CIS 270: Information Technology and Operations
An in-depth, experiential course focusing on hardware and systems maintenance procedures. Topics include troubleshooting options, system configuration, system recovery, data and network maintenance, and general management capabilities to enable system operations.
Prerequisite: CIS 190. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 286: Advanced Object-Oriented Techniques
This course covers application of object-oriented programming to software development which include the general topics of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Topics also include GUI objects, event-driven programming, and exception handling.
Prerequisite: CIS 216. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 290: Introduction to Networks
The theory and techniques of data communications design and analysis will be studied. Topics include data communication concepts, terminology, and standards. Error correction and detection, LANs, ISO/OSI layers are also an integral part of this course.
Prerequisite: CIS 190. 3 credits
CIS 305: Essentials of UNIX Administration
Essentials of UNIX administration such as account management, file structure, security features are presented.
Prerequisites: CIS 214 and CIS 217. 1 credit, Fall
CIS 310: Software Design and Test
An advanced treatment of methods for producing a software design, and the testing of that design and ensuing code. Focus is on object-oriented analysis and design methods, black-box (functional) testing techniques. Includes treatment of the developing Unified Modeling Language (UML) techniques and its application to software development.
Prerequisite: CIS 216. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 315: Software Engineering
This course provides an overview of software requirements analysis, the software design process, verification and validation, software maintenance, and documentation. The major emphasis of the course is a project that provides experience in the design and development of a significant software project.
Prerequisite: CIS 310. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 317: Personal Software Process
The Personal Software Process (PSP) is a process-based method of software engineering used in the development of large-scale projects. Based on the software quality management techniques of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) framework. Defect management, design and code review design templates, and process analysis used. The student progresses through a sequence of software processes developing the awareness for repeatable, quality-based development.
Prerequisite: CIS 220. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 318: Software Architecture
This course focuses on the issues, techniques, strategies, representations and patterns used to implement a software component or a large-scale system. Specifically, it emphasizes the defining architectures that conform to functional requirements and that work within defined constraints including resource, performance, reliability, and security.
Prerequisites: CIS 310 and CIS 286. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 320: Analysis & Design of Algorithms
Focusing on the study of the design, analysis, and complexity of algorithms, fundamental techniques, searching, sorting and order statistics, and basic graph algorithms are reviewed. This course will introduce the ideas of time and space complexity. Emphasis will be on providing the student with a firm background to be used for further study of algorithms using more advanced techniques.
Prerequisites: CIS 220 and MATH 222. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 325: Formal Languages & Automata
This course presents the abstract models of computers (finite automata, pushdown automata, and Turing machines) and the language classes they recognize or generate (regular, contextfree, and recursively enumerable). Topics include Turing machines, recursive functions, Church's thesis, undecidability, and the halting problem. Applications of these models to compiler design, algorithms, and complexity theory will be also presented.
Prerequisites: CIS 220 and MATH 222. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 326: Formal Methods in Software Development
Focusing on the issues and techniques needed to apply formal specification methods to the development of software, the course uses mathematical and logical formalism to develop a precise statement of what software is to do.
Prerequisites: CIS 216 and MATH 223. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 330: Operating Systems
An introduction to the study of operating systems. Topics covered include: process manipulation and synchronization, processor management, storage management, security, I/O and file systems, and basic distributed system concepts.
Prerequisites: CIS 220 and CIS 175. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 335: Systems Analysis and Design
An introduction to the role and responsibilities of a systems analyst. Students examine systems by analysis, modeling, and design at the enterprise, process, logical, data, and technology levels. Optionally included topics are feasibility analysis, technology evaluation, project management, object-oriented analysis.
Prerequisites: CIS 216, and CIS 195 or CIS 310. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 337: IS Architecture and Deployment
A project and team-based course emphasizing the practical issues in the design and implementation of information systems. The rational integration of technology options across an enterprise given organizational needs and constraints is emphasized.
Prerequisites: CIS 216, and CIS 195 or CIS 310. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 340: Multi-Tiered Systems
A project and team-based course emphasizing the practical issues in implementing distributed and multi-tiered systems at the organizational, function, and user support levels. Emphasis is placed on understanding the file, network, and data interactions of multi-tiered systems and on managing the systems with respect to reliability, security, and cost.
Prerequisites: CIS 240 or CIS 255, and CIS 335 or CIS 310. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 350: Requirements and Project Management
This course is concerned with the management of software requirements and projects, particularly teams and stakeholders. The course includes coverage of requirements elicitation, analysis, documentation, and negotiation. It also includes the roles and methods of effective technical project management. Typical coverage includes the cost of quality, and its implications for requirements and project management.
Prerequisites: MATH 312 or BCOR 221. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 355: Visual Database Programming
This course is concerned with the development of database systems and their application in multi-tiered systems. The student will develop desktop and web-based database applications. Typical coverage includes event-driven programming.
Prerequisites: CIS 216 and 255. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 360: Comparative Languages
An introduction to modern computing concepts and computational models as embodied in a number of different classes of languages. The course includes an introduction to (1) function based languages such as ML. LISP, Scheme; (2) Logic-based languages such as Prolog, Parlog, Strand, OPS; and (3) object-oriented languages such as Java, Smalltalk, Eiffel.
