Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering

Program Overview

The University of Connecticut's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering program combines computer science and engineering principles, equipping graduates to tackle complex systems across hardware and software domains. The program offers various concentrations, including cybersecurity, software design, and data science, and emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience. Graduates are highly sought-after professionals in diverse industries and research fields.

Program Outline

This program combines rigorous computer science education with a strong emphasis on the physical and architectural underpinnings of modern computer systems, equipping graduates to address complex systems across various hardware and software domains.

Program Objectives:

• To prepare graduates for careers as practicing computer professionals in research and development, design, and project leadership roles across diverse technical areas.
• To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply their expertise in the field for improving society and its well-being.
• To encourage continuous professional development through the application of emerging technologies within the computer science and engineering fields, enabling them to make significant and lasting contributions to the profession and society as a whole.

Description:

The BSE in Computer Science and Engineering program aims to equip students with a broad and deep understanding of computer systems, spanning both hardware and software aspects. This approach allows graduates to tackle complex problems at the intersection of these domains, making them highly sought-after professionals across various industries and research fields. The program curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience. Students gain a solid grounding in computer science fundamentals through core courses covering algorithms, data structures, programming languages, software engineering, and computer architecture. Additionally, the program offers various concentration specializations that enable further exploration in specific areas like cybersecurity, software design and development, data science, algorithms and theory, bioinformatics, and naval science and technology.

Outline:

Program Requirements:

The BSE program requires students to complete 126 credits, encompassing core courses, concentration specific electives, and additional electives.

Course List:

The core courses provide a foundation in essential concepts, including:

• Data Structures & Object-Oriented Design
• Principles & Practice of Digital Logic Design
• Introduction to Discrete Systems
• Contemporary issues in Computer Science & Engineering
• Systems Programming
• C++ Essentials
• Cybersecurity Lab
• Algorithms & Complexity
• Probabilistic Performance analysis of Computer Systems
• Introduction to Computer Architecture
• Computer Science & Engineering Design Project I & II
• Electrical Circuits
Students then choose one of several concentration pathways to specialize their studies. Each concentration requires students to complete 12 additional credit hours:
• Algorithms and Theory: Focus on advanced algorithms, complexity analysis, and theoretical foundations.
• Systems and Networks: Delve deeper into computer networks, operating systems, and distributed systems design and implementation.
• Cyber Security: Equip yourself to address security challenges through courses in network security, cryptography, intrusion detection, and ethical hacking.
• Bioinformatics: Apply computational tools and methods to biological and genomic data analysis.
• Software Design and Development: Focus on software engineering practices, design principles, and software development processes.
• Software Design for Mobile Computing: Specializes in mobile app development for various operating systems using relevant platforms and frameworks.
• Unspecialized: Customize your studies by selecting electives in different areas to explore diverse aspects of computer science and engineering.
• Individually Designed: Tailor the curriculum based on your interests with advisor guidance and department committee approval, potentially incorporating courses outside of computer science.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the individual courses. They may include:

• Exams:
Mid-term and final examinations to test knowledge and comprehension of core concepts.
• Labs and Practical Projects:
Implement theoretical concepts through practical exercises and coding assignments.
• Research Papers and Assignments:
Demonstrate research and analytical skills through in-depth assignments and written work.
• Presentations:
Communicate findings and solutions effectively to peers and instructors through oral presentations.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

Instructors employ various teaching methodologies to cater to different learning preferences and maximize knowledge acquisition. These methods include:

• Lectures: Present key information and explain complex topics in an interactive manner, encouraging student engagement and participation.
• Seminars and Discussions: Foster deeper understanding and critical analysis through class discussions, debates, and collaborative group work.
• Laboratory Sessions: Equip students with hands-on practical skills through guided exercises, programming projects, and real-world simulations.
• Case Studies and Problem-solving: Analyze and address real-life challenges in the field, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Faculty:

The program boasts experienced and highly qualified faculty with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. These accomplished individuals bring real-world industry and research experience into the classroom, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment.

Unique Approaches:

• Capstone Design Project: The final year involves a challenging and comprehensive capstone project where students work in teams to tackle a real-world engineering problem.
This experience allows them to integrate all their knowledge and skills into a cohesive and practical application.
• Industry Collaboration: The department fosters strong industry partnerships, providing opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and guest speaker sessions with professionals from leading tech companies.

Careers:

Potential career paths for BSE graduates:

• Software Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Software Architect
• Network Engineer
• Database administrator
• Security Engineer
• Data scientist
• Bioinformatics specialist
• Research scientist
• Entrepreneur

Other:

Accreditation

The BSE program holds accreditation by both Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, signifying the program's high quality and rigorous standards.

Conclusion:

The University of Connecticut's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering provides a strong foundation and diverse pathways for students seeking to excel within the exciting and rapidly evolving field of computer science and its applications.