2005-2006 University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar

XII. Course Descriptions

Computing and Information Science

Department of Computing and Information Science.

Note: Credit may be obtained for 1 of CIS*1000 or CIS*1200. Students with credit for COST*2020 may not register in CIS*1000 or CIS*1200 Students who major or minor in Computing and Information Science may not receive credit for the following courses unless taken to satisfy the requirements of another program: COST*2020, MATH*1050.

CIS*1000 Introduction to Computer Applications S,F,W (3-2) [0.50]
A survey of computer systems and software. An introduction to computer programming and data organization. An emphasis on using application packages for personal and business use. The social impact of computing. Not recommended for students with previous computer science background. Cannot be taken for credit by students taking a major or minor in Computing and Information Science.
Restriction(s): CIS*1200, COST*2020, Not available to students registered in B.A.Sc. Program (Applied Human Nutrition major)
CIS*1200 Introduction to Computing F,W (3-2) [0.50]
An introduction to computer hardware and software, data organization, problem-solving and programming. Exposure to application packages for personal and business use. For students who wish a balance between programming and the use of software packages. Cannot be taken for credit by students taking a major or minor in Computing and Information Science.
Restriction(s): COST*2020, CIS*1000
CIS*1500 Introduction to Programming F,W (3-2) [0.50]
Introductory problem-solving, programming and data organization techniques required for applications using a general purpose programming language. Topics include control structures, data representation and manipulation, program logic, development and testing. For students who require a good understanding of programming or are planning on taking additional specialist Computing and Information Science courses. This is the entry point to all CIS programs. (Also offered in Distance Education format.)
Restriction(s): CIS*1650
CIS*1900 Discrete Structures in Computer Science W (3-2) [0.50]
Provides a foundation in finite mathematics which is required for further computer science courses. Abstract representation of structures and algorithms. Topics include graph theory, logic, and set theory. (Also offered in Distance Education format.)
Restriction(s): CIS*1910, CIS*2910
CIS*1910 Discrete Structures in Computing I W (3-2) [0.50]
An introduction to discrete structures and formal methodologies used in computer science, including Boolean, prepositional and predicate logic, finite set theory, functions, relations, and proof techniques.
Restriction(s): CIS*1900
CIS*2030 Structure and Application of Microcomputers F,W (3-3) [0.50]
Components of a computer system, including memories, CPU, buses, and input/output subsystems and interface hardware. Instruction sets, addressing modes, assembly/machine language programming. Development of algorithms for data acquisition, display, and process control. (Will be moved to S, F in Fall 2005)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*1900 or CIS*1910), (CIS*2500 or CIS*2650)
CIS*2100 Scientific Computing and Applications Development S,F (3-2) [0.50]
This course is intended to introduce the student to techniques in modern applications development using current technologies and practices. The emphasis of the first part of the course ranges from building and maintaining WEB sites to search engines and multimedia presentations. The second part of the course is concerned with building and maintaining simple databases as needed for the management of scientific data. This is done in conjunction with packages for mathematical and statistical analysis, and presentation techniques. Cannot be taken for credit by students taking a major or minor in Computing and Information Science.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of CIS*1000, CIS*1200, CIS*1500
CIS*2430 Object Oriented Programming S,F (3-2) [0.50]
Introduces the Object Oriented (OO) approach to programming and algorithm design. Topics will include the creation and use of objects from class libraries, user defined objects, inheritance, modularity, generic code, components, collections and containers, and an introduction to OO design methodologies. (First offering Summer 2005)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2500
CIS*2460 Modelling of Computer Systems F (3-2) [0.50]
Discrete simulation based on event queues. Random number generation. How to generate input data, measure and evaluate results using standard statistical tests. Model calibration and validation. Algebraic, probabilistic and simple queuing models of software and hardware operation. (First offering Fall 2006).
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2500, CIS*2910, (STAT*2040 or STAT*2100)
CIS*2500 Intermediate Programming W (3-2) [0.50]
How to interpret a program specification and implement it as reliable code. Experience with pointers, complex data types, and important algorithms. Intermediate tools and techniques in problem-solving, programming and program testing.
