Computer Science Courses (CS)

One year of high school algebra is required for all computer science courses. A second year is strongly recommended.

Related Catalog Entry: School of Information Technology and Engineering / Computer Science

Related Mason Website: School of Information Technology and Engineering (http://ite.gmu.edu/), Computer Science (http://cs.gmu.edu/)

103 Introduction to Computing (3:1:2).Prerequisite: Knowledge of high school algebra. An introduction, using both lecture and laboratory practice, to the nature and uses of computers. Widely used computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and computer communications and networking, are studied. Laboratory projects are required in these areas. Additional lectures address computer systems organization, legal and ethical considerations, security, artificial intelligence, and the Internet.

105 Computer Ethics and Society (1:1:0). An introduction to the legal, social, and ethical issues surrounding software development and computer use. Professional conduct, social responsibility, and rigorous standards for software testing and reliability are stressed. Issues such as liability, ownership of information, privacy, security, and crime are examined. Students read, write, discuss, and present reports on these topics.

112 Computer Science I (4:3:2).Prerequisite: Qualification for MATH 108 or 113 on math placement test offered through the Testing Center, or a grade of C or better in MATH 105. An introduction to computer science for majors and others with a serious interest in computer science. Topics include an overview of computer system hardware and organization, problem-solving methods and algorithm development, program structures, abstract data types, simple data and file structures, introduction to analysis of algorithmic complexity and program correctness, and applications development in a high-level programming language that supports modular design.

161 Introduction to Programming (1:1:0). An introduction to computer programming, using the C++ programming language. Other languages may be offered at times. The course is not available for CS major credit.

211 Computer Science II (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 112. A continuation of CS 112. Topics include abstract data types and data structures (sets, files, strings, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs) and examples of their applications. Emphasis on program development continues and is reinforced through several larger programming projects. Additional programming language instruction supplements the major topics of this course.

265 Assembly Language Programming (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 211; corequisite: CS 105. Symbolic assembly language and computer structures: arithmetic and logical operations; machine representations of numbers, characters, and instructions; input-output and data conversions; addressing techniques; assembler directives; subroutine linkage; and macroprocessing.

310 Computer Science III (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 211. Tools and techniques required to develop moderate to large programs. Topics include continued study of object-oriented techniques, data structures, recursion and problem-solving skills. Students complete several moderate-size programs.

330 Formal Methods and Models (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 211 and MATH 125. Abstract concepts that underlie much advanced work in computer science, with major emphasis on formal languages, models of computation, logic, and proof strategies.

332 Object-Oriented Specification and Implementation (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 310. Concentration on the transition from an abstract data type (ADT) specification to its implementation, using C++ as the implementation language. The course covers symbolic logic for reasoning about programs, axiomatic and algebraic methods for ADT specification, and introduction to goal-directed programming. The term project involves the design and construction of a program incorporating several ADTs.

363 Comparative Programming Languages (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 265. Key programming mechanisms described independently of particular machines or languages including control, binding, procedural abstraction, and types. The course systematically surveys diverse high-level language capabilities.

365 Computer Systems Architecture (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 265 and ECE 301. Computer hardware organization, software structure, and data organization. Students complete a term project that simulates one computer system on another.

421 Introduction to Software Engineering (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310 and ENGL 302. Techniques in software design and development. The course discusses formal models of structured programming, software engineering methods and tools, functional or object-oriented design, and documentation. Working in teams, students organize, manage, and develop a software engineering project.

440 Language Processors and Programming Environments (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310, 330 and 365. A survey of basic programming language processors and software development tools: assemblers, interpreters, compilers, and CASE tools. Topics include design and construction of language processors, formal syntactic definition methods, parsing techniques, and code generation techniques.

450 Data Base Concepts (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 310 and CS 330. Data models and data sublanguages for the relational, hierarchical, and network approaches to data base management systems. The course covers normal forms, external models, implementation, data independence, alternative logical views of data, and object-oriented design. Various approaches are compared in the context of applications.

451 Computer Graphics and Software Design (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MATH 203, CS 310 and 365. Graphics devices and hardware, graphical user interfaces, scan conversion of geometric primitives, 2D/3D transformations and viewing, curves, hidden surface removal, illumination and color models, and a programming project that includes designing a menu-driven system.

455 Computer Networking Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310, 365 and STAT 344. Data communications and networking protocols, with study organized to follow the seven-layer ISO reference model. Topics include the role of various media and software components, local and wide area network protocols, network performance, and emerging advanced commercial technologies.

