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Welcome!
Summer 2008 OrientationSummer 2008 Orientation
School of School of Computer and Information SciencesComputer and Information Sciences
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/
University of South AlabamaUniversity of South Alabamahttp://www.usouthal.edu/http://www.usouthal.edu/
Presenter: Dr. R. J. DaiglePresenter: Dr. R. J. [email protected]@usouthal.edu
AGENDA
Presentation and Handouts
• Sign one of the Advising Block Removal Sheets
• Handouts– Copy of this presentation– The current laptop policy– Copies of the check sheets
for the 3 majors• Presentation
– About the School of CIS• Who do you need to get to
know• What you need to know
about…• General Information
– List of Links and Contacts
This is a perfect time to be a Computing
Major…
Good News!
• The number of jobs in Computing is increasing at a faster rate than in any other industry (U.S. Department of Labor)
• Market demand for specialized Computing skills and knowledge will continue to outpace the supply. It is expected that more than 20 percent of permanent Computing positions will remain unfilled (Gartner Group: “IT Workforce Change)
• Expanding technology needs will result in demand for qualified Computing Professional resulting in the biggest increases in base compensation over the next several years (RHI Consulting: Technology Professionals)
Robert Half Technology: Technology Professionals
• Specialties in Demand– Internet/Intranet and
E-commerce Development
– Networking– Technical Support– Project
Management– Systems Analysis– Software
Implementation– Database
Administration/Architecture
– Software Applications Development
• Job Skills Needed– Support
Knowledge/Skills– Interpersonal and
Communication Skills
– Mathematics and Statistics
– Problem Solving/Scientific Approach
– Specialization Area supporting courses
– Life-Long Learning
There’s a Shortage of Majors!
• Nationally– Representatives from Microsoft,
Google, Yahoo say…• there aren’t enough available graduates to
meet current needs• there aren't enough current computing
majors to meet future demands. • Locally
– Similar experiences from local companies see job openings at the School of CIS Jobs Web Site (http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/job_openings.php)
• ConclusionNot only is it good to be a computing
major now...But it will be good for many years to
come!
People you should know!
The Dean…
• of the School of Computer and Information Sciences is Dr. Alec Yasinsac– Expertise in
• Information Assurance and Security
• Group encryption, • Intrusion detection, • Digital forensics
– Current funding• National Science
Foundation, • Department of Defense, • Army Research Office, • Florida Department of
State
Dr. Michael DoranCoordinatorComputer ScienceComputer Engineering
Dr. Bob SweeneyCoordinatorInformation Technology
Dr. Harold PardueCoordinatorInformation Systems
Dr. Roy Daigle, Grad DirectorAdvisor to all majors
The School of CIS Administration
Kathy Ford Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Nelson Receptionist
Vickie Mitchell Receptionist/Secretary
Theresa Thompson Academic Counselor
Keith LynnSystem Administrator
Michael BehrPC Applications Specialist
The Main Office Staff
Our Three Undergraduate
Majors
Computer ScienceInformation Systems
Information Technology
Computing Disciplines• ACM lists 5 disciplines* in computing
– We have 3 of these in the School of CIS– Shared responsibility for Computer Engineering with the
College of Engineering • Brief descriptions are:
– Computer Science ( http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=8 )
• Currently the most popular of the computing disciplines; tends to be relatively broad and with an emphasis on the underlying science aspects.
– Information Systems ( http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=9 )
• Essentially, this is computing in an organizational context, typically in businesses.
– Information Technology ( http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=7 )
• Focuses on computing infrastructure and needs of individual users; tends to involve a study of systems (perhaps just software systems, but perhaps also systems in support of learning, of information dissemination, etc.).
– Computer Engineering ( http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=11 )
• Typically involves software and hardware and the development of systems that involve software, hardware, and communications.
– Software Engineering ( http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=10 )
• Is concerned with developing and maintaining software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain, and satisfy all the requirements that customers have defined for them.
*We have considered Software Engineering in the past but cannot presently justify offering it.
Computing Choices at the University of South
Alabama• Three separate degrees
– Bachelor of Science in • Computer Science
– A Computer Science student must also be interested in math and science
• Information Systems– An Information Systems student must also be
interested in working with people in organizations
• Information Technology– An Information Technology student must be
interested in technology AND in application areas for technology
• Although there is some overlap…– it will be important to align with the program
that best fits your future goals because of the course requirements in the programs
Computer Science• Computer Science (CSC)
– spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions
– offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas
– The work of computer scientists falls into three categories:
• a) designing and building software; • b) developing effective ways to solve computing
problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems; and
• c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics (although these specializations are not available in all computer science programs).
