Course Descriptions
Computer Science and Digital Arts Courses
Department Code: CPTR
CPTR110 Introduction to Computer Science with Python
Assumes basic high school mathematics and no prior programming experience. Course introduces data representation, operating systems, and programming using Python. Topics include problem-solving, flowchart design, algorithm writing, data types, decision making statements for non-sequential programming, loops for repetitive work, functions, arrays, vectors, strings, and GUIs(graphical user interfaces). Lab section would help students design flowcharts and write simple programs. Lecture and Laboratory. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR112 Programming 1
Introduces students to the use of computers as a problem-solving tool. Programming techniques and methodologies are covered. This includes the design, coding, and execution of structured and object-oriented programming. Programming will be taught in a modern programming language. The topics covered: data structures, algorithms, procedural abstraction, functions, I/O streams, objects and classes. Lecture and laboratory Prerequisite: CPTR110 or MATH 110 or higher level math course. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR212 Object Oriented Programming
Covers modern way of scalable software development using Object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm. Topics covered include classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and data abstraction. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: CPTR 110 and 112. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR213 Modern Programming Principles for Data Science
An introduction to modern programming concepts with a focus on object-oriented principles applied to data science. Topics include the fundamentals of classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, as well as design patterns and best practices for writing scalable and maintainable code. Emphasis is placed on applying programming principles to real-world data science workflows, including data preprocessing, feature engineering, and creating modular frameworks for data analysis and visualization. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR220 Digital Sound
This course will explore the use of computer software to create digital music and sound effects. Software such as Cakewalk Project 5 will enable students to create and use audio synthesizing workstations. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR223 Introduction to Data Science
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles, methods, and practices of data science. Students learn how to think with data: formulating questions, acquiring and cleaning data, exploring and visualizing patterns, making inferences and predictions, and communicating results. Emphasis is hands-on learning using real-world datasets and modern computational tools (e.g. Python, R, SQL). Topics include data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, basic statistical inference, regression models, classification, clustering, and ethical issues in data use. CPTR212 or CPTR213 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR 239 Graphic and Web Design.
The course will cover the basics of design for screens, web and print. Some of the most important concepts covered in class are the principles of layout, color, typography and UI/UX. Class time will be spent on discussions, lectures, critiques, individual meetings, and work sessions. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR240 3D Modeling and Animation 1
Probable topics for this course include the 3DMax interface layout, creation tools with primitives and 2D shapes, lofting, and basic modifiers along with scene set up. Simple lighting, camera and materials will enhance student renders and animations. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR 242 Game Development in Unreal 1.
Introductory game development course using Unreal Engine 5. The course will cover the basics of Unreal Engine, including environment creation, animations, character movement as well as learning to code basic interactions using blueprints. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR250 3D Modeling and Animation 2
Probable areas of study include in-depth renders and animations using complex modifiers, lofting, space wars, and particle systems; creating low-polygon characters and objects for gaming; advanced lighting, camera and material creation methods along with detailed rendering options for enhanced realism. Prerequisite: CPTR 240. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR 256 Creative Coding
This course will explore the use of computer software and coding to create digital artwork. The course will provide students with a basic framework of programming, covering essential topics such as conditional statements, loops, functions etc. Software used in this class is Processing. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR 257 Digital Video Editing
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the creative and practical elements of digital video editing. Students will master the principles of video editing, become proficient in well-known editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, and acquire a critical eye for visual media. Students will participate in projects and theoretical discussions to enhance their practical skills as well as their conceptual knowledge. This class is designed for students with little to no prior experience with video editing as well as those looking to improve their skills. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR318 Data Structures
Covers both linear data structures: arrays, vectors, linked list, stack, and queue and non-linear data structures: trees and graphs. Introduces complexity analysis of data structures for valid selection based on problem and requirements. Implementation of the concepts and project would be using C++ or another object-oriented language. Prerequisites: CPTR 212. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR319 Cloud Computing
This course introduces the principles, technologies, and practices behind modern cloud computing. Students will learn how to design, deploy, and manage cloud-based systems, and gain hands-on experience using public cloud platforms and key supporting tools (e.g. virtualization, containerization, infrastructure as code). Topics include cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), virtualization, storage systems, distributed data processing, security, cost models, reliability, and emerging trends (e.g. serverless, edge/fog computing). Credit 3 hours.
