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The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Courses are subject to change through normal academic channels, and information about new courses approved after publication of this catalog can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar or from appropriate departments. Typically, 13.5 hours per week of combined class and study time are expected for each three credit hour course.
The frequency of offering each course is determined by the department or division as demand indicates. Course numbering is intended to reflect the level of preparation which a student should have to enroll in a specific course, but courses are not numbered according to difficulty within a hundred series. Courses numbered below 100 affect the cumulative grade point average, but are not applied to the 120 credit hours required for graduation at North Central College.
Course Descriptions
Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.
If a course qualifies as an Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Education course, then an IAI code appears to the right of the course title. The letter codes are C (Communications), F (Fine Arts), H (Humanities), L (Life Sciences), M (Mathematics), P (Physical Sciences) and S (Social Behavioral Sciences). Note that some courses meeting NCC general education requirements are not approved by the IAI. Students intending to transfer to another school participating in the IAI are strongly encouraged to take only courses approved by the IAI for general education core requirements.
Biology
BIO 252 - Cells and Systems
3.75 credit hours Structure and function of cells and applications to physiological systems of plants and animals. Topics include cell membranes, enzymes, energy metabolism, cell movement and cell communication and their roles in nerve and muscle function, photosynthesis, vascular transport, digestion, excretion and other systems. Laboratory required, includes investigative projects in protein and enzyme function, metabolism and signal transduction.
3.75 credit hours Interactions among diverse communities of living organisms and between organisms and their environment. Emphasis on regional natural history. Laboratory required, investigation of ecological problems including field observations, laboratory experiments and computer modeling.
BIO 290 - ACCA Seminar in Organismal Biology and Ecology
0.00 credit hours Current topics in botany, zoology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or related fields. Course content is provided by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area and consists of a 10-week seminar held one evening per week during Fall term, usually at an off-campus site. Attendance is required. May repeat once with new content. May substitute one BIO 290 or BIO 291 seminar for one of the two required non-credit BIO 475 seminars.
BIO 291 - ACCA Seminar in Molecular and Cellular Biology
0.00 credit hours Current topics in cellular biology, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or related fields. Course content is provided by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area and consists of a 10-week seminar held one evening per week beginning in Winter and continuing into Spring, usually at an off-campus site. Attendance is required. May repeat once with new content. May substitute one BIO 290 or BIO 291 seminar for one of the two required non-credit BIO 475 seminars.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: GWS 301.) In traditional topics in human sexuality (e.g., natural essence of sexuality, reproductive biology, sex research, marriage and other arrangements, reproductive issues) there is a clash of values both within a culture and between cultures. This course includes such controversial issues as religious perspectives, pornography, the media, prostitution and female circumcision. The latter components serve to explore problems that result from the clash of values.
3.75 credit hours Fundamental principles of plant physiology including photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, nutrition, translocation and development are investigated. The impact of both biotic and abiotic factors on these processes is emphasized. Laboratory work includes both field observations and laboratory work. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours A study of the basic biology of animals with special emphasis on adaptive strategies and evolutionary relationships of the major groups. Areas investigated include, but are not confined to, diversity, function and evolution of animals. Laboratory introduces students to the extensive taxonomic diversity of animals and provides an introduction to animal morphology, particularly as it is used to infer evolutionary relationships within the group. Laboratory also involves field work studying local animals. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours Investigation of the history of evolutionary thought and the processes by which populations change over time. Laboratory work includes experimental selection, phylogenetics and computer simulations of populations genetics plus discussions of current readings. Laboratory included.
4.00 credit hours Biology of microorganisms, emphasizing the physiology, genetics and ecology of bacteria and their relationships (pathogenic and otherwise) with other organisms. Archaea, viruses, eukaryotic microorganisms and basic concepts of immunology are introduced. Laboratory emphasizes the application of microbiological techniques to investigative studies. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours In-depth investigation of current concepts and topics in molecular biology, using cancer as a theme. Major topics include: regulation of gene expression, control of the cell division and death and drug development. Reading of the primary literature and understanding current experimental methods are emphasized. Laboratory required.
0.00 credit hours Students work in collaboration with faculty on ongoing research. Activities vary according to project needs and student background. Graded Pass/No Pass.
