Computer Science and Information Systems

Abdullah Arslan (Interim Associate Dean)
Location: AG/ET Building, Room 111, 903-886-5442
Computer Science and Information Systems Web Site

To meet the diverse needs of the computing industry, the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems offers one master’s degree program that blends applied and theoretical computer science concepts.

The computing facilities include both PC- and UNIX-based environments on an assortment of modern, general-purpose computing systems. All systems are networked for local and worldwide communications. Specialized multimedia and graphics facilities also are available within the department.

The department offers service courses for the University in the areas of introductory computer applications and applications in education.

Programs of Graduate Work

Master of Science in Computer Science

The MS in Computer Science program consists of core courses, which are required of all students, course electives, and specialized courses within one of three tracks: Software Engineering and Big Data, Computer Networks & Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence.  Electives and track areas of study are chosen by the student.  The core courses, specialized track courses, and electives enable students to devise a degree plan that meets their individual professional interests as well as the needs of industry.  In addition, each student may choose a thesis or a non-thesis option.  Upon approval of the departmental graduate advisor and the Graduate School, the department will allow the transfer of up to 6 graduate hours in Computer Science.

Admission

Admission Inquiries: csdept@tamuc.edu

Admission to a graduate program is granted by the Dean of the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the department.  Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission in addition to meeting the general university requirements in Computer Science.

Students entering the graduate program must satisfy the specified computer science deficiency requirements by appropriate course substitution or by passing a competency examination prior to enrollment in graduate courses.

Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam is required of all students.

Note: Individual departments may reserve the right to dismiss from their programs students who, in their judgment, would not meet the professional expectations of the field for which they are training. 

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CSCI 505 - Internship
Hours: 3
This course gives students the opportunity to earn credit while obtaining valuable working experience. This course is offered to students who have obtained an internship with a company or organization that employs personnel with computer science and information technology skills. Students are supervised by the employer and by Computer Science faculty.

CSCI 515 - Fundamentals Of Programming C/C++
Hours: 4
Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. This is an advanced programming course using a high level programming language. Specific objectives are to introduce the development of algorithms as a disciplined approach to problem solving; to present programming practices in design, decoding, debugging, testing and documentation of computer programs; to provide the student with the basic knowledge necessary for further study in the field of computer science.

CSCI 516 - Fundamental Concepts in Computing and Machine Organization
Hours: 3
Concepts of assembly language programming and machine organization of a modern digital computer are presented. Students will have the opportunity to study machine addressing, stack operations, subroutines, programmed and interrupt driven I/O, machine organization and computer architecture at the register level. Students will utilize the 80x86 instruction set and will perform programming exercises.

CSCI 518 - Thesis
Hours: 3-6
Thesis. Six semester hours.

CSCI 520 - Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
Hours: 4
Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. The concept of abstract data structures forms the basis for the study of the data structures introduced in this course. Well known, basic data structures and the algorithms associated with them form the primary subject matter. Knowledge of these basic data structures will allow the student to create large scale programs which process meaningful amounts of data. Comparative efficiency analysis of the algorithms studied in the course will be introduced. The student will also become acquainted with formal methods for specifying abstract data types as well as algorithms. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 524 - Analysis & Design Softwr Sys
Hours: 3
This course will provide the student with the opportunity to experience the several phases of conventional software development. Established software engineering practices will be presented. Various software architectures will be introduced. Each student is expected to fully participate in a team project over the course of the semester. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 525 - Networking I
Hours: 3
This course provides a self-contained overview of computer networking by introducing many key concepts and terminology. In particular, we will study the concepts of computer networks and communication including layered architecture, network application services and domain name resolution, transport layer services and TCP/UDP protocols, network layer forwarding and routing functions and subnet/NAT configurations, and link layer functions with the focus of Ethernet standards.

CSCI 526 - Database Systems
Hours: 3
Basic database concepts, organization, and definitions; data and management systems; data description languages; logical and physical differences of database; indexed and multiple-key organization; relational database concepts and examples; and comparison of database systems.

CSCI 527 - Advanced Databases
Hours: 3
Advanced Databases. Three semester hours. General theory, concept, and techniques related to allow students the design of intelligent databases will be discussed. Other topics to be covered include expert systems, neural networks, hypermedia, and text retrieval. A moderate-size semester project will be assigned to practice the design of an intelligent database. Prerequisite: CSCI 526.

