Computer Science Major

Overview

The HMC Computer Science Major is designed to provide students with both breadth and depth in computer science, combining aspects of experimentation, theory, and design. The major prepares students well for both careers in industry and graduate studies.

All HMC students take an introductory course as part of the HMC common core. This course is typically is typically CS 5 or CS 42.

The CS major comprises five major components (beyond the HMC common core): four foundation courses, four "kernel" courses, three electives, clinic, and colloquium. Each of these five components is described in detail below.

While every foundation and kernel course is typically offered every semester, most electives courses are offered on a once-per-year or once-each-two-year rotation. This permits the department to offer a wide variety of electives but also requires that students plan their electives well in advance. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their adviser about electives when they declare their major. The course descriptions indicate approximately how often each course is offered; previous years' class schedules may also be of help. Lastly, for a quick overview of course dependencies, consult the course precedence diagram.

Computer Science Major Components

CS Foundation Requirement

CS 60 (or CS 42). Principles of Computer Science
Math 55. Discrete Mathematics
CS 70. Data Structures and Program Development
CS 81. Computability and Logic

CS Kernel Requirement

CS 105. Computer Systems
CS 121. Software Development
CS 131. Programming Languages
CS 140. Algorithms

Most of the above courses include an essential laboratory component, in the form of computer-based development exercises and projects.

CS Elective Requirement

Students are required to complete nine units of electives. The following is a list of possible computer science elective courses.

CS 124. User Interface Design
CS 125. Computer Networks
CS 132. Compiler Design
CS 133. Databases
CS 134. Operating Systems
CS 135. File Systems
CS 136. Advanced Computer Architecture
CS 141. Advanced Topics in Algorithms
CS 142. Complexity Theory
CS 144. Scientific Computing
CS 147. Computer Systems Performance Analysis
CS 151. Artificial Intelligence
CS 152. Neural Networks
CS 153. Computer Vision
CS 154. Robotics
CS 155. Computer Graphics
CS 156. Parallel and Real-Time Computing
CS 157. Computer Animation
CS 181. Computer Science Seminar
CS 189. Programming Practicum (One unit per semester)

Students may substitute electives in one or more CS-related areas, such as in Engineering or Mathematics, with the consent of their faculty advisor. CS 186 (Computer Science Research II) can be counted as an elective for the major and requires CS 185 (Computer Science Research I) as a prerequisite. Other research or project courses cannot normally be counted as electives for the major.

CS Clinic Requirement

Each CS student is required to enroll in the CS Clinic (CS 183 and 184) for one full academic year (two semesters in the same academic year).

CS Colloquium Requirement

Finally, the CS Colloquium (CS 195) is required for both semesters of both the junior and senior year.

Comments

The CS Major requires 14 courses, not including colloquium. Colloquium is not required for study abroad students during their time away from the HMC campus.

HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE

Computer Science