– Our Computer Science program requires strong backgrounds in math and natural sciences.
Information Systems• Information Systems (ISC)
– is concerned with the information that computer systems can provide to aid a company, non-profit or governmental organization in defining and achieving its goals
– is also concerned with the processes that an enterprise can implement and improve using information technology
– ISC professionals • must be interested in working with people in
organizations• must understand both technical and
organizational factors, • must be able to help an organization determine
how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a foundation for superior organizational performance
– ISC professionals serve as a bridge between the technical and management communities within an organization.
– Our Information Systems program requires a background in business and management
Information Technology
• Information Technology (ITE)– Refers to preparing students to meet computer
technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, etc.
– IT professionals • possess the right combination of knowledge and
practical, hands-on expertise to take care of both an organization’s information technology infrastructure and the people who use it
• responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization.
• integrate those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and install, customize and maintain those applications, thereby providing a secure and effective environment that supports the activities of the organization’s computer users.
• programming often involves writing short programs that typically connect existing components
• Planning and managing an organization’s IT infrastructure is a difficult and complex job that requires a solid foundation in applied computing as well as management and people skills
– Our Information Technology program requires an interest in technology AND in application areas for technology
What’s in Common…What’s different
• The 3 majors share a common foundation– Interpersonal and Communication
Skills– Mathematics– Problem Solving & the Scientific
Approach– Object-Oriented Programming– Database– Networks and Data Communications– Operating Systems
• Each individual major adds…– Courses that are unique for the major– Courses that are complementary to
the major
Computer Science
• The 3 majors share a common foundation– Interpersonal and Communication Skills– Mathematics– Problem Solving & the Scientific Approach– Object-Oriented Programming– Database– Networks and Data Communications– Operating Systems
• The Computer Science major adds…– Courses that are unique for the
major such asDigital Logic and Computer Architecture, Software Engineering Principles, Programming Language Theory, and Performance Evaluation of Algorithms
– Courses that are complementary to the major
• Calculus I and II, Discrete Math, and Statistics
• 4 Natural Sciences
Information Systems
• The 3 majors share a common foundation– Interpersonal and Communication Skills– Mathematics– Problem Solving & the Scientific Approach– Object-Oriented Programming– Database– Networks and Data Communications– Operating Systems
• The Information Systems major adds…– Courses that are unique for the major
such asObject-Oriented Analysis & Design, Advanced Database, Information Systems Strategy and Policy, Human-Computer Interface Design, and Project Management
– Courses that are complementary to the major
• Accounting, Microeconomics, Management Theory & Practice, and two additional approved Bus/Man electives
• Choice of Concentrations in Web, Networking, or Data Management
Information Technology
• The 3 majors share a common foundation– Interpersonal and Communication Skills– Mathematics– Problem Solving & the Scientific Approach– Object-Oriented Programming– Database– Networks and Data Communications– Operating Systems
• The Information Technology major adds…– Courses that are unique for the
major such asNetwork Administration, Needs Assessment & Technology Evaluation, Human-Computer Interface Design, Advanced Application Development, and Project Management
– Courses that are complementary to the major
• Concentration Choices: Web, Networking, or Data Management
• Supporting Focus courses: Business, Communications, Graphic Arts, and more Technology
Placement Exams
Computer Proficiency: NO
Math Placement: YES
Toledo Chemistry: Maybe
Placement Exams• Computer Proficiency Exam:
– NO! • Majors in the School of Computer and Information
Sciences do not take this exam!
• Math Placement Exam:– YES!
• This exam must be taken by all School of CIS majors before advising
• Tied to enrollment in our beginning programming course
– The minimum math knowledge required for enrollment in our beginning programming course is a score of 65 on the Math Placement Exam
• Administered today!– 2:45 pm, ILB 245– The orientation guides will direct you to ILB 245
• Toledo Chemistry Placement Exam:– MAYBE…
• NOT REQUIRED…take only if you wish to take the Chemistry sequence for Chemistry majors.
Math for CIS Majors is Important!