CPTR320 Database Management Systems
This will cover the concepts of successful commercial-level database design. It will include these topics: data models, three schema architecture, entity-relationship model, enhanced ER diagram, relational model concepts, relational algebra and calculus, SQL, functional dependencies, normalization, and database security. Prerequisite: CPTR112 or CPTR213. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR324 Computer Networks & Security
Covers computer network concepts and security using TCP/IP protocol model. Topics covered are application layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer. Students would be introduced to current vulnerabilities, cryptographic algorithms to protect the data and network. Implementation of security algorithms would be in C++ and Python. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 223. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR341 Operating Systems
This course will cover the concepts, structures, and functionalities of operating systems. It will include process management, memory management, scheduling, file management, multiprocessor scheduling, threads, deadlocks, and starvation. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 319. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR 342 Game Development in Unreal 2
This course will build on the core concepts learned in Game Development in Unreal 1. The course will cover more advanced use cases for Unreal Engine, such as creating cinematics and animations, using Unreal in conjunction with other 3D software, using Unreal for VR/AR development, as well as more advanced blueprint concepts. The course will culminate in the learner creating a game of their own. Prerequisite: CPTR242. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR345 Software Engineering
This course will study systems development life cycles through project implementation and evaluation, and life cycle models such as waterfall. Prerequisite: CPTR212. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR346 Motion Graphics
A course in the creation of digital productions combining multiple elements for gaming, commercial video or web presentations. Video shooting and editing techniques taught in the course are combined with audio, sound and image manipulation, 2D and 3D graphics, interactive authoring and web creation techniques learned in prerequisite courses. Prerequisite: COMM205, CPTR211, COMM216, CPTR220, CPTR240. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR412 Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence course introduces the fundamentals of Business Intelligence (BI) in current industry, including key concepts, tools, and techniques for analyzing and visualizing data. Students will learn how to use popular BI tools like Excel, Power BI or Tableau to create reports and dashboards. The course covers basic data storage, data organization, and emerging trends such as Big Data and predictive analytics. Prerequisites: CPTR213 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR425 Machine Learning
Introduces fundamental concepts used in computational data analysis. Topics include regression, classification, clustering, and visualization. A brief overview of recent developments in deep learning and its applications would also be covered. Each student will work on their own projects based on their major area of study or interest. Students would perform data analysis using Python over Google Colab. Prerequisites: CPTR110 or CPTR213 or MATH110 or Instructor approval. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR430 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
This course covers the foundational concepts and techniques used to design rational, intelligent systems, such as search algorithms, knowledge representation, logical reasoning, learning, machine learning, probabilistic reasoning, and core application domains including natural language processing, computer vision rounded out by attention to ethical and societal implications. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR431 Cybersecurity and Privacy
This course introduces students to the essential principles, practices, and tools needed to protect digital systems and personal data. Through a mix of lectures, case studies, and practical assignments, students gain both technical and policy-minded skills to understand threat landscapes, design secure systems, and appreciate ethical and legal considerations in cybersecurity. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR453 Analysis of Algorithm
This course focuses on running time of algorithms, recurrences, sorting, binary search trees, hash tables, and dynamic programming. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 320. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR454 Senior Project and Seminar
Working with a professional mentor, the student will design, execute and manage a project involving computer technology. This project may include hardware, software and assessing the impact upon people and systems. The goal of this course is to provide students with professional experience. Three main objectives of this course are technical accomplishment, execution of a commercial-level project, and effective communication. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR459 Practicum in Computer Science
An intensive applied learning experience that involves the analyzing and solving of a significant practical problem, and providing appropriate documentation of the work done. Credit 1 to 5 hours.