471 Operating Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310, CS 330, CS 365, and either OR 481 or MATH 446. Issues in multiprogramming. The course covers concurrent processes and synchronization mechanisms, processor scheduling, memory management, file management, I/O management, deadlock management, performance of operating systems, and projects dealing with synchronization in a multiprogrammed OS and with virtual memory management. f,s

475 Distributed Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CS 471 or permission of instructor. Practical issues in designing and implementing distributed software. Topics include concurrent programming, synchronization, multithreading, local and wide-area network protocols, distributed computation, systems integration, and techniques for expressing coarse-grained parallelism at the application level. Projects involve network programming at the application level ( e.g., client-server programming using sockets and remote procedure calls).

480 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310 and CS 330. Principles and methods for knowledge representation, reasoning, learning, problem solving, planning, heuristic search, and natural language processing and their application to building intelligent systems in a variety of domains. LISP, PROLOG, or an expert system programming language is used. f,s

483 (465) Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 310, CS 330 and MATH 114. An analysis of the computational resources required for important problem types by alternative algorithms and their associated data structures, using mathematically rigorous techniques. Specific algorithms are analyzed and improved. f,s

490 Design Exhibition (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CS 421, 483, two other CS 400-level courses, and senior standing. A capstone course focusing on the design and successful implementation of a major software project, encompassing a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills, developed by a team of students. A final exhibition of the result to a faculty/industry panel is required. f,s

498 Independent Study in Computer Science (1-3:0:0).Prerequisites: 60 credits, major in computer science, and permission of instructor. Research and analysis of selected problems or topics in computer science. The topic must be arranged with an instructor and approved by the department chair before registering. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits if the topics are substantially different.

499 Special Topics in Computer Science (3:3:0).Prerequisites: 60 credits and permission of instructor; specific prerequisites vary with nature of topic. Topics of special interest to undergraduates. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits if the topics are substantially different.

531 Theory of Computation (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 330 and MATH 125. Theory of computability, Turing machines, computable functions, recursive functions, unsolvable decision problems and Godel's Incompleteness Theorem, and computational complexity.

540 Language Processors (3:3:0).Prerequisites: MATH 125, CS 265, 310, and 330. Basic programming language processors: assemblers, interpreters, and compilers. Topics include design and construction of language processors, formal syntactic definition methods, parsing techniques, and code generation techniques. Lab includes construction of language processors and experience with programming environments.

571 Operating Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 310 and 365. Models of operating systems. Major functions including processes, memory management, I/O, interprocess communication, files, directories, shells, distributed systems, performance, and user interface.

580 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 310 and 365. Principles and methods for knowledge representation, reasoning, learning, problem solving, planning, heuristic search, and natural language processing and their application to building intelligent systems in a variety of domains. LISP, PROLOG, or an expert system programming language is used.

582 Logic and Artificial Intelligence (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Either CS 480, CS 580, or PHIL 376. Introduction to logical formalisms and the objectives of philosophy and computer science. The course covers use of predicate calculus for problem solving, logic as declarative programming, nonmonotonic logics and common sense, and use of logics for advanced knowledge representation.

583 Analysis of Algorithms (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 310, CS 330, and MATH 125. Topics include the analysis of sequential and parallel algorithmic strategies (such as greedy methods, divide and conquer strategies, dynamic programming, search and traversal techniques, approximation algorithms), the analysis of specific algorithms falling into these classes, NP-Hard and NP-Complete problems.

619/SWSE 619 Software Construction (3:3:0). See SWSE 619.

620/SWSE 620 Software Requirements and Prototyping (3:3:0). See SWSE 620.

621/SWSE 621 Software Design (3:3:0). See SWSE 621.

623/SWSE 623 Formal Methods and Models in Software Engineering (3:3:0). See SWSE 623.

625/SWSE 625 Software Project Management (3:3:0). See SWSE 625.

627 Software Engineering Methods and Metrics (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 540 and either CS/SWSE 619 or CS 421. Presentation of the software engineering principles of management, methodologies, and metrics. The topics of software engineering management, process, and quality are presented in an integrative approach, stressing software improvements through measurements of software products and processes.

631/SWSE 631 Object-Oriented Software Development (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS/SWSE 619 or 540, or equivalent. Principles of object-oriented analysis and design, development, and programming. The course includes relationships between object-oriented design concepts and software engineering principles, techniques of object-oriented design and programming, and application of object-oriented techniques.

632/SWSE 632 User Interface Design and Development (3:3:0). See SWSE 632.

635 Foundations of Parallel Computation (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 583 and 540 or 571, or equivalent. Survey of the field of parallel computation. Three major parallel computing paradigms (MIMD computation, SIMD computation, and data flow computation) are covered. Emphasis is placed on the interfaces between algorithm design and implementation, architecture, and software. Parallel algorithms and parallel programming languages are examined relative to the architecture of particular parallel computers.