Prerequisite(s): CIS*1500
Equate(s): CIS*2650
CIS*2520 Data Structures S,F (3-2) [0.50]
Basic data structures: stacks, queues, lists, trees, hashing, search trees, and graphs. Their representation, uses, and algorithms for their traversal and manipulation. The emphasis is on using these structures in implementations and assessing the relative effectiveness of alternative implementations. (First offering Summer 2005)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*1910 or CIS*1900), CIS*2500
Co-requisite(s): CIS*2910
Equate(s): CIS*2420
CIS*2750 Software Systems Development and Integration W (3-2) [0.75]
Techniques and tools used in the development of large software systems. Methods for organizing and constructing modular systems, manipulating files, an introduction to interface design, and use of databases. Software tools for managing projects, database connectivity, configuration management, and system application programmer interfaces. (First offering Winter 2006)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2430, CIS*2520
Restriction(s): CIS*2450
CIS*2910 Discrete Structures in Computing II S,F (3-2) [0.50]
Introduces graph theory, combinatorics and other discrete structures used in computer science, including graph representations, traversal and simple graph algorithms, trees, counting strategies, summations, and an introduction to finite probability, recursion, and finite state machine models. (First offering Summer 2005.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*1500, CIS*1910
Restriction(s): CIS*1900
CIS*3110 Operating Systems W (3-1) [0.50]
Operating Systems in theory and practice. Components in a system: scheduling and resource allocation; process management, multi-programming, multi-tasking; I/O control and file systems; mechanisms for client-server computing. Examples from contemporary operating systems.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2500 or CIS*2650). Recommended (CIS*2030 or ENGG*2410).
CIS*3120 Digital Systems S,W (3-2) [0.50]
Boolean algebra, minimization of Boolean expressions. Design of combinational and sequential logic circuits. Memory design. Control, ALU, bus design. Microprogramming and CPU design.
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2030
CIS*3210 Computer Networks F (3-1) [0.50]
This course covers the high-level (protocol) oriented aspects of computer networks, specifically: application, session, transport and network layers. It includes the internet, socket-level programming, multimedia and quality of service issues. The hardware aspects (switches, LANs, modems, transmission paths) are covered at only a functional level.
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110
Restriction(s): CIS*4200
CIS*3460 System Simulation F (3-2) [0.50]
Simulation model classification. Continuous and discrete languages. Process and transaction oriented systems. GPSS: entities, processing logic, chains, queue disciplines. Random number generators. Design and optimization of simulation applications and validation techniques.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2420 or CIS*2520), CIS*3110, STAT*2040
CIS*3490 The Analysis and Design of Computer Algorithms S,W (3-2) [0.50]
The design and analysis of efficient computer algorithms: standard methodologies, asymptotic behaviour, optimality, lower bounds, implementation considerations, graph algorithms, matrix computations (e.g. Strassen's method), NP-completeness.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*1900 or CIS*2910), (CIS*2420 or CIS*2520)
CIS*3530 Data Base Systems and Concepts F (3-1) [0.50]
Review of data organization and data management principles with the perspective of analyzing applications suitable for implementation using a DBMS. Analysis of several data base models, query specification methods, and query processing techniques. Overview of several related issues including concurrency control, security, integrity and recovery. Students are expected to demonstrate concepts through project assignments.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2420 or CIS*2520), (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750)
CIS*3620 Programming Language Foundations F (3-1) [0.50]
This course explores finite automata, formal languages, parsing, sequential machines and models of computation, including an introduction to Turing machines and the hierarchy of machines/languages. (First offering Fall 2006)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750), CIS*3490
Restriction(s): CIS*4600
CIS*3650 Compilers F (3-1) [0.50]
Detailed study of the compilation process. Design and implementation of a compiler considering techniques for parsing building and manipulating intermediate representations of a program and code generation. Interpreters. (Last offering Fall 2005.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2030 or IPS*2010 ), CIS*3110
CIS*3700 Introduction to Intelligent Systems W (3-1) [0.50]
This course covers the core topics of Artificial Intelligence, namely: agents and environment, search, knowledge representation, reasoning, and learning. The last 3 topics are covered using logic as the common formalism for coherence The course introduces a broad range of basic concepts, terminology, and applications, in addition to providing some specific, widely applicable methodologies. (First offering Winter 2006)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750), STAT*2040
Restriction(s): CIS*4750, CIS*4760
CIS*3750 System Analysis and Design in Applications F (3-2) [0.75]
An introduction to the issues and techniques encountered in the design and construction of software systems. The theory and models of software evolution. Topics include requirements and specifications, prototyping, design principles, object-oriented analysis and design, standards, integration, risk analysis, testing and debugging. (First offering Fall 2006)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2750
Restriction(s): CIS*3430
CIS*3760 Software Engineering S,W (3-2) [0.75]
Examination of the software engineering process and the production of reliable systems. Techniques for the design and development of complex software. Topics include object-oriented analysis, design and modeling, software architectures, software reviews, software quality, software engineering, ethics, maintenance and formal specifications. (First offering Winter 2007)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3530, CIS*3750 (CIS*3110 recommended )
Restriction(s): CIS*3200
CIS*4000 Applications of Computing Seminar F,W (0-6) [0.50]
This capstone course of the B.Comp. program provides students an opportunity to combine their area of application with their studies in computing via a course project and seminar series. Application areas discussed in any particular semester will depend on areas of application selected by students. Students are required to present their work in a seminar and also to participate in the critical analysis and review of the work of other students taking this course.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in semester 7 or higher of the B.Comp. Program and completion of a minimum of 2.50 credits in an Area of Application.