4.00 credit hours Behavioral mechanisms of animals as they interact with their environment, including topics such as development of behavior, learning and motivation, communication, mating systems, sexual reproduction, aggression, orientation and navigation and habitat selection. Examines physiological, evolutionary and ecological aspects of behavior with extensive use of the primary scientific literature. Issues in research ethics and scientific leadership are discussed, including core values of science, ethical standards of conduct and peer review as well as a focus on the ethics of animal research. Laboratory required: independent animal behavior project. Research course.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 302. ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.
3.75 credit hours Investigation of the effects of human activities on biological resources and ecosystem structure and function, with extensive use of the primary scientific literature. Issues in research ethics and scientific leadership are discusses, including core values of science, ethical standards of conduct and peer review as well as a focus on the ethics and politics of ecological research, sustainability and human impacts on the environment. Laboratory required: independent project exposing students to some of the most important field methods and analytical techniques used to examine human impacts. Research course.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 253. ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.
3.75 credit hours Analysis of genetic mechanisms of animal development. Consideration of the genetic establishment and regulation of developmental pathways, with extensive use of the primary scientific literature. Issues in research ethics and scientific leadership are discussed, including core values of science, ethical standards of conduct and peer review as well as a focus on the ethics of animal and stem-cell research and the clash of values in the political arena. Laboratory required: independent project investigating the effects of specific developmental genes. Research course.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 360. ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.
3.75 credit hours Biology of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi and the mechanisms by which they cause disease, with extensive use of the primary scientific literature. Epidemiological modeling of disease spread and the role of public-health intervention will be important topics, as will the immune response to disease. Issues in research ethics and scientific leadership are discussed, including core values of science, ethical standards of conduct and peer review as well as a focus on human-subject research and clinical trials. Laboratory required: independent project dealing with the spread and prevention of infection. Research course.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 340. ACR: Leadership, Ethics and Values.
3.00 credit hours The Modern Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course thoroughly covers the theory and principles of polarized-light microscopy. Students learn time-honored and highly specialized PLM methods that can be successfully applied to virtually all materials problem solving situations. The student learning outcomes are achieved through lecture/demonstration and many practical exercises utilizing known and unknown samples. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This class introduces the student to a range of methods used for the identification of crystalline materials. Emphasis is given to understanding the relation between crystal symmetry and the behavior of light passing through them, and to basic principles which facilitate an understanding of optical phenomena. A number of other techniques are employed or demonstrated, including crystal rotation methods and the use of rotating compensators. A wide variety of grain mount, thin section and oriented crystal sections, as well as other demonstration materials, are used to elucidate optical properties. Optical properties of both isotropic and anisotropic comminuted mineral samples are examined and unknown samples identified by immersion methods using calibrated refractive index liquids. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours Students learn through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on participation how to setup and operate SEM and EDS instruments, including low-vacuum and field-emission models. The final quarter of the course is devoted to student projects, where students are invited to analyze their own samples on a variety of SEM instruments: JEOL JSM-6460LV low vacuum SEM, JEOL JSM-6480LV low vacuum SEM, JEOL JSM-6301F field emission SEM, JEOL JXA-8900 combined EDS/WDS electron microprobe analyzer and JEOL JXA-8200 combined EDS/WDS electron microprobe analyzer. At the end of the course, students with no prior experience are able to align an SEM, obtain secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BE) micrographs and perform EDS qualitative and quantitative analysis. Includes practicum.
CMC 411 - Advanced Imaging Techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy
2.00 credit hours This course is an advanced topics course and provides instruction and hands-on practice for getting the best possible SEM images, especially from difficult samples, or under challenging operating conditions. Signals and image generation, instrument operation, operating variables, image interpretation and applications of SEM are studied through lectures and hands-on activities. Advanced SEM imaging topics such as very high resolution imaging and low voltage imaging are covered. Includes practicum.