Prerequisite: CIS 216. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 370: Compilers and Language Design
Introduction to the basic concepts of compiler design and implementation including: lexical, syntactic, semantic analysis, and target code generation. Topics are presented from an implementation point of view.
Prerequisites: CIS 216 and CIS 217. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 375: Server Management
A lab oriented class designed to provide students with the information necessary to administer the Windows 2003 server family. Topics covered in this class will include installation and setup of a domain, along with DHCP, DNS, WINS and other server related services with replication. Remote administration will also be covered in great detail.
Prerequisites: CIS 217 and CIS 385/386. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 381: Directed Research
Directed research and development in software and its applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 1 credit
CIS 382: Directed Research
Directed research and development in software and its applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 2 credits
CIS 383: Directed Research
Directed research and development in software and its applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 3 credits
CIS 385: Network Design & Management
An advanced network design course covering contemporary network computing, including data, voice, multimedia, WAN and intranets. Detailed discussions along with hands-on laboratory experience with various hardware and software components that make up these networks. Network analysis to monitor traffic flow and to optimize overall network design is included.
Prerequisite: CIS 290 or permission of instructor. 2 credits, Fall
CIS 386: Network Design & Management Lab
Interactive laboratory to be taken concurrently with CIS 385.
Corequisite: CIS 385. 1 credit, Fall
CIS 387: System and Network Security
This course reviews standard computer security for desktop and server-based systems. It includes coverage of network security issues and techniques. Ethical hacking and defenses against unethical hacking and other computer and network intrusions are discussed. Prerequisite: CIS 290 and written permission of the instructor. Due to the nature of the material presented, this course normally requires a criminal background check of all participants. Students who fail the background check will not be allowed to take the course. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 390: Distributed Programming
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and tools used developing programs that rely on inter-process communication. Topics include TCP/IP, client-server paradigm, daemon programs, client socket calls, server socket calls, concurrent vs. iterative servers, connectionless and connection-oriented server paradigms, advanced topics.
Prerequisites: CIS 216 and CIS 330. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 391-396: Special Topics in Computer and Information Science
Special courses developed from student interest in all areas of computer and information science. A brief description of current content to be announced and may be included in the schedule of classes. The course number may be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Chairperson of the department. 3 credits
CIS 400: Internship
In conjunction with a local industry or business, the student participates in practical training related to his/her major. Academic requirements specified by the department. 3 credits
CIS 402: CIS Professional Seminar
This course focuses on current issues facing engineering and software professionals. Included with the focus, is an introduction to technical speaking as well as a review of trends in the software, computing and other engineering fields, job prospects, political issues, team and workplace behavior.
Prerequisite: Junior Status in a CIS or Engineering program. 1 credit, Spring
CIS 415: Software Testing and Quality Assurance
This course is concerned with understanding the role of quality assurance in the software development cycle, and applying these techniques to software products. Course topics include test design methods, test planning, automated test support, quality measurement and quality tracking techniques.
Prerequisite: CIS 315. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 438: Human Interface Design & Maintenance
This course deals with human-computer interaction and covers a wide range of topics, including software tools, usability issues, direct manipulation, command and natural languages, and multiple-window strategies. The course includes identifying and assessing the issues surrounding the maintenance of code, particularly in the context of HCI. Special emphasis is also given to design and maintenance issues for web-enabled systems.
Prerequisites: CIS 355 and CIS 286. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 445: Advanced Multi-Media
This course covers advanced multimedia concepts. The student will study the advanced elements of multimedia, such as graphics, animation, video and sound; as well as the tools used to create multimedia applications. In addition, this course will cover the design principles and management skills needed to develop dynamic, interactive multimedia products.
Prerequisites: CIS 245, CIS 246 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits, Spring
CIS 457: Senior Design I
The first in a two-semester capstone design sequence. Students review systems design techniques; form teams, and begin the development of an end product. Emphasis is on working effectively in teams. Course topics include systems analysis, language and presentation skills, team building, project management, ethical issues in the digital world.
Prerequisites: Senior status in a CIS Program, CIS 310 or CIS 335, and LTHE 227 or LPHI 237. 3 credits, Fall
CIS 458: Senior Design II Lab
The completion of the capstone design sequence. Students develop and deliver a completed end product. Emphasis is on working effectively in cross-disciplinary teams. Course topics include organizational behavior, quality assurance, documentation, design process and process metrics, risk management, written and oral presentation skills, ethical issues in the digital world.
Prerequisites: CIS 457, and LTHE 227 or LPHI 237. 3 credits, Spring
SEECS (101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402): Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
The series of seminars for SEECS students is built around a curriculum that addresses both the professional and personal growth of the scholars. Each semester of the seminar includes a design component, a professional development component and a personal development component. Considerable interaction among SEECS students and the faculty members fosters a sense of professional community among the students. Developmental workshops are offered to build academic, career, and social skills. Organizational and leadership skills are developed through team activities, colloquium speakers, and field trips. The course features a project where SEECS students from different academic levels and majors work together along with a community non-profit organization to identify, design, and implement a solution to a technological problem to aid the organization.