CIS*4050 Advanced Computer Architectures F (3-1) [0.50]
Central processor architectures, control and microprogramming, memory systems, special architectures, underlying support for special architectures, architectures suitable for very large scale integration. Offered in even-numbered years and may be offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): CIS*2030, CIS*3110, CIS*3120
CIS*4210 Telecommunications W (3-1) [0.50]
This course covers the low-level and the hardware-oriented aspects of computer communications, specifically the physical, link, and network layers. It includes basic telecommunication technology, local area networks, low level protocols, switching technologies, wireless and mobile networking, data and stream compression, and error coding. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3210
Restriction(s): CIS*4200
CIS*4300 Human Computer Interaction F (2-2) [0.50]
Methods for user interface software design, including interface representations and testing. Evaluation and design of sample application systems. Impacts of computer-based information systems on individuals and organizations. Implementation and testing tools. Planning of learning stages and design of assistance subsystems. (Offered in odd-numbered years and may be offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110, (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750)
CIS*4400 Distributed Information Systems F (3-2) [0.50]
This course addresses the basic concepts and methodologies used to build distributed systems applications. The course deals with building information infrastructures involving a base network layer, middleware and application layer. The emphasis is on the enabling methodologies for building complex distributed information systems.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*3210 or CIS*4200), (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750), CIS*3530
CIS*4410 Trends in Distributed Systems W (3-1) [0.50]
A course that examines the technical issues surrounding modern and future distributed commercial enterprises. Special attention is given to new communication modes, high volume, data-intensive systems, distributed transactions and security mechanisms.
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*3210 or CIS*4200), (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750), CIS*3530
CIS*4430 Information Organization and Retrieval W (3-1) [0.50]
Advanced techniques for information management. Analysis of advanced indexing structures. Information retrieval, feedback strategies, text searchings, automatic indexing. Database query optimization and system support. Web based retrieval. (Offered in even-numbered years and may be offered in odd-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110, CIS*3530, (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750)
CIS*4450 Special Topics in Information Science U (3-1) [0.50]
A variety of advanced topics mainly from areas within general information processing. Subject areas discussed in any particular semester will depend on the interests of the students and the instructor. Students should check with the Department of Computing and Information Science to determine what topic will be offered during specific semesters and which prerequisites, if any, are appropriate.
Restriction(s): Instructors consent required.