CMC 415 - Pharmaceutical Materials and Contaminants
3.00 credit hours Most pharmaceutical products are specified to be essentially free of visible particules and there are limits on the humer of allowable sub-visible particles. The FDA requires that contamination problems are fully investigated in a timely fashion. This course teaches an analytical approach that utilizes microscopical examination coupled with sample isolation, preparation and analytical methods optimized for small particles, to successfully identify particulate contamination for regulatory compliance. The overall analytical approach for the identification of particles (contaminants) is outlined at the beginning of the course. The analysis plan includes simple examination, gathering of background information concerning the sample and particle isolation. Analytical methods taught include: stereomicroscopy, polarized light microscopy (PLM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman microscopy. The course emphasizes the identification of the following typical particle types: metals, minerals, fibers, hairs, glass, polymers, chemicals, excipients and botanicals. Includes practicum.
CMC 416 - USP {788} Particulate Matter in Injections
0.50 credit hours This course provides students with a hands-on understanding of the Microscopic Particle Count Test portion in the method as well as instruction on how to prepare samples for counting, and performing microscopic particle counts. Includes practicum.
2.00 credit hours This course begins with a presentation of some of the basic theories behind lyophilization and polarized light microscopy, followed by a hands-on demonstration of the set up and alignment of the freeze-dry microscopy system. Each student practices using the freeze-dry microscope system by measuring the thermal properties of various crystalline and amorphous samples. The course finishes with a demonstration of how the collected data can be used for lyophilization cycle development and optimization. Includes practicum.
2.00 credit hours This course provides practical, hands-on learning for new and experiences operators, utilizing lectures, demonstrations and direct student participation, using a JEOL JEM-3010 300kV, LaB6 TEM. Two experienced TEM analysts act as instructors, tailoring discussions to suit individual skill levels and interests. The course provides a foundation for new TEM operators, and gives students the skills necessary to align a TEM, and select parameters for acquisition of images, EDS specra, and electron diffraction patterns. Students with prior experience learn how to better utilize the multiple analytical capabilities of the TEM for real-world materials characterization. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course focuses on isolating, mounting and handling 1-100μm sized particles without the use of micromanipulators. Methods for isolating contaminants from liquids, solids or on surfaces are covered. Preparation methods for further analysis by PLM, IR, Raman, SEM and TEM are demonstrated and discussed. Each student is supplied with a detailed laboratory manual for reference and works hands-on with an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope for use during class exercises. Olympus BX51 polarized light microscopes are also available for student use during class exercises. Includes practicum.
CMC 431 - Sample Preparation: Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices
1.50 credit hours Specialized techniques are demonstrated for isolating and mounting contaminants from pharmaceutical and medical devices. Students use an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope. Topics related to these techniques may include but are not limited to: tablets, contact lenses and contaminants/foreign materials. Includes practicum.
0.50 credit hours This course specializes in the techniques that are used for isolating and mounting spermatozoa from smear slides. The techniques learned in this course are faster and more economical than the equipment required to carry out laser capture micro-dissection. Students first learn how to make the tools that they then apply to the isolation of single spermatozoa. Students apply the technique to samples using an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope and an Olympus BX51 polarizing light microscope. Includes practicum.
CMC 433 - Sample Preparation: Polymers, Paints and Coatings
1.50 credit hours This course is customized to meet the needs of each individual student. Students are encouraged to bring samples to class. In addition to using actual samples in the course, each student has access to the new online McCrone Atlas of Microscopic Particles, which contains PLM and SEM images, descriptions, EDS, IR and Raman spectra from over 100 fully-characterized microscopic materials. Includes practicum.
CMC 434 - Sample Preparation: Forensics and Trace Evidence
1.50 credit hours Proper sample handling of forensic evidence is critical to the analysis. Specialized techniques are demonstrated for isolating and mounting small particles and microtraces from examples of trace evidence. Students use an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope and specialized microtools. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course covers the forensic examination and comparison of soil. The class emphasizes methods and procedures used in the forensic community for soil analysis, and cover the forensic aspects of soil analysis, sample handling and processing, with a brief introduction to mineral identification. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course teaches students how to identify white powders using several microscopical identification techniques including: polarized light microscopy (PLM), flourescence microscopy, spot tests, solubility tests, flame tests and thermal microscopy. The white powder sample set used for this course is derived from real-world examples that were either described in news accounts or found by First Responders at actual incident sites. Students learn how to identify over 40 white powder samples by first studying particle morphology, optical characteristics and chemical reactions, followed by UV florescence observations. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course is an initial introduction to microscopical trace evidence examination. It introduces the student to the principles and practical use of the stereomicroscope and polarized light microscope for the analysis of common microscopic trace evidence (hairs, fibers, paint and glass). In addition to beginning theory of polarized light microscropy (PLM), the student learns the basic techniques of PLM directly applicable to trace evidence analysis. Includes practicum.