CSCI 528 - Advanced Object-Oriented Programming
Hours: 3
This course investigates object-oriented methods including object-oriented programming, analysis and design. Current methodology is emphasized. The use of object-oriented features such as encapsulation, information hiding, inheritance and polymorphism is reinforced by class assignments and programming exercises. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 530 - Operating Systems
Hours: 3
The course objectives are two-fold: (1) to learn general theory, concept, and techniques related to the design of operating systems; (2) to practice the design of an operating system by performing a design project. The course is basically divided into four sections: Introduction to Operating Systems, Process Management, Storage Management, and UNIX (Shell and Interpreter). Prerequisites: CSCI 515 and CSCI 516.

CSCI 531 - Java Language Programming
Hours: 3
This is a computer programming course designed to teach the use of the Java Programming Language. The course will emphasize Java applets and their use in HTML files as applied to Internet web pages. Students will learn how to write Java applets, how to utilize pre-existing Java controls, and how to write new Java controls. Students will be expected to complete numerous programming assignments and programming projects. Experience with C++ programming language and object oriented methods are required. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 532 - Algorithm Design
Hours: 3
Algorithms, being the foundation of computing, allow us to create well-defined sequences of computational steps in order to solve computational problems – with stipulation on input/out relation, correctly and efficiently within a definite time frame. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the modern study of computer algorithms. In particular, we will study the design and analysis of algorithms with special emphasis on correctness of algorithms, asymptotic notations, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, graph algorithms, shortest paths, and selected special topics. Prerequisites: CSCI 520.

CSCI 534 - Networking II - Routers and Switches
Hours: 3
This course instructs students in the detailed operation and configuration of network routers and data communication switches. Topics include the use of routers and switches in a modern digital network, router configuration, switch configuration, and common network security techniques such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and Access Control Lists (ACLs). Students will have the opportunity to gain experience in configuring these network devices as they work with routers and switch equipment in the laboratory. Note About 50% of class time will be spent in the CCNA Networking Laboratory. Prerequisites: CSCI 525.

CSCI 538 - Artificial Intelligence
Hours: 3
The course will introduce related concepts and techniques to build intelligent systems that aim at acting rationally given perceived and represented knowledge. An overview of artificial intelligence techniques include knowledge representation, problem solving, reasoning, deduction, searching, planning, learning, etc. Advanced topics in application areas, such as natural language processing, computer vision, pattern recognition, and robotics will also be examined. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 540 - Computer Architecture
Hours: 3
Computer Architecture. Three semester hours. Introduction to current high level computing machines in both hardware and software design. Topics include the design decisions involved in the development of computer architectures, hardware organizations needed to implement various instructions sets, and future trends in computer architectures. Prerequisites: CSCI 516.

CSCI 544 - Evolutionary Compututation & Genetic Programming
Hours: 3
Evolutionary Computation and Genetic Programming - Three semester hours Evolutionary computing is the collective name for a range of problem solving techniques based on principles of biological evolution, such as natural selection and genetic inheritance. These techniques have proven to be particularly successful in many diverse problem domains, ranging from economics and finance, to design and automatic programming. Specific topics addressed include theoretical models of evolutionary computation; search, optimization, and machine learning; evolution of programs; population dynamics; and emergent behavior. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 546 - Numerical Analysis
Hours: 3
The course will include numerical methods for derivatives approximation; will teach data approximation and interpolation by Fourier series; Euler's and Runge-Kutta methods for solving ordinary differential equations (ODE) and systems of ODE. Also, the students will study methods for approximate solution of partial differential equations (PDE), including parabolic PDE. Further, the students will learn how to generalize methods for their computer implementation, and will program the basic methods in MatLab. Prerequisites: CSCI 515 and MATH 2414.

