Faculty and professional interests
John Dooley, chair
Software engineering, cryptology, computer science education
Don Blaheta
Natural language processing, formal linguistics
David Bunde (on leave Spring 2009)
Parallel computing, algorithms
Cooperating faculty from other programs
Mary V. Armon, Mathematics
Charles Schulz, Physics Computer Science is the study of algorithms and processes needed to solve complex problems. Flexibility and techniques for learning become as important as the specific material of any course. To that end, the department emphasizes the development of logical reasoning and problem solving skills, using a variety of approaches, languages, operating systems, and machines. Students also learn to communicate effectively in the language of the discipline, both in writing and in discussion and formal presentation. The curriculum integrates the traditional and the innovative, teaching the background that computer professionals are expected to know along with the current state of the science and informed speculation about future directions. Knox students enjoy excellent computing facilities, with comprehensive Internet connectivity via a campus-wide network supported by NT servers. Pentium laboratories are readily available, and through a generous grant from the Caterpillar Foundation the department has acquired a multi-processor Linux server and a state-of-the-art Linux workstation classroom. Two smaller laboratories containing Linux, Windows, and Macintosh computers are also available. Computer Science majors begin with seven core courses at the 100 and 200 level, then choose advanced courses based on their preferences and career goals. Those students with particular individual interests are encouraged to pursue independent research through independent study courses, summer research programs, or a College Honors project. Students considering careers in engineering should read the catalog description of the cooperative engineering program. Growing numbers of students use the summer months to participate in internships in business, industry, or academic settings. Recent internships have involved application development, industrial computing, library automation, a distributed query-based visualization system, visual computing, web development, and SQL programming. Some students work with the Computer Center throughout the year, gaining first-hand experience in maintenance of networks and delivery of other central services. Other students work with local Galesburg schools and businesses in a variety of technical capacities. Still others work in the construction and maintenance of various departmental web sites. On leaving Knox, computer science graduates go on to success in prestigious graduate schools and in employment in various fields such as business consulting and software development and in the computer divisions of banks, insurance companies, and corporations large and small. The departmental curriculum contributes to the College's Key Competency Requirements as follows: - Writing Key Competency - CS 292 and 322 serve as writing-intensive courses for majors. CS 127 is a writing-intensive course offered for non-CS majors
- Speaking Key Competency - CS 292, 322, 330, 340, and 360 serve as speaking-intensive courses for majors
- Information Literacy and Informed Use of Technology - Information literacy and use of technology are central to Computer Science. All CS courses at the 200-level and above require students to critically evaluate both computer science literature and information acquired via the Internet. CS courses numbered 142 and above address knowledge of reading and evaluating on-line manual pages and programming language APIs.
Computer Science Course Descriptions
|