CMC 451 - An Introduction to Forensic Document Examination: Basic Theory and Practical Applications
1.50 credit hours This course is an initial introduction to microscopical trace evidence examination. It introduces the student to the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), used for indented writing detection, and the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), for UV/IR imaging in reflection/absorption and fluorescence modes- two of the most important instruments used in the examination of questioned documents. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic theory behind these two instruments along with practical use of each in actual case work. Includes practicum.
CMC 452 - Fundamentals of Microscopy for Forensic Document Examiners: Basic Theory and Practical Applications
1.50 credit hours The stereomicroscope is one of the most important tools used by the Forensic Document Examiner (FDE). This course provides a strong foundation in the workings of the stereomicroscope and presents a number of practical exercises to enhance the professional Forensic Document Examiner’s proficiency. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours The focus of this course is the identification of pigments using polarized-light microscopy (PLM). A practical introduction to PLM methods is taught using many examples from the world of pigments. This course also introduces students to other analytical methods used as confirmatory methods; these include microchemical methods, elemental characterization using XRF or SEM/EDS, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The students examine and sample paintings and architectural artifacts, prepare specimens for analysis, perform PLM analysis and direct or perform further confirmatory analyses. Methods for characterization of binding media and support canvas materials are also discussed. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course introduces the students to methods of conservation material identification using materials across all conservation specialties including pigments, paper, fibers, object materials, architectural materials and inks. The course concentrates on using polarized light microscopy (PLM) for identification, but also introduces students to other analytical methods used as confirmatory methods; these include microchemical methods, elemental characterization using XRF or SEM/EDS, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The students examine and sample artifacts, prepare specimens for analysis, perform PLM analysis and direct or perform further confirmatory analyses. Methods for characterization of organic materials are also discussed. Includes practicum.
2.00 credit hours This course is designed to provide practical instruction in “real world” use of the FTIR microscope. The class utilizes demonstrations and laboratory exercises supplemented with lectures. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own samples for analysis. This course assumes basic knowledge of infrared spectroscopy and operation of an FTIR microscope. There is a brief discussion of infrared theory, and a heavy emphasis on using FTIR microscopy in problem-solving applications. The emphasis is on student sample preparation exercises and the use of different spectral acquisition methods to obtain optimum results. Includes practicum.
2.00 credit hours This course is designed to provide practical instruction in “real world” use of the Raman microscope. The class utilizes demonstrations and laboratory exercises supplemented with lectures. The role of Raman microspectroscopy in the overall scheme of industrial problem solving is addressed. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own samples for analysis. This course assumes basic knowledge of Raman spectroscopy. There is a brief discussion of Raman theory and an emphasis on recognizing artifacts and how to manage problems encountered in Raman spectroscopy. The course incorporates stereomicroscopy to characterize the sample and define the problem prior to analysis. The stereomicroscope is used to aid in isolation or other sample preparation if needed and several exercises are included to develop facility in use of the stereomicroscope. Students also use the features of the polarizing light microscope to enhance the collection of spectra and interpretation of results. Mapping and imaging are demonstrated and students have the opportunity to collect spectra on a variety of samples covering a range of applications. These include, but are not limited to pigment identification, polymer analysis, carbon phase identification, polymorphs and particle identification. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course introduces the principles and practice of polarized light microscopy (PLM) to the identification of natural and man-made fibers. The course is useful to anyone from a variety of sciences needed to identify fibers: pharmaceutical, textile, conservation, archaeological and forensic. The students learn time honored and highly specialized PLM methods that can be successfully applied to virtually all types of fibers: vegetable, fur, mineral and man-made. Allied topics that are discussed include: fiber loss, shedding and transfer; sampling and fiber recovery; contamination control; and handling microscopic size fiber fragments. The student learning outcomes are achieved through lecture/demonstration and many practical exercises utilizing known and unknown fiber samples from a variety of industries. Includes practicum.
