Computer Science Pathways

Overview

Computer Science @NCSSM is about representing information and using computation to solve increasingly complex problems. We study how to craft, visualize, and automate systems to increase the efficiency and creativity of humans in an interdisciplinary and interconnected way.

The field of Computer Science is rapidly evolving and inherently interdisciplinary. Our courses a separated into three levels based on broad core concepts: Build (Level 1), Design (Level 2), and Lead (Level 3). All computer science courses satisfy the graduation requirement for the Department of Engineering and Computer Science or as a STEM election. However, some courses do not meet the requirements to move into the next level of courses -- this is generally because the course dedicates more time to interdisciplinary and breadth connections over the depth needed by the next level.

General Program Learning Outcomes

Students frame solutions around how data is structured and understand that data can be represented in many forms.
Students are introduced to and master problem solving techniques and design patterns such as modularization, encapsulation, and recursion.
Students learn the foundational tools of programming, data structures, and algorithms to enhance and automate computational tasks.
Students explore the connection of computer science to other disciplines and the mutual benefits of interdisciplinary teams.
Students create and test solutions through systematic approaches to debugging, creation of test cases, and integration.

Level 1 / Build.

GetTing The Job Done.

Use computer science as an interdisciplinary tool to “get the job done.” We introduce foundational concepts and learn how to systematically approach crafting solutions. Courses at this level emphasize breadth over depth and more concrete approaches to interdisciplinary problems. Concepts include basic programming, modularization, computational thinking, and debugging.

Design Paradigms

Data as containment and as a spectrum.

Imperative with object use and synchronous execution

Computational Thinking

Data Categorization

Test cases and path coverage

Debugging and assertions

Modularization and encapsulation

Documentation

For yourself

Pre-Planning and comments are basic and formed for student understanding.

Introduction to reading technical documentation from others

Programming Concepts

Literals, variables, lists, dictionaries, strings, objects, and files

Conditionals, loops, functions, and scope

Integrated Development Environments

Level 2 / Design.

Intentional System Design.

Use computer science to sculpt with intentional design and craft larger solutions. We expand foundational knowledge to understand the organization, integration, and testing of complex systems. Courses at this level emphasize the interconnectedness of ideas, collaboration, and human-computer interactions. Concepts include object-orientation, asynchronous programming, and data integration.

Design Paradigms

Data as Context and Objects as a spectrum

Closure systems with asynchronous execution

Computational Thinking

Modularization by responsibility and unit testing

Prototyping and integration analysis

Documentation

For others

Comments are concise and targeted so others can understand your thought process

Introduction to writing technical documentation for others

Programming Concepts

Classes, inheritance, polymorphism, recursion and exceptions

Encapsulation, modules, and libraries

Integrated Development Environments

Level 3 / Lead.

Optimization and Efficiency

Use computer science to drive understanding of optimization. We analyze systems to maximize efficiency and create knowledge. Courses at this level strive to place students at the leading edge of the field and place students in a leading role of projects. Concepts include machine learning, server-client architecture, and other advanced topics generally not seen until the junior year of undergraduate studies.

Design Paradigms

Problem Based and Specialized Systems

Concepts over language

Computational Thinking

Integration testing, process level debugging, and test harnesses

Documentation

For different scenarios

Comments are honed and deal with more complex scenarios

Writing and presenting for technical and non-technical audiences

Programming Concepts

Problems are classified and delegated to specialized entities

Client/Server Separation

NP-Completeness

Prediction/Classification

Version Control

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