 565 or MET CS 605 recommended.
Techniques for the construction of reliable, efficient, and cost-effective software.
Requirement
analysis, software design, programming methodologies, testing procedures,
software development tools, and management issues. Students plan, design, implement,
and test a system in a group project. Laboratory course. 4 cr.
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MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
Object-oriented methods of information systems analysis and design for
organizations with data-processing needs. System feasibility; requirements analysis;
database utilization; Unified Modeling Language; software system architecture,
design, and implementation, management; project control; and systems-level testing.
Laboratory course. 4 cr.
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MET CS 767 Fuzzy, Expert, Genetic and Neural Systems
Prereq: MET CS 566 or instructor’s consent. It is also recommended
that students enroll in this class only after taking the core courses for MS
in Computer Science. Theories and methods for automating the solutions of problems
with inexact specifications, input, models or output (e.g., text checkers,
help desks). Expert systems, fuzzy methods, neutral net architectures, and
genetic algorithms are examined and compared. Algorithms and a term project
are implemented using shells and C++ or Java. 4 cr.
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MET CS 780 Database Administration
Prereq: a database management course comparable to MET CS579 or CS669
or consent of the instructor. Prepares students to perform the day-to-day administration
of a database system. While most of the examples in this course are based on
Oracle database administration, the course also covers the differences in administering
Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL and examples. Covers administration on Windows,
Linux and Unix platforms. The course is conducted in the MET computer laboratories,
where students will use virtualizations of Oracle and MSSQL on virtualized
platforms to perform exercises and gain experience administering databases.
Students will also have the opportunity to install these virtualizations on
their own PCs. Students interested in obtaining Oracle’s Oracle Certified
Professional (OCP) Database certification will find this course very relevant. 4 cr.
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MET CS 893 Open Source Development
Prereq: MET CS 673 or equivalent. This course introduces students to the technological, social, and pragmatic aspects of developing open source software through direct involvement in an open source project. Projects in this course use the Android software stack developed by Google and build mobile (cell phone) applications. Students learn to use the tools, techniques, and strategies of open source developers. They become familiar with the open source movement, its philosophy, history and licensing issues. Since this is a project-based laboratory course, students are directly involved with and integrated into an open source project. They are expected to be active participants in the project and contribute to the project in various ways. The course builds on previous design and programming courses. 4 cr.
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MET TC 425 Business Data Communications and Networks
Prereq: MET CS 201 or CS 231 or CS 232 or instructor’s
consent. Basic concepts of data
communications and computer networks; hardware, software, and reference models;
TCP/IP protocol
suit. Overview of voice communication, LAN, network development life cycle,
security, and management. IT Economics: Total Cost Ownership, Return on Investment
and IT Project Portfolio Management. Meets with MET CS 425, MET CS 625, and MET TC 625. 4 cr.
Top
MET TC 625 Business Data Communications and Networks
Prereq: MET CS 201 or CS 231 or CS 232. Gives an overview of
computer networks: hardware, software, reference models, example networks, example
data
communication services, standardization, TCP/IP, and emerging protocols, such
as Bluetooth, WAP, 802.11 and HiperLAN. Data communications industry, voice
communications, data communications concepts and technology, LAN architectures,
network operating
systems, network development life cycle, security, and management. IT economics:
Total Cost Ownership, Return on Investment, and IT Project Portfolio Management.
Credit applies toward MS in Computer Information Systems and e-commerce concentrations
but does not apply toward MS in Computer Science or MS in Telecommunications.
Meets with MET CS 425, MET CS 625, and MET TC 425. 4 cr.
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Courses of Related Interest
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