3.00 credit hours This course is an initial introduction to forensic hair comparison and to the principles and practice of forensic hair comparison using microscopy and DNA analysis. The course concentrates on practical use of stereomicroscope, polarizing microscope and comparison light microscope for the forensic comparison of human hairs for the purpose of individualization. The subject of DNA analysis is discussed as it is essential to the forensic hair comparison. There is instruction in the characterization of hair roots for purposes of selecting hairs for DNA analysis. At the conclusion of this course, the student is capable ot beginning hair examinations under direct supervision, and continuing the necessary study and practice required of proficiency. Includes practicum.
3.50 credit hours A chemistry course for non-science majors. A quest for understanding those facets of chemistry that most directly affect daily existence through a study of selected topics in inorganic, organic and biological chemistry. Does not count toward a chemistry major. May not be taken after any higher level chemistry course. Laboratory required.
Prerequisite(s): high school Algebra or MTH 095. Core: Science (Lab).
CHM 141 - General Chemistry I: Bio-organic Molecules
3.75 credit hours An introduction to chemical principles through examples from the chemistry of carbon compounds and the molecules found in living systems, such as simple organic compounds, synthetic polymers, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Major topics include atomic and electronic structure, ions, molecules, bonding energies, hybridization, acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, steroechemistry and polymer chemistry. Laboratory required.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school chemistry; two years of high school algebra or MTH 095. Core: Science (Lab).
CHM 142 - General Chemistry II: Environmental Chemistry
4.00 credit hours An introduction to chemical principles within the context of the environmental issues of building copper mines, water treatment and acid rain. Major chemical topics include aqueous reactions, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, equilibria, acid/base, buffers, redox, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, metallurgy and kinetics. Laboratory required.
0.00 credit hours Study of a current topic in chemistry. The topic is provided by the annual seminar series of the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, and attendance at the seminars is the major part of the course. May be repeated once with new content. May be substituted for one of the required non-credit CHM 475 courses.
Prerequisite(s): One term of a 100-level CHM course.
4.00 credit hours Theoretical concepts of bonding, acid/base and redox chemistry. Descriptive chemistry of the elements highlighting their relationship to the biological world. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours Quantitative analysis including theory and techniques for gravimetric, volumetric and spectrophotometric methods. Two laboratory sessions per week. Laboratory required.
4.00 credit hours Survey of the various classes of carbon compounds, with emphasis upon molecular structure, stereochemistry and mechanisms of chemical reactions. Techniques for isolating and purifying organic compounds are learned in the laboratory. Laboratory required. Only offered in Summer. Students may not receive credit for both CHM 215 and CHM 220 or CHM 221.
4.00 credit hours Continuation of CHM 215. This course builds on previously learned concepts to further explore the mechanisms of organic reactions. The emphasis shifts from physical organic to synthetic organic chemistry. Laboratory required. Only offered in Summer. Students may not receive credit for both CHM 216 and CHM 221 or CHM 222.
2.75 credit hours Survey of the various classes of carbon compounds, emphasizing molecular structure, stereochemistry and mechanisms of chemical reactions. Techniques for isolating and purifying organic compounds are learned in the laboratory. Laboratory required. Students may not receive credit for both CHM 215 and CHM 220.
2.75 credit hours Continuation of CHM 220, emphasizing the chemistry of aromatic compounds, carbonyl containing functional groups and alcohols. The synthesis and chemical transformations of organic molecules is studied in more depth. Laboratory work focuses on synthetic techniques as well as physical and spectroscopic methods for molecular structure determination. Laboratory required. Students may not receive credit for both CHM 215 or CHM 216 and CHM 221
3.00 credit hours Continuation of CHM 221, with emphasis on the synthetic transformations of carbonyl containing functional groups, nitrogen containing compounds, biomolecules and pericyclic reactions. Laboratory work involves an 8-9 week research project, poster presentation and formal written report. Laboratory required. Students may not receive credit for both CHM 216 and CHM 222.
1.00 credit hours This course will explore the variety of energy transitions involved in spectroscopic methods and the identification of organic structures by interpretation of the spectra produced from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H & 13C), Infrared, Mass Spectroscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy. This course will emphasize the individual problem solving techniques that can be utilized to identify organic structures by each of the techniques.