• Is required of all CIS majors– Information Systems
and Information Technology majors
• MA 120 Survey of Calculus or
• MA 267, Discrete Mathematics*
– Computer Science majors must complete
• MA 267, Discrete Mathematics
• MA 125-126, Calculus I & II
• Is used for placement in CIS programming courses– CIS 115:
• Math Placement Score of 65-74
– CIS 120: • Math Placement
Score >=75 or • Completion of MA 112
and CIS 115
If your score is
FALL Enrollment
SPRINGEnrollment
35 to 49
DS 082 DS 090
50 to 64
DS 090 MA 112
65 to 74
MA 112 Depends on MajorSee Advisor in Fall
75 or more
MA 120 ISC & ITE only
MA 113 CSC
80 or more
MA 267 - Required for CSC- Optional for ISC & ITE
85 or more
MA 125 - Required for CSC- Optional for ISC & ITE
Math 110 is not an acceptable math course!
Freshman Year Courses*
*All School of CIS Majors
What you should know about Beginning School
of CIS Courses• CIS 100 Information Technology in
Society—you will learn more about– The role of Information Technology in Society– Your professional and ethical responsibilities in
Society– Legal issues in computing– Required of all Students—Cannot be transferred!– Will be assigned to new Freshmen in the
Fall
• CIS 101 CIS Freshman Year Experience—you will learn more about
– the University of South Alabama – studying and managing your time effectively– what assistance is available to students– more about the three CIS majors: Computer
Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology
– Required of all Beginning Freshmen– After completing CIS 101 you will be
expected to make a choice of CIS major– Will be assigned to new Freshmen in the
Fall
About the School of CIS beginning programming
courses: CIS 115• In CIS 115, Introduction to
Computer and Information Sciences, students will learn how to …– use a computer to solve problems– represent your computer-based
solutions using graphical diagrams– document your computer-based
solutions– implement your computer-based
solutions using a programming language
– use simple concepts of Object Oriented Programming
Notes:– Prerequisite: Math Placement score
of at least 65
About the beginning School of CIS
programming courses: CIS 120
• In CIS 120, Problem Solving & Programming Concepts I, students will learn how to …– use a compiler and its debugging tools– write programs involving sequence,
loop, and decision to solve problems– use simple and aggregate data
structures– make estimations of efficiency for
simple algorithms– prepare simple classes for object-
oriented applications– Prerequisite is
• CIS: equivalent of CIS 115 AND • Math: equivalent of pre-calculus or math
placement of 75
About the beginning School of CIS
programming courses: CIS 121
• In CIS 121, Problem Solving & Programming Concepts II, students will learn how to …– design solutions to complex problems
using abstraction– design applications using new classes
from existing classes– write file management applications – use dynamic data structures such as
lists, stacks, queues in problem solving
– create event-driven applications and applets
– use testing strategies to thoroughly test algorithms
– Prerequisite is CIS 120
Advising Information
What you should know about… Advising
• Advising is about making big decisions… – Which semester should a course be
taken?– What are some good supporting
electives for your special interests• Advising is mandatory…
– Involves consultation with a knowledgeable guide
– Spring advising occurs during the Fall semester
– Summer & Fall advising occurs during the Spring Semester
– Registration blocks are set automatically each semester
What you should know about… Student Advising
Responsibilities• Study the catalog for specialization requirements
– contains descriptions of all programs and – all courses in all programs– Online at http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/
• Prepare a plan for completing your degree– Adjusting the plan each semester as necessary– See http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/advising.php
for CIS advising assistance and links.• Focus on PC courses
– REQUIRED 1xx and 2xx courses in a specialization area
– All PC courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better before enrolling in junior and senior CIS courses
“I didn’t know it was required!” will NOT help you graduate
What you should know about…
Schedule Building1. Decide how many credits you can carry2. Select a balance between technical &
non-technical courses3. Whenever possible, choose PC
courses first4. Start your mathematics courses
immediately5. Build your schedule from the least
frequently offered to the most frequently offered
6. Consider time for travel, study, work, etc.
More about the School of CIS!
