Department of Computer Science

Professors
THOMAS A. BAILEY, JR., B.S. Alma College 1964; M.S. University of Colorado 1969; Ph.D. Michigan State University 1978; Professor of Computer Science 1998, 1980.
JOHN R. COWLES, B.A. University of Wyoming 1968; M.A. University of Nebraska 1970; Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University 1975; Professor of Computer Science 1992, 1978.
JEFFREY VAN BAALEN, B.S. University of Wyoming 1977; M.S. 1980; Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1988; Head of the Department of Computer Science 2000; Professor of Computer Science 2002, 1991.

Associate Professor
JAMES L. CALDWELL, B.S. State University of New York 1984; M.S. 1988; M.S. Cornell University 1995; Ph.D. 1998; Associate Professor of Computer Science 2004, 1998.

RUBEN GAMBOA, B.S. Angelo State University 1984; M.S. Texas A&M University 1986; Ph.D. The University of Texas 1999; Associate Professor of Computer Science 2007, 2002.

DIANA GORDON SPEARS, B.S. University of New Mexico 1974; M.S. University of Maryland 1986; Ph.D. 1990; Associate Professor of Computer Science 2001.
WILLIAM SPEARS, B.A. Johns Hopkins University 1984; M.S. George Mason University 1990; Ph.D. 1998; Associate Professor of Computer Science 2001.

Assistant Professors
JOHN M. HITCHCOCK, B.S. Iowa State University 1999; M.S. 2001; Ph.D. 2003; Assistant Professor of Computer Science 2003.
LIQIANG WANG, B.S. Hebei Normal University 1995; M.Eng. Sichjan University 1998; M.S. SUNY Stony Brook 2003; Ph.D. 2006; Assistant Professor of Computer Science 2006.

Lecturers
Anderson, Ward

Professor Emeritus:

Henry R. Bauer III

Computer Science

Over the past 50 years computers have developed from a novelty with a few technical numerical applications to a ubiquitous tool, essential to science and technology, to business and finance, to government, to communications, and even to entertainment. Computer Science has grown from a specialization in mathematics or business or electrical engineering to an independent, broadly based area of study covering all aspects of the use and understanding of computers and the computation process.

Computer Science education concentrates on the creation and understanding of computer software. The curriculum focuses first on programming and then on the central processes that support programming: operating systems, programming languages, and computational theory. The program of study culminates with a senior design project that produces a working program for a real world problem.

Computers and Business Option

An understanding of business fundamentals is essential for students planning a career in applied computer science in a business environment. This program of study provides a foundation in computer science, business and information management. It includes courses in accounting, management, marketing, database fundamentals, and design and implementation of software systems. The curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.

International Engineering Option

Computer science is a global profession and today’s computer scientists must be able to work and interact in a variety of diverse cultural and technical environments. The international engineering option gives computer science students an opportunity to study culture and foreign language at the same time as they pursue their computer science degrees.

The option includes at least one semester of study abroad with courses taken in a foreign language.  In addition, students may participate in a four-to-five month international internship. Foreign language skills can be earned through a variety of means, including formal university coursework, intensive summer language programs, and previous education.

Foreign language education and the study-abroad experience satisfy the cultural context requirements of the University Studies Program. The curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.

Educational Objectives

The computer science program prepares students to:

• Apply the fundamentals of computer science to solve software-oriented computing problems
• Communicate effectively within and outside the discipline
• Extend their knowledge by independent learning and continuing education
• Appreciate the role of computer science in the societal context and appreciate the importance of ethics in the practice of the profession
• Work effectively with others

Program Learning Outcomes

We expect that our graduating students will have:

• The ability to utilize operating systems and software tools that are similar to those used in the computing profession
• Proficiency in the use of modern and widespread programming languages
• The ability to be competitive in securing entry-level software and computer systems jobs
• The capability to analyze, design, and implement software projects comparable to those found in industry
• The ability to describe, and be proficient in, the application of important computer science concepts
• Written, oral, and visual presentation skills
• An understanding of ethics, professionalism, and the role of computer scientists in society
• An understanding of the benefits and skills necessary to engage in independent learning
• Skills to independently learn new computer science material and identify available resources for additional assistance
• The ability to be effective team members
• High educational and work quality standards

Graduate Program

For details of the M.S., Ph.D. and mathematics-computer science Ph.D. requirements, see the Graduate Bulletin.

Computer Science Undergraduate Major

Computer science requirements are subject to minor program changes. The published curricula are general guides. Students should consult the department office Web pages (http://www.cs.uwyo.edu) for current information.

Students must complete ENGL 4010; COSC 1010, 1030, 2030, 2150, 2300, 3011, 3015, 3020, 3050, 4950, 4955, theory course: 4100 or 4200, operating systems course: 4740, programming language course: 4780 or 4785, system course: 4820 or 4760; and 12 semester hours of COSC courses at the 3000+ level that are not fulfilling another requirement. Three hours can be from the Computer Engineering [CPEN] electives.