1.00 credit hours This course will continue with the ideas presented in CHM 272 (Spectral Interpretation I) and focus on the identification of organic molecules from the synergistic information afforded by a combination of all the individual techniques previously learned. Also included is a more advanced study of Mass Spectral fragmentation patterns and Correlation (two-dimensional) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. The latter technique will include how to use COSY, HMQC, HMBC, etc. to interpret 2-D NMR spectra towards acquiring further structural information on organic molecules.
4.00 credit hours (Same as: PHY 340.) A study of the relationship of temperature to other properties of matter, using both macroscopic and microscopic viewpoints. Applications to chemical equilibrium, phase transitions and thermal properties of gases and solids. Laboratory required.
CHM 341 - Kinetics, Quantum Theory and Spectroscopy
4.00 credit hours Survey of experimental and theoretical physical chemistry, including methods for determining rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, quantum theory of atomic structure and chemical bonding and spectroscopic methods used to determine molecular structure. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours Coordination chemistry of the transition metals including isomerism, symmetry, group theory, molecular orbital theory, crystal field theory, uv-visible spectroscopy and kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution reactions. Laboratory required.
4.00 credit hours Theory and practice of instrumental analytical chemistry. Major topics include potentiometric and voltammetric methods, chromatography, spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Two laboratory sessions per week. Laboratory required.
3.75 credit hours Topics in organic chemistry which build on the principles covered in CHM 220 and CHM 221. The course explores one topic in depth, with emphasis on organic synthesis and natural products chemistry. Laboratory required.
0.00-1.00 credit hours (Same as BIO 475.) Each student presents the results of a laboratory research project in a scientific meeting format.
Prerequisite(s): If taken for no credit, none; if taken for credit, one 400-level chemistry course or one BIO course that includes research-type experience or an independent study.
1.00-6.00 credit hours Individual laboratory investigation of a problem in chemistry, undertaken with guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credit hours.
3.50 credit hours An introduction to computer science and programming emphasizing the development of algorithms and their implementation in Java using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; assignment statements; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures for selection and iteration; functions; the use of classes and objects; simple data structures, such as arrays; graphical user interfaces and event-driven programming. Laboratory required.
Prerequisite(s): MTH 121 or higher or appropriate placement.
3.50 credit hours A second course in object-oriented programming, emphasizing design and implementation of efficient, well-constructed programs using Java. Topics include inheritance and polymorphism; stream and file I/O; exception handling; algorithms for searching and sorting; recursion; graphical user interfaces; and more advanced data structures, such as linked lists, stacks, queues and the Java collection classes. Extensive programming required. Laboratory required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 160 or one year of high school programming in Java; MTH 121 or higher or appropriate placement.
1.50 credit hours An introduction to Java for students with some programming experience in an object-oriented language, but with little or no knowledge of Java. Covers event-driven programming and graphical user interfaces.
Prerequisite(s): Transfer credit for (non-Java) Computer Science I.
1.50 credit hours Further study of Java for students who have limited knowledge of Java and are familiar with the concepts of searching and sorting, recursion and elementary data structures such as linked lists, stacks and queues. Covers graphical user interfaces, polymorphism, exception handling, streams and files.
Prerequisite(s): Transfer credit for (non-Java) Computer Science II.
3.00 credit hours Structures, techniques and algorithms for managing data. Topics include variations of linked lists; binary trees, B-trees and other types of search trees; advanced searching and sorting algorithms; graphs and graph algorithms; and analysis of algorithms. Programming required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161 and knowledge of C++ or Java; CSC 230 recommended.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: IMS 215) Topics include the use of PHP and Ruby for server-side generation of content. Also covers HTML/CSS and Javascript for client-side presentation, SQL databases for information management and retrieval, management of shopping carts and client sessions and security. Extensive programming required.
