The Department of Computer Science
at St. Bonaventure University

Departmental Goals & Objectives

Our cirriculum revolves around three goals that we consider critical to the field of computer science.
By setting these goals and objectives, our graduates will be well rounded and prepared for their future careers.

Goal One: Discipline Specific Learning

Students will be able to understand and apply the theoretical tools of computer science to standard problems from the field.


Objectives:

  1. Students will learn core concepts of the discipline as determined by a nationally recognized professional computer science education organization.
  2. Students will understand and analyze algorithms written in pseudo-code.
  3. Students will apply the techniques of asymptotic analysis to blocks of pseudo-code and to program fragments.
  4. Students will describe the design principles used in the construction of particular software systems.
  5. Students will identify the various components of a computer-based system and explain how they integrate to form a coherent solution.
    Students will document the components in a style commonly used by software professionals.
  6. Students will develop software solutions in at least three different application areas, such as database systems, user interfaces, graphics,
    computer networks, operating systems, robotics, etc.

Goal Two: Reasoning and Inquiry Skills

Students will be able to read, write, and analyze program fragments and complete programs.


Objectives:

  1. Students will write complete programs to solve small problems typical of the field.
  2. Students will enhance existing (larger) programs to add capabilities and/or improve the quality of code.
  3. Students will design test suites for and run debugging sessions on programs they have written as well as on programs written by others.
  4. Students will complete at least one project using a significant technology in the discipline without direct instruction.

Goal Three: Communication Skills

Students will be able gather requirements for a system from third parties, choose a paradigm in which to design the solution, and communicate
the parameters of that solution to both professionals in the field and the originating parties.


Objectives:

  1. Students will develop solutions in response to requirements from persons outside of the department.
  2. Students will simulate the process of software design as it would be carried out within a professional company.
  3. Students will read and criticize reports describing solutions implemented by extramural parties.
  4. Students will be given the opportunity to present results of their work in oral and written forms; this will include
    the presentation of posters and/or papers intramurally and extramurally.