CSCI 548 - Software Testing
Hours: 3
This course presents an overview of the principles and practices of software testing. It covers different concepts and techniques on how to test and debug software. Topics include various testing methods such as structural and functional testing; various testing approaches such as unit, integration, regression and system testing. Students will also be introduced to manual and automatic techniques for generating test cases. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 549 - Automata Theory
Hours: 3
This course teaches the general theory, concept, and techniques related to the theory of automata. Practical examples related to programming languages are emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to utilize theoretical aspects of automata theory by performing a medium-scale design project. Topics include: Finite Automata, Transition Graphs, Nondeterminism, Finite Automata with Output, Context-Free Grammars, Regular Grammars, Chomsky Normal Form, Pushdown Automata, Context-Free Languages, Non-Context-Free Languages, Parsing, and Turing Machines. Prerequisites: CSCI 520.

CSCI 551 - Compiler Design
Hours: 3
This class introduces the fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of a compiler, a computer program that converts one programming language into another. The goal is to familiarize students with the basic structure of a typical modern compiler. A variety of tools such as JFLex, JavaCUP and Jasmin will be introduced and used. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 554 - Digital Forensics
Hours: 3
This course presents an overview of the principles and practices of digital investigation. The objective of this class is to emphasize the fundamentals and importance of digital forensics. Students will learn different techniques and procedures that enable them to perform a digital investigation. This course focuses mainly on the analysis of physical storage media and volume analysis. It covers the major phases of digital investigation such as preservation, analysis and acquisition of artifacts that reside in hard disks and random access memory. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 556 - Data Analysis & Visualization
Hours: 3
Big scientific data sets are growing exponentially both in size and complexity. Extracting meaningful information from these data requires not only programming skills, but also understanding the analysis work-flows, mathematical models and visualization tools that help to condense large amounts of information into a comprehensible story. We will introduce standard statistical data analysis and modeling methods such as correlation functions, linear regression, clustering, pattern extraction, classification, data mining, as well as Monte Carlo methods which are commonly used in creating simulations in the computational sciences. Different analysis and visualization packages popular in scientific modeling, analysis, and visualization will be introduced.

CSCI 559 - Software Development for Mobile Devices
Hours: 3
This course introduces development of software applications for network enabled mobile devices including smart phones. Topics include components for graphical user interface, memory management, custom user interface development, touch-based or timer-based event handling, file I/O, animation using 2-D/3-D graphics, audio and video application programming interfaces, Bluetooth applications, client-server models, database access, data storage, marketing research. Object Oriented Programming will be introduced with the Objective–C, Java, or Swift. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 560 - Neural Networks and Deep Learning
Hours: 3
In this course the theory and practice of neural computation for machine learning are introduced. Artificial neural networks are used for many real-world problems: classification, time-series prediction, regression, pattern recognition. The class starts with an introduction to feed forward neural networks. More complicated multi-layered "deep" networks are then covered. Basic backpropagation, gradient descent and modern regularization techniques are implemented in assignments. The class will look at modern deep learning techniques: convolutional neural networks, deep belief networks and deep recurrent neural models such as LSTM nets. Readings and current results from the literature on neural network research will be discussed. Prerequisites: CSCI 574.

CSCI 563 - Information Security
Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the study of information security and covers the most important features of computer security. Topics include basic concepts and principles in information security, authentication and access control, operating systems security, software vulnerabilities and threats, database security, and basic cryptography including encryption and key establishment. Prerequisites: CSCI 525.

CSCI 567 - Image Processing with Elements of Learning
Hours: 3
This class will provide the students with an introduction to image processing, with applications to medical, urban agricultural and satellite images. Students will learn methods for 2D image enhancement, sharpening, blurring, noise detection, modeling and cleaning, as well as edge detection in gray level images. The methods students will be able to implement include local statistics, Laplacian and Gradient operators, Fourier transforms and the Fast Fourier Transform. Further, the class will introduce basic elements of convolutional neural networks to learn noise and its cleaning. At the end of the class the students will know which gray level image methods apply to color images. The students will develop skills in programming, reporting and presenting advanced method from the field. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 569 - Image Analysis and Recognition with Learning
Hours: 3
This class will start with a study of the basic color image models. Next, the students will learn how to decompose a function to Wavelets. In the following stage the students will learn the basic methods for image segmentation to objects and background. The students will have a knowledge on image segmentation with active contours using deep learning. Further they will learn about images and objects representation and description. The students will know methods from two major approaches: boundary and regions description. The following methods will be taught from the field of Recognition: Decision making; structural methods; features extraction and classification with convolutional neural networks. The students will develop skills in programming, reporting and presenting advanced method from Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 571 - Statistics for Scientific Computation and Analysis
Hours: 3
This course provides an introductory framework for the statistical background required for scientific computation and data analysis. The course introduces fundamental statistical concepts such as probability, random variables, probability distributions, statistical expectation, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, linear regression, correlation, and visualization/plotting of data, with emphasis on applications to scientific computing and computational science problems. Concepts will be reinforced by having students use a statistical/scientific computing & visualization software in order to apply the concepts that they learn by solving problems from various disciplines.

