Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2005-2006 
    
Undergraduate Record 2005-2006 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Computer Science


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Through the development of sophisticated computer systems, processors, and embedded applications, computer scientists have the opportunity to change society in ways unimagined several years ago. A major goal of the Department is the education and training of a diverse body of students who can lead the current information technology revolution. To this end, the computer science program orients students toward the pragmatic aspects of computer science. Good engineering is rooted in solid mathematics and science, and grounding in these fundamentals is essential. Provided in the context of the practice of computing, this early grounding forms the basis for an education that outstandingly prepares students for a computing career.

As a discipline, computer science has seen many dramatic changes in its brief history. Traditional programming instruction emphasizes writing short programs from scratch in a dead language. This emphasis contrasts with the skills needed by contemporary computing professionals. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Computer Science has designed, developed, and is currently disseminating a curriculum focused on the practice of computing, yet grounded in the mathematical and scientific fundamentals of computer science. The curriculum is structured around the introduction of modern software development techniques in the very beginning courses and is supported by a coordinated set of “closed laboratories.”

In order to provide an environment appropriate to our courses, the department has established several laboratories with more than 150 workstations. These machines have high-resolution graphics and are connected to large file handlers, as well as to the University network. The lab courses expose students to many commercial software tools and systems and are currently introducing modern software development techniques via object-oriented design and implementation in C++ and Java.

The Department of Computer Science co-offers, with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, a degree in Computer Engineering.

To major in computer science or computer engineering, a formal application must be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Computer Science. An application form and a description of acceptance policies can be found at www.cs.virginia.edu. Applications are normally considered at the end of the spring semester.

Program Objectives Graduates of the Computer Science program at the University of Virginia will have the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow them to make tangible contributions, meet new technical challenges, contribute effectively as team members, and be innovators in the design, analysis and application of computer systems.

Grading Policy Majors and minors are required to maintain a C average or better in their CS courses.

Transfer Students in the College of Arts and Sciences with an interest in obtaining a degree in computer science may transfer to the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Like other SEAS students, transfer students must formally apply to, and be approved by, the Department of Computer Science to take the Computer Science program of study. To minimize loss of credit upon transfer, College students must take a rigorous program in mathematics and the sciences. The School of Engineering and Applied Science expects a minimum of 63 credits in the first two years, instead of the 60-credit minimum that is customary in the College of Arts and Sciences. (The additional credits are often completed through summer courses.) Detailed information on curriculum requirements may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Minor


The 18-credit computer science minor consists of CS 101, 201, 202, and 216. In addition, two other computer science courses from a prescribed list must be taken. Complete details can be found at the computer science Web site, www.cs.virginia.edu.

Computer Science Curriculum (125.5 credits)


Second Semester Credits: 17


  • Science elective Credits: 3
    Chosen from: BIOL 201, 202; CHEM 152; ECE 200; MSE 209; and PHYS 252.
  • HSS elective Credits: 3
    Chosen from the approved list available in A122 Thornton Hall.

Third Semester Credits: 16


  • HSS elective Credits: 3
    Chosen from the approved list available in A122 Thornton Hall.

Fourth Semester Credits: 16


  • Technical elective Credits: 3
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • STS ___ STS 2xx/3xx elective Credits: 3

Fifth Semester Credits: 15


  • Technical elective Credits: 3
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • Unrestricted elective Credits: 3
    (see footnote 2 below)

Sixth Semester Credits: 16


  • Gen. Ed. elective Credits: 3
    Gen Ed electives include all those allowed for HSS electives and other non-technical courses that broaden one’s education. See list of approved courses at www.cs.virginia.edu.
  • HSS elective Crdits: 3
    Chosen from the approved list available in A122 Thornton Hall.

Seventh Semester Credits: 16.5


  • CS ___ CS elective Credits: 3
  • CS ___ CS elective Credits: 3
  • Gen. Ed. elective Credits: 3
    Gen Ed electives include all those allowed for HSS electives and other non-technical courses that broaden one’s education. See list of approved courses at www.cs.virginia.edu.

Eighth Semester Credits: 15


  • CS ___ CS elective Credits: 3
  • CS ___ CS elective Credits: 3
  • Technical elective Credits: 3
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • Gen. Ed. elective Credits: 3
    Gen Ed electives include all those allowed for HSS electives and other non-technical courses that broaden one’s education. See list of approved courses at www.cs.virginia.edu.

Footnotes


(1) Technical electives are courses whose major emphasis is mathematics, science, or engineering. One of the technical electives can be at the 2xx level. The other electives must be at level 3xxX or above.

(2) Unrestricted electives may be chosen from any graded course in the University except mathematics courses below MATH 131 and courses that substantially duplicate any others offered for the degree, including PHYS 201, 202; CS 110, 120; or any introductory programming course. Students in doubt as to what is acceptable to satisfy a degree requirement should get the approval of their advisor and the dean’s office, located in A122 Thornton Hall. APMA 109 counts as a three-credit unrestricted elective.

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