637/SWSE 637 Software Testing and Quality Assurance (3:3:0). See SWSE 637.

640 Advanced Compilers (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 540 or equivalent. An examination of advanced compiler techniques such as code optimizations for sequential and parallel machines; compilers for logical, functional, or object oriented languages; and other selected topics in the current literature.

650 Database Engineering (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 540, 583, and 571. Data models for network, hierarchical, object-oriented, and relational management information systems. The course covers development (including internal structures) of a database system.

652 Computer Graphics (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 583. Architecture of graphics input and display devices. The course includes hardware interfaces, graphics software design concepts and techniques, basic algorithms for windowing, clipping, panning, and zooming, raster scan and random scan processing, data structures and graphics symbols, and hidden line removal algorithms and presentation of solid areas.

656 Computer Communications and Networking (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 571 and STAT 344 or equivalent. Techniques and systems for communication of data between computational devices, and protocols of the seven-layer ISO reference model. Topics include the role of various media and software components, local and wide area network protocols, network design, performance and cost considerations, and emerging advanced commercial technologies.

668 Computer Architecture Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 571 or 540 or equivalent. An examination of the principles and practices relating computer architecture to programming execution and efficiency. A new approach that stresses the performance and cost of architecture is presented. The principles, of compiler and OS implications, instructions sets, basic processors, pipelines, and memory-hierarchy are examined. Specific topics may include RISC machines, cache memories, register usage, VAX architecture, and vector machines.

671 Advanced Operating Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 571 or permission of instructor. Advanced topics in the design and implementation of microkernel-based, object-oriented, and distributed operating systems. Specific topics include support for interprocess communication, the interaction between computer architecture and operating systems, distributed file systems, transactions, and distributed shared memory.

672 Computer System Performance Evaluation (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 571 and MATH 351, or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of analytical models of computer systems. Topics include queueing networks, single and multiple class mean-analysis, models of centralized and client-server systems, and software performance engineering.

673 Multimedia Computing and Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 571. The convergence of computing, communications, and display technologies has led to interest in the processing of multiple data types. The integration of text, sound, images, and video in modern presentations requires compression, synchronization, database, and communication methods. This course focuses on technological and development environments involved in developing multimedia applications. Projects involve experience with multimedia authoring tools, and simulations to assess performance.

680 Natural Language Processing (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 540 and 580. The course explores the principles of the design of computer programs that respond appropriately to questions, commands, and statements expressed in human language, particularly English. Role of knowledge representation and linguistic theory. Students become familiar with current literature to implement a limited natural language processor.

681 Designing Expert Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 580. Design, construction, and evaluation of software systems that solve problems generally deemed to require human expertise. The course focuses on the study and use of relevant languages, environments, mathematics, and logic. Case studies of successful systems are examined. Programming projects include development of tools or small-scale systems.

682 Computer Vision (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 686. Study of computational models of visual perception and their implementation on computer systems. Topics include early visual processing, edge detection, segmentation, intrinsic images, image modeling, representation of visual knowledge, and image understanding.

683 Parallel Algorithms (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 583; CS 635 recommended. An examination of the design and analysis of parallel algorithms. Material focuses on algorithms for both theoretical and practical models of parallel computation. Algorithm design and analysis for the PRAM are considered, as well as for existing SIMD and MIMD type architectures. Topics include sorting, graph algorithms, numerical algorithms, and computational complexity.

684 Graph Algorithms (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 583. Data structures and analytical techniques for the study of graph algorithms. Data structures discussed include disjoint sets, heaps, and dynamic trees. Algorithms treated include minimum spanning trees, shortest path, maximum flow, and graph planarity.

685/ECE 651/SYST 672 Intelligent Systems for Robots (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 580 or ECE 650 or SYST 611 or SYST 555 or equivalent. Review of recent developments in the area of intelligent autonomous systems. The applications of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to robotics are studied. Topics include analysis and design of algorithms and architectures for planning, navigation, sensory data understanding, sensor fusion, spatial reasoning, motion control, knowledge acquisition, learning of concepts and procedures, self-organization, and adaptation to the environment.

686 Image Processing and Applications (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 583 and either STAT 344 or MATH 351, or equivalent. Concepts and techniques used in image processing. Methods for image capture, transformation, enhancement, restoration, and encoding are discussed. Students complete projects involving naturally occurring images.

687 Advanced Artificial Intelligence (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 580. Exploration of foundational issues of artificial intelligence, such as the roles of knowledge and search, the formalization of knowledge and inference, and symbolic versus emergent approaches to intelligence. Advanced programming techniques for artificial intelligence and their relationship both to the foundational issues and to the most important application areas for artificial intelligence are studied. There is a major programming project.