CSCI 573 - Big Data Computing and Analytics
Hours: 3
Big Data computing is a new computing paradigm, involving analysis of large quantities of data in industry and science communities. It has led to the development of large distributed systems with thousands of computing servers and disks connected over a high-speed network. For such distributed systems, there are several challenges of performance, scalability, and reliability as well as data storage. The goal of this course is to study modern technologies that are used to construct big-data computing systems and methods and tools for big-data analytics. Topics of interest include big-data computing paradigms, big-data storage, and big-data analytics. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 574 - Machine Learning
Hours: 3
Study of computer algorithms that automatically acquire new knowledge and improve their own performance through experience. Theory and practical implementation of algorithms for machine learning. Topics include linear and logistic regression, artificial neural networks, Bayesian networks and learning, decision trees, kernel / support-vector machines, statistical learning methods, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and other modern, emerging algorithms. Short programming assignments and/or projects with hands-on experiments with various learning algorithms will be given. Prerequisites: CSCI 515.

CSCI 575 - Cyber-physical Systems and Industrial IOT
Hours: 3
This course introduces general and/or advanced topics in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) which can be defined as engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components. Topics discussed in the course will include CPS capability, adaptability, scalability, resiliency, safety, security, and usability considerations that will far exceed the simple embedded systems of today. Trustworthy embedded systems connected to the Internet will be introduced in context of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). A case study team project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical CPS and IIoT knowledge using platform software covered in the course. Students will be able to develop a career path upon gradua

CSCI 581 - Network Security
Hours: 3
This course provides key concepts in network security. Topics include overview of TCP/IP networks; cryptography including symmetric/asymmetric ciphers, cryptographic hash functions, message authentication codes, and digital signatures; mutual trust including key distribution and user authentication protocols; network and Internet security; and network system security including firewalls. Prerequisites: CSCI 525.

CSCI 589 - Independent Study
Hours: 1-4
Independent Study. One to four semester hours. Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. No more than three hours of independent study may be counted towards the degree. Prerequisite: Consent of department head and supervising faculty member.

CSCI 595 - Research Literature and Techniques
Hours: 3
A course designed to acquaint the student with the role of research in the initiation, development and modification of concepts and theories in computer science. A final written report and presentation and/or demonstration of results obtained during the course will be made to interested faculty members and students. Prerequisite: Completion of the core courses and instructor approval.

CSCI 597 - Special Topics
Hours: 1-4
Special Topics. One to four semester hours. Organized class in a specialized area of current interest. May be repeated when topics vary.

Computer Science and Information Systems

Abdullah Arslan
Associate Professor and Interim Department Head
B.S. Middle East Technical University; M.S. University of North Texas; Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara.

Omar El Ariss
Associate Professor
B.S., M.S., Lebanese American University; Ph.D., North Dakota State University

Derek Harter
Associate Professor
B.S., Purdue University; M.S., Johns Hopkins University; Ph.D., University of Memphis.

Kaoning Hu
Assistant Professor
B.S., M.S., Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton

Jinoh Kim
Associate Professor
B.A., M.S., Inha University; Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Dongeun Lee
Associate Professor
B.S., Seoul National University, Seoul Korea; Ph.D., Seoul National University, Seoul Korea

Mutlu Mete
Associate Professor
B.S. Dokuz Eylul University; Ph.D. University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Sam Saffer
Professor
BA, University of Texas-Austin; MAS, PhD, Southern Methodist University.

Sang C. Suh
Regents Professor
M.S., University of Hawaii; Ph.D., Southern Methodist University.

Yuchua Wang
Associate Professor
B.S., North University of China, Taiyuan, China; M.S., North University of China, Taiyuan, China; Ph.D., Beihang University, Beijing, China