COMPUTER SCIENCE
Program Description
Computer science is the study of the computing process and the fundamental algorithms, structures and languages that underlie that process. There is an increasing need for experimental work, and the application of computing science to other fields is unlimited. It is this blend of theory and practice that makes computer science so exciting.
Programming is an indispensable tool in engineering, technology and many other scientific and technical fields. However, programming is a means to explore the processes of reasoning that is found between and among several different programming languages. Computer science also concentrates on areas such as artificial intelligence, graphics, distributed systems, robotics, machine vision, numerical analysis and applications of computing in other fields.
The Computer Science degree program at Erie Community College is a Liberal Arts program which provides the coursework necessary for the first two years of a four-year degree in Computer Science. The primary goal of the computer science curriculum is to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions as third-year students in a computer science program.
Computer science courses require a firm understanding of critical issues and concepts of computer science: problem analysis, data abstraction, algorithm development, program implementation, testing and validation, computer organization and basic system control. Other courses in the curriculum focus on skills needed for essential activities such as communicating, designing logical programs, working as a member of a project team and understanding potential areas of application. All computer science courses have both lecture and lab components. In computer labs, students analyze problems and then proceed to design, write and debug computer programs. The computer languages and methodology taught are those currently employed by practicing professionals. Studying computer science demands a substantial time commitment; therefore, students should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time in the lab.
Admission Requirements
The Computer Science curriculum requires a strong math background. Three years of high school math (to include intermediate algebra and trigonometry) and one year of science are required for admission. A fourth year of math and a year of physics are strongly recommended. Students should be proficient in English language usage.
Degree: Associate in Science
Hegis: 5101
Curriculum Code: 0532
Total Degree Credits: 60.0
Campus Location: North
Liberal Arts Division