SEECS 101: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
In the first semester the SEECS seminar focuses on preparation for lifelong learning experiences.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Freshman standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Fall
SEECS 102: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
In the second semester the SEECS seminar focuses continues to focus on preparation for lifelong learning experiences.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Freshman standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Spring
SEECS 201: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
This semester the SEECS seminar focuses on the exploration of the roles of STEM professionals, specifically engineers and computer scientists, in society.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Sophomore standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Fall
SEECS 202: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
This semester the SEECS seminar continues to focus on the exploration of the roles of STEM professionals, specifically engineers and computer scientists, in society.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Sophomore standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Spring
SEECS 301: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
This semester the SEECS seminar focuses on the interaction with professionals and society, and preparation for professional practice or advanced education.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Junior standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Fall
SEECS 302: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
This semester the SEECS seminar continues to focus on the interaction with professionals and society, and preparation for professional practice or advanced education.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Junior standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Spring
SEECS 401: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
In the first semester the SEECS seminar focuses on preparation for potential educational and career paths taken after graduation from Gannon University and on personal growth.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Senior standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Fall
SEECS 402: Professional and Personal Enrichment Seminar
See Course description above
In this semester the SEECS seminar continues to focus on preparation for potential educational and career paths taken after graduation from Gannon University, and on personal growth.
Prerequisites: SEECS recipient with Senior standing at Gannon University. 0 credit, Spring
COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS)
The Computer Science Program is designed to develop the analytical ability and expertise in computer usage, both in software creation and usage, which are necessary in the fields of science, technology, and industry. In addition to the computer courses, the program provides a concentration of mathematics and physics courses which are necessary for the development of scientific applications. The curriculum is oriented towards preparing students for graduate studies or for career opportunities in software development where mathematical and technical skills are necessary to analyze and solve problems.
Aims and Objectives:
The CS program prepares its graduates to achieve significant career and professional accomplishments in four ways: as employable and accountable professionals, competent problem solvers, and selfless contributors.
As employable professionals, our CS graduates are well prepared for employment or graduate work in their field, and to continue working in the chosen or related fields. As accountable professionals, our program graduates are accountable for their professional roles, and as such, pursue their profession in an ethical manner. This includes the responsibility for, or leadership in research/development projects or teams, aspects of major system components, or business development work. As competent problem solvers, our graduates apply current computing technology knowledge, skills, techniques and methods to develop effective solutions for problems, improve product, process and/or organizational elements, or to innovate. As selfless contributors, our graduates voluntarily give their time, talent, and/or money to their community, profession, church and/or society.
Opportunities:
The field of computer science is one of the fastest-growing employment markets in today's society. Consequently, employment and research opportunities continue to be available to program participants before graduation. Applications of the training provided in the program include a wide range of specialization, including research, statistics, and scientific applications on both workstation and microprocessor computer systems.
Program Outcomes:
Nationally accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc. 111 Market Pl., Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202. See http://abet.org. Gannon's Computer Science program has enjoyed a long history of successful students who have learned to design and build software and apply computer science methods in both development and research domains.
Gannon's Computer Science program has a strong focus on problem-solving that begins with the very first course in computing (CIS 190 Principles of Computing) and is carried through into the senior design sequence (CIS 457/8 Senior Design). Throughout the learning process, students learn how to effectively define and represent both problems and the solutions needed to solve those problems. Throughout the course of study, students learn, and practice making ethical decisions.
All students will learn how to utilize information and computer technology, while developing and maintaining a comprehension of the changing technology used in computer-based systems. Through this learning process, we expect students to own a desire for continuous improvement and demonstrate effective verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
Specifically, Computer Science students completing our program learn to:
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Design and build software
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Design and analyze algorithms for correctness and complexity
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Apply discrete mathematics and abstract structures to solve computational problems
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Understand the interface between computer architecture and software applications
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Apply quantitative measures to the evaluation of computational nodes (units)
Integration:
One of the hallmarks of Gannon's CS degree is its integration with traditional Liberal-Arts education. Gannon CS majors not only learn computing well, but also learn how to synthesize, think critically and communicate well. In our program, bridging traditional courses like writing, philosophy, theology and ethics begins in the CIS 103 CIS Freshman Seminar, and continues throughout the program, culminating in the CIS457-8 Senior Design sequence.
All CIS course descriptions are provided in section Computer and Information Science
CIS Core Courses
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CIS 103 |
First-Year Seminar |
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CIS 173 |
PC Database |
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CIS 190 |
Principles of Computing |
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CIS 214/5 |
Introduction to Programming and Lab |
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CIS 216 |
Problem Solving with OOP |
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CIS 217 |
Using UNIX |
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CIS 255 |
Database Management Systems |
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CIS 290 |
Introduction to Networks |
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CIS 355 |
Visual Database Programming |
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CIS 402 |
CIS Professional Seminar |
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CIS 457 |
Senior Design I |
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CIS 458 |
Senior Design II Lab |