The science requirement is PHYS 1210 and 1220, or 1310 and 1320, or LIFE 1010 and 2022 or 2023 or 2210, or CHEM 1020 and 1030; two additional courses from among ASTR 2310, LIFE 1010, 2022 or 2023 or 2210, CHEM 1020, 1030, 1050, ES 2210, 2120, GEOL 1100, 1200, 2000, PHYS 1210, 1220, 1310, 1320, 2310, EE 2390.

The mathematics requirement is MATH 2200, 2205, STAT 4220 and six semester hours selected from among MATH 2210, or higher numbered courses, COSC 4340 or STAT 3000- or 4000-level courses, except for MATH 2350, 2355, 4000 and variable-credit courses. Recommend: MATH 2250 and 3500.

The foreign language requirements is two semesters of a single foreign language (or one semester at the 2nd or 3rd-semester level), American Sign Language, or satisfactory score on one of the following; Departmental Examination, College Level Examination Program, Advanced Placement Examination. Refer to languages department section in this bulletin for detailed information.

In addition to taking the courses listed above, students must also choose courses that satisfy the following University Studies Program requirements: Writing 1 (WA), Writing 2 (WB), Writing 3 (WC), three cultural context courses (CH, CS, CA), oral communications (O), U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions requirement (V), Global Awareness (G), Information Literacy (L), U.S. Diversity (D), Intellectual Community (I) and Physical Activity (P).

Additional requirements: 6 upper-division hours in non COSC courses (UDNC). All COSC, MATH, and STAT courses must have a grade of C or better. The student’s program must fulfill the university requirement of 48 semester credit hours in upper division (junior/senior) or graduate-level courses.

Suggested B.S. Program in Computer Science

Course Sequence of Major Requirements

Students are free to satisfy program requirements in any order that complies with course prerequisites.

Freshman Year: Spring	Hours
COSC 1030	4
MATH 2205	4
Science II	4
USP O Course	3
PEAC 1001	1

Sophomore Year: Fall	Hours
COSC 2150	3
COSC 2030	4
COSC 2300	3
Foreign Language I	4
USP Cultural Context	3

Sophomore Year: Spring	Hours
COSC 3011	3
COSC 3020	4
Math Elective	3
Foreign Language II	4
USP Cultural Context	4

Junior Year: Fall	Hours
COSC 3015	3
Operating Systems Course	3
COSC Elective	3
Science Elective	4
USP V Course	3

Junior Year: Spring	Hours
COSC Elective	4
COSC 3050	1
Science Elective	4
MATH Elective	3
USP Cultural Context	3

Senior Year: Fall	Hours
COSC 4950	1
System Course	3
STAT 4220	3
Theory Course	3
ENGL 4010	3
Upper division non-COSC (UDNC)	3

Senior Year: Spring	Hours
COSC 4955	3
COSC Electives	6
Programming Language Course	3
UDNC	3

Computer Science Business Option Undergraduate Major

Computers and business option requirements are subject to minor program changes. The published curricula are general guides. Students should consult the department office Web pages (http://www.cs.uwyo.edu) for current information.

Students must complete ENGL 4010; COSC 1010, 1030, 2030, 2150, 2300, 3011, 3020, 3050, 4210, 4220, 4950, 4955, system course: 4820 or 4760; and 9 semester hours of COSC courses at 3000+ level that are not fulfilling another requirement.

The science requirement is PHYS 1210 and 1220, or 1310 and 1320, or LIFE 1010 and 2022 or 2023 or 2210, or CHEM 1020 and 1030; two additional courses from among ASTR 2310, LIFE 1010, 2022 or 2023 or 2210, CHEM 1020, 1030, 1050, GEOL 1100, 1200, 2000, PHYS 1210, 1220, 1310, 1320, 2310, EE 2390.

The mathematics requirement is MATH 2200 and 2205 or 2350 and 2355, STAT 2010, 2050, or 2070.

The business requirement is ACCT 1010, ACCT 1020, IMGT 2400, IMGT 3400, MGT 3210, MKT 3210, and six semester hours of business courses at the 3000+ level that are not fulfilling another requirement.

In addition to taking the courses listed above, students must also choose courses that satisfy the following University Studies Program requirements: Writing 1 (WA), Writing 2 (WB), Writing 3 (WC), three cultural context courses (CH, CS, CA), oral communications (O), U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions requirement (V), Global Awareness (G), Information Literacy (L), U.S. Diversity (D), Intellectual Community (I) and Physical Activity (P).

Additional requirements: 3 upper-division semester hours in a non COSC course (UDNC). All COSC, MATH, Business and STAT courses must have a grade of C or better. The student’s program must fulfill the university requirement of 48 semester credit hours in upper division (junior/senior) or graduate-level courses.

Suggested B.S. Program in Computer Science Business Option

Course Sequence of Major Requirements