Undergraduate

Hunter College Computer Science class

Undergraduate Academics:

BA in Computer Science

The coursework provides a broad base in the design, implementation and application of computer software systems; a firm grasp of the essentials of computer architecture; and a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of computer science.

This major exposes students to the excitement and challenge of computing technologies and theory through a variety of advanced topics courses and close participation with faculty in cutting-edge research.

Students may obtain Credit by Examination for CSCI 12700, CSCI 13500 and CSCI 15000.

P/NC Policy: Only a letter grade of C and above will be accepted by the department for the required courses in the computer science major. Students cannot receive a grade of P/NC in any course used for the major. The rule does not apply to CSCI 12700 or to courses taken as part of the Bioinformatics concentration.

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BA in Computer Science with a Concentration in Bioinformatics

This course of study will provide computer science majors with a fundamental understanding of the most important aspects of quantitative and computational biology, including a solid background in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with an emphasis on quantitative reasoning.

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Degree With Honors

Students can receive a degree with honors in computer science if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • 2.7 Grade Point Average over all your courses at Hunter
  • 3.5 Grade Point Average in your computer science and math courses at Hunter
  • A grade of A in a computer science honors seminar course (CSCI 493.xx)

Minor

The computer science minor provides students with the fundamental tools needed to understand modern computer science approaches and the relationship between computer architectures and software systems.

A minor in computer science requires a minimum of 12 credits of coursework in the following:

  • Required Courses (6 credits):
    • CSCI 12700 - Introduction to Computer Science*
    • CSCI 13500 - Software Analysis and Design 1 OR CSCI 22700 - Programming Methods
  • Electives (6 credits):
    • Computer Science Offerings 12500 or Above

*Note that MATH 12500 (Precalculus) is a prerequisite course to CSCI 12700; however, MATH 12500 does not count towards the Computer Science Minor.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Hunter College has asked each department to develop a plan for assessing how well it does in teaching its majors. As a first step, departments are required to compile a list of “learning outcomes” that state explicitly what the curriculum for majors is intended to help students achieve. Syllabi for each course refer to these outcomes and note which of them the course addresses. The following is the set of learning outcomes adopted by the Computer Science Department.

  1. Computer science students should learn the fundamental concepts and theories of the discipline of computer science as specified by professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery. They should:
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic foundations and relevant applications of mathematics and statistics, particularly those branches related to computer science.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the overarching relationships between hardware and software, i.e. computer architectures, software systems and operating systems.
    3. Demostrate knowledge of the theory of computation and algorithms (for example: formal languages, Turing machines, etc.)
    4. Display knowledge of at least two area disciplines within computer science (for example: artificial intelligence, computer theory, formal methods, etc.)
  2. Computer science students should be adept at formulating, analyzing and solving computing problems. They should:
    1. Be proficient in writing and reading programs sufficient to implement and study algorithms.
    2. Be able to apply principles of design and analysis in creating substantive projects involving programs and algorithmic design, and have experience working in teams on projects of moderately realistic scope.
  3. Computer science students should be prepared to pursue advanced studies in the field and to assume professional responsibilities. They should:
    1. Be able to communicate technical ideas effectively, both in writing and in oral presentations.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical concerns typically arising in the context of computing.
    3. Be competitive when applying to graduate schools should they so choose.
    4. Graduate prepared to continue to learn throughout their careers, keeping up-to-date in a quickly developing field. In particular, they should be able to read and assimilate scientific and technical material independently—from textbooks, journal articles, and other level-appropriate sources.