CSC 225 - Web and Animation Programming with Flash
1.50 credit hours Course covers program control of Flash animation to build content-rich interactive Web pages. Topics include client-side scripting, plug-ins, environment and session variables, components, animation control with ActionScript, audio and video, interaction with HTML elements, usability and interface design.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: MTH 230.) Fundamental topics in mathematics and computer science including formal logic, proof techniques, sets, relations and functions, combinatorics, graphs, Boolean algebra, logic circuits and finite state machines.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 160; MTH 121 or higher. Core: Mathematics.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: MTH 231.) A second course in discrete mathematics that introduces more advanced topics as well as covering some of the material introduced in CSC/MTH 230 in more depth. Topics include growth of functions and complexity of algorithms; number theory; recursive definitions and algorithms; proof techniques; program verification; discrete probability; finite state automata; and formal grammars and language recognizers. Hands-on labs allow students to apply one or more course topics to build practical working systems.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: BIO 242.) An introduction to the field of bioinformatics. Computational methods for study of biological sequence data in comparative biology and evolution. Analysis of genome content and organization. Techniques for searching sequence databases, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic methods and methods for pattern recognition and functional inference from sequence data. Database theory, information extraction, algorithm analysis and data mining are utilized.
3.00 credit hours Object-oriented design and implementation of large scale software using C++. Topics include inheritance, polymorphism, virtual functions, operater overloading and the STL. Extensive programming required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161 and knowledge of C++ or Java; CSC 210 recommended.
3.00 credit hours Design and analysis of algorithms. Classification of algorithms by time and space complexity. Algorithm design techniques such as divide and conquer, the greedy method and dynamic programming. NP-complete problems and approximation algorithms. Introduction to parallel algorithms. Programming may be required. Not available for credit to students who have previous credit for CSC 440.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 210; CSC 230; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours System and application programming on Windows and the .NET platform using C#. Topics include Windows Forms and the Windows Presentation Foundation, interprocess communication, .NET network programming, ADO.NET, and security. Not available for credit to students who have previous credit for CSC 255 or CSC 431.
3.00 credit hours (Same as CSC 510.) An introduction to creating applications that run on smart phones, tablets and other hand-held devices, using the Android platform. Topics include Android OS and device hardware; XML interfaces and themes; activities and fragments; services and multi-threading; the SQLite database, multimedia; and an introduction to iOS and Objective C.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as CSC 515.) Development of web applications using various client-side and server-side web technologies on the Java EE and .NET platforms. Topics include: HTTP protocols, the Model-View-Controller design pattern, Javascript, AJAX, Java Servlets, Java Server Pages, JSTL, ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET web forms, JDBC and ADO.NET for database access and web application security. Extensive programming required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 520.) An examination of approaches to computer system resource management. Topics include scheduling, memory management, file systems, I/O management, multiprocessing, security and protection. Programming may be required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161; CSC 220; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 525.) 2D and 3D graphical applications implemented in OpenGL. Includes graphics, display technologies and human factors. Extensive programming required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 306; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 527.) Fundamental concepts, library facilities, and programming techniques that provide the foundation for application, systems, network and Internet programming on Linux and Unix systems. Course topics include the operating system kernel, process management, I/O, pipes, signals, sockets and shell programming. The course does not cover system administration. Extensive programming in C and C++ required. Students may not receive credit for both CSC 427 and CSC 490/590 Special Topics: UNIX/Linux.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 535.) Design and development of Windows game software. Topics include computer graphics, networking, event-driven programming, the Windows API, XNA, modeling tools, graphics engines for games and an introduction to C#. Extensive programming in required. Repeats CSC 490/590 Special Topics: Game Software.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 425; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 536.) Fundamental principles in the design, implementation and evaluation of human-machine interfaces with emphasis on human computer interaction. Topics include user psychology, theories of human learning and perception, audio and visual physiology, graphical user interfaces, task analysis and usability heuristics.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 160; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 553.) Methods, techniques, and tools to model and analyze systems. Topics include problem definition, the project life cycle, data acquisition, data flow and entity-relationship modeling, use cases and the use of project management CASE tools. Major project required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161; Junior standing or instructor consent.
3.00 credit hours (Same as: CSC 560.) Data modeling, and database design and implementation, with emphasis on the relational model. Includes SQL, PHP, JDBC, integrity, security, recovery, and concurrency issues, and business applications of database systems. SQL, PHP and JDBC programming required.
Prerequisite(s): CSC 161; Junior standing or instructor consent.