688 Neural Network Principles (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 580 or equivalent. Study of neural network models, algorithms, and applications. Several connectionist and biologically based models are introduced, and their capabilities and limitations are discussed. A variety of application areas are presented. A network simulation project is required.

689 Intelligent Tutoring Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 580. Principles, design, and development of computer-based tutoring systems and learning environments, with emphasis on the application of techniques from artificial intelligence. The course covers organizing and representing subject matter and expertise in forms structured for presentation and communication, diagnosing a learner's actions to obtain information that can usefully guide tutorial decision making about subject matter, generating problems, and learning about various forms of assistance. Case studies and evaluation strategies are discussed.

697 Independent Reading and Research (1-3:0:0).Prerequisites: Graduate standing, completion of at least two core courses (CS 540, 571, 580, 583), and permission of instructor. In areas of importance but insufficient demand to justify a regular course, a student may undertake a course of study under the supervision of a consenting faculty member. The students normally submit a written statement of the content of the course and a tentative reading list as part of the request for approval to take the course. A literature review, project report, or other written product is normally required.

699 Advanced Topics in Computer Science (3:3:0).Prerequisites: Completion of at least two core courses and permission of instructor. Special topics in computer science not occurring in the regular computer science sequence. May be repeated for credit when the subject is distinctly different.

706 Concurrent Software Systems (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 571 and 635 or 619 or equivalent. A study of issues related to the development of concurrent software systems. Topics include concurrent programming languages and constructs; and the specification, design, verification, and validation of concurrent programs. Students are required to solve concurrent programming problems and to check their solutions by using verification, testing, and debugging tools.

720/SWSE 720 Advanced Software Requirements (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS/SWSE 620 or equivalent. See SWSE 720.

721/SWSE 721 Advanced Software Design Methods (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS/SWSE 621 or equivalent. See SWSE 721.

735 Concurrency (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 635 or equivalent. Description of the formal specification of concurrent systems and algorithms, using formal methodology based on the theory of communicating sequential processes. Emphasis is placed on using the Occam programming language to the implement of formal specifications of concurrent systems.

752 Interactive Graphics Software (3:3:0).Prerequisites: CS 652 and 583. A study of interactive graphics programming, architecture of display devices, graphics systems functional capabilities, and implementation concepts and techniques. The course extends basic raster techniques to device independent algorithms: two-and-three dimensional viewing, clipping, and transformations. Raster/scan conversion techniques, hidden surface and edge removal algorithms, shading and texturing techniques, and color models are discussed. User dialogs and human factors are examined.

755 Advanced Computer Networks (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 656. Current and emerging issues in advanced computer networks and their applications. Topics include software systems associated with packet and cell switched networking architectures and protocols, high-performance LANs, scheduling and congestion control, mobile networking, multimedia applications, and the next generation of the Internet.

756 Performance Analysis of Computer Networks (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 656 or equivalent. Queueing models for modeling and analysis of computer networks. The course examines elementary queueing analysis; networks of queues; routing and flow controls; and applications to local and wide area networks, internets, and emerging networking technologies such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

773 Real-Time Systems Design and Development (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 656 or 671. Real-time systems and the principles supporting their design and implementation. Emphasis is placed upon fundamental results from real-time scheduling theory and their relevance to computer system design. Topics include system design issues for real-time applications involving communication networks, operating systems, databases, and multimedia.

782 Machine Learning (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 681 or 687 or 688 or permission of instructor. Survey of the field of machine learning that is concerned with developing intelligent adaptive systems that are able to improve through learning from input data or from their own problem-solving experience. Topics provide broad coverage of past and current developments in machine learning, including basic learning strategies and multistrategy learning.

785 Knowledge Acquisition and Problem Solving (3:3:0).Prerequisite: CS 680 or 681 or 687 or permission of instructor. Principles and major methods of the basic stages of knowledge acquisition (systematic elicitation of expert knowledge, knowledge base refinement, and knowledge base optimization), in the context of general problem-solving methods. Case studies of successful knowledge acquisition and problem solving systems are presented. Projects include development or application of knowledge acquisition tools for knowledge-based systems.

798 Project Seminar (3:3:0).Prerequisite: 18 credits applicable toward the M.S. in Computer Science. Master's degree candidates undertake a project using the knowledge gained in the M.S. program. Topics are chosen in consultation with an advisor. The project is intended to meet the project or thesis requirement for the M.S. in Computer Science.

799 Thesis (1-6:0:0).Prerequisite: 18 credits applicable toward the M.S. in Computer Science. Original or expository work evaluated by a committee of three faculty members.