Facilities MappingLaptop Policy
General Information
Current Location
Computer Science Classroom building (CSCB)
second floor - project labs
ground floor - laboratories
FacultyCourtEastFCE
Faculty OfficesClassrooms
FacultyCourtWestFCW
Faculty OfficesClassroomLaboratories
FCW 20FCW 20CIS CIS
OFFICEOFFICE
CIS Courtyard(CIS Social
Events Site*)
N
*ACM Pizza Party, Semester Cookouts,etc
What you should know about the Laptop Ownership Policy
• From the Bulletin: All students enrolling in any undergraduate and graduate courses offered by the School of CIS, except CIS 100, CIS 101, CIS 110, CIS 150, CIS 175, CIS 210, CIS 211, CIS 227, CIS 250, and CIS 500, are required to own a personal laptop computer system that conforms to the current School minimum. This is a one-student one-machine requirement.
• Specifications (minimums are given below)Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
minimum; 1.6 GHz or greater recommended
Hard Drive: 80 GB or greaterCD ROM: 24X or greater, CD-RW recommendedRAM: 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommendedNetwork: Wired Ethernet 10BaseT required,
Wireless 802.11b/g required (built-in or via PC Card Adapter)The School of CIS has a wireless 802.11G network
Cabling: Ethernet patch• “Wet ports” to connect to campus networks will be
available for student use at many locations on campus.
• School of CIS detailed laptop requirements can be obtained at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/laptop_policy.php
Extra Opportunities
• Internship Program– Opportunity to learn while earning $$$– Internship Opportunities
• Five-Year Program: BS and MS in 5 years– Apply in second semester of Junior year– GPA of 3.25 – Composite of 1100 on GRE verbal and
quantitative with at least 400 on each portion– Financial aid is available to those admitted to
the program– MS in CIS with Specializations in
• Computer Science• Information Systems
New Directions!• Robotics• Embedded
Systems• Game
Development
• Computer Forensics
• Network Security• Web Development
• Data Warehousing• Data Mining• Data Assurance• Enterprise Applications
Student Chapter of the ACM
• Association of Computing Machinery– Oldest Professional
Organization in Computing
– USA Chapter is one of the most active student organizations on campus
• Membership Information:– Contact:
[email protected]– http://
acm.southalabama.edu/membership.html
• Activities– Service
• Tutoring• Lectures• Scholarship
Awards in CIS• Special Projects
– Social• Pizza Party• Games Party• Annual Banquet• Intramurals
What’s next? A new Building! A new
location! The New Computing/Engineering
Building—Corner of University and Old Shell
OLD SHELLWest
Uni
vers
ity B
lvd
North
More Facts About US
1st in the United States to have ALL Three Majors accredited by ABET, the computing accreditation agency
• All three programs are offered in both a day and evening rotation.
• State-of-the-art labs in Robotics, Real-Time Systems, Networking, Security, Data Mining, Data Warehousing, Web Site Management, Multimedia
• All CIS students are required to own a laptop.
• Advising is required each semester. • 5 year Bachelor and Masters degree
program for talented and high-performing students (in any of the 3 majors).
Who to contact when you need information
or help!
Contact Information!
Main Office FCW 20: Phone: (251) 460-6390• Dean: – Alec Yasinsac
[email protected] • General Information;
Graduate Program: – Roy Daigle
[email protected]• Academic Counselor
– Theresa Thompson [email protected]
• Internship– Melissa Smith
• Computer Science Coordinator: – Michael Doran
• Information Systems Coordinator:
– Harold Pardue [email protected]
• Information Technology Coordinator:
– Bob Sweeney [email protected]
Additional Sites of Interest• School of Computer and Information Sciences
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu• University of South Alabama
http://www.usouthal.edu or http://www.southalabama.edu• Laptop Requirements:
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/laptop_policy.php• Advising Information:
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/advising_info.php• Scholarships:
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/scholarshipinfo/scholarshipInfo.php
Dinner Tonight: 6PM
Meet at the table with the Computer Sciences Gonfalon in the Mitchell Center.
About the Computer Sciences Gonfalon:The design of the College of Computer and Information Sciences is made up of two symbols appropriate to the School: the Flame of Knowledge and the Globe. The Flame of Knowledge is derived from three distinct disciplines: Science represented by the Blue, Engineering represented by the Orange, and Business represented by the tan. The Globe symbolizes both the wide reaching effect of the discipline and the diversity of the College's population.
Checksheets for our Majors
CIS General StudiesComputer Science (CSC)Information Systems (ISC)
Information Technology (ITE)