CIS*4500 Special Topics in Computing Science U (3-1) [0.50]
A variety of advanced topics within Computing Science. Subject areas discussed in any particular semester will depend upon the interests of both the students and the instructor. Students should check with the Department of Computing and Information Science to determine what topic will be offered during specific semesters and which prerequisites, if any, are appropriate.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
CIS*4600 Elements of Theory of Computation F (3-0) [0.50]
An introduction to finite automata, formal languages and sequential machines. Models of computation, including Turing machines and the hierarchy of machines/languages. Decidability and computability. (Last offering Fall 2005.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750), CIS*3110, CIS*3490,
CIS*4620 Computability and Complexity W (3-1) [0.50]
This course explores the theory of computation: Turing machines and variants, computability, NP and NP-completeness, complexity classes, reductions, undecidability and intractability. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) (First offering Winter 2007.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3620
Restriction(s): CIS*4600
CIS*4650 Compilers W (3-1) [0.50]
This course is a detailed study of the compilation process. Topics include interpreters, overall design implementation of a compiler, techniques for parsing, building and manipulating intermediate representations of a program, implementation of important features, code generation and optimization. (First offering Winter 2007.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2030 or IPS*2010), CIS*3110, CIS*3620
Restriction(s): CIS*3650
CIS*4720 Image Processing and Vision W (3-1) [0.50]
This course is an introduction to the process of image processing. Emphasis is placed on topics such as image enhancement, segmentation morphological analysis, texture analysis, visualization and image transformations. Applications of image processing in medicine, forensics, food and security are surveyed. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) (First offering Winter 2007.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750), CIS*3110, STAT*2040 (CIS*3700 recommended)
Restriction(s): CIS*4760
CIS*4730 Pattern Recognition W (3-1) [0.50]
This course introduces fundamental concepts, theories and algorithms for pattern recognition, which are used in areas including computer vision, signal processing, speech recognition and linguistics. Major themes include statistical pattern classification, supervised and unsupervised learning, feature selection and extraction, clustering, image classification, and syntactical pattern recognition. (Offered in even-numbered years.) (First offering Winter 2008)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750), CIS*3110, STAT*2040 (CIS*3700 recommended)
Restriction(s): CIS*4760
CIS*4750 Artificial Intelligence F (3-1) [0.50]
Examination of techniques used in the field of artificial intelligence including: heuristic search, A* algorithms, game searches, logic based knowledge representation. Other topics may include frames, scripts, semantic nets, models of uncertain reasoning, expert systems and natural language understanding. These ideas will be explored through the development of a substantial project. (Last offering Fall 2005.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110, (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750)
CIS*4760 Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition W (3-0) [0.50]
Image enhancement, image smoothing, thresholding, segmentation, region growing, decision-theoretical methods, information theory, neural networks, syntactic/structural methods, applications. Computer graphic experience desirable. Offered in odd-numbered years and may be offered in even-numbered years. (Last offering Winter 2006.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*2450 or CIS*2750), CIS*3110, STAT*2040
CIS*4770 Topics in Artificial Intelligence F (3-1) [0.50]
This course explores selected topics in Artificial Intelligence at an intermediate level. Topics will be chosen to acquaint students with important aspects of Artificial Intelligence having the greatest current interest. (Offered in even-numbered years.) (First offering Fall 2006.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3700
Restriction(s): CIS*4750
CIS*4780 Computational Intelligence F (3-1) [0.50]
This course introduces concepts of soft computing: modelling uncertainty, granular computing, neurocomputing, evolutionary computing, probabilistic computing and soft computing for software engineering. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) (First offering Fall 2007.)
Prerequisite(s): (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750), CIS*3490, STAT*2040 (CIS*3700 recommended)
Restriction(s): CIS*4750
CIS*4800 Computer Graphics W (3-1) [0.50]
Introduction to computer graphics. Topics include graphics programming concepts, geometrical transformations, viewing 3-D projections, raster graphics, sculptured surfaces, visible surface determination, image processing and other special topics. Practical issues will be covered by assignment using currently available graphics equipment. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110, (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750)
CIS*4820 Game Programming W (3-1) [0.50]
This course will focus on the components found in modern 3-D game engines. It will emphasize the algorithms and data structures required to create real-time computer graphics, sound and network communications. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) (First offering Winter 2007.)
Prerequisite(s): CIS*3110, (CIS*3430 or CIS*3750)
CIS*4900 Computer Science Project S,F,W (0-6) [0.50]
Planning, developing and writing a research proposal under individual faculty supervision. The course, in continuation with CIS*4910 provides senior undergraduates an opportunity to pursue an independent course of study. The topic selected will be determined by agreement between the student and the faculty member with expertise in the area.
Prerequisite(s): 2 CIS courses at the 4000 level
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
CIS*4910 Computer Science Thesis S,F,W (0-6) [0.50]
This course is a continuation of CIS*4900. The student will conduct and write an undergraduate thesis under the individual supervision of a faculty member. In addition the student is required to present his/her work in a seminar and also participate in the critical analysis and review of the work of other students taking this course.
Prerequisite(s): CIS*4900
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.