2011-2012 Bulletin – PDF - SEAS Bulletin - Columbia University

computer science: Third and Fourth Years
111
Semester V Semester VI Semester VII Semester VIII
Required
Courses
COMS W3251 (3)
Computational lin. algebra
COMS W3261 (3)
Computer sci. theory
CSEE W3827 (3)
Fund. of computer sys.
SIEO W4150 (3)
or
SIEO W3600 (4)
Prob. and stat.
ELECTIVES
nonTech 3 points 6 points 3 points
Tech 3 points 6 points 12 points 9 points
total points 15 15–16 15 9
The primary programming languages for the undergraduate major are C and Java, and students are expected to learn both at an early stage. The language for COMS
W1004/W1007/W3137 is Java. COMS W1004 is waived for students who have scored 4 or 5 on the AP computer science exam.
of Doctor of Philosophy. Both the
Aptitude Test and Advanced Tests
of the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE) are required for admission to
the department’s graduate programs.
Applicants for September admission
should take the GREs by October of the
preceding year. Applicants for January
admission should take these exams by
April of the preceding year.
The course requirements in all
programs are flexible, and each student
is urged to design his or her own
program under the guidance of a faculty
adviser. The student’s program should
focus on a particular field of computer
science. Among the fields of graduate
study in computer science are analysis
of algorithms, artificial intelligence,
expert systems, natural language
understanding, computer vision,
multicomputer design, VLSI applications,
combinatorial modeling, combinatorial
optimization, computational complexity,
computer architecture and design,
computer communications networks,
computer graphics, database machines
and systems, microprocessors,
parallel computation, programming
environments, programming languages,
robotics, user interfaces, software
design, computational biology, computer
security, and machine learning.
Graduate students are encouraged
actively to pursue research. Faculty
members of the Department of
Computer Science are engaged in
experimental and theoretical research
in most of the fields in which courses
are offered. The degree of doctor of
philosophy requires a dissertation based
on the candidate’s original research,
which is supervised by a faculty member.
The professional degree program
also provides the student with the
opportunity to specialize beyond the
level of the Master of Science program.
The program leading to the degree
of Computer Systems Engineer is
particularly suited to those who wish to
advance their professional development
after a period of industrial employment.
Dual Degree Program in
Journalism and Computer
Science
The Graduate School of Journalism
and the School of Engineering
and Applied Science offer a dual
degree program leading to the M.S.
degree from the Graduate School of
Journalism and the M.S. degree in
Computer Science from the School of
Engineering and Applied Science.
Admitted students will enroll
for a total of five semesters—
approximately three in The Fu
Foundation School of Engineering
and Applied Science and two in the
Journalism School. In addition to
taking classes already offered at the
journalism and engineering schools,
students will attend a seminar and
workshop designed specifically for
the joint program. The seminar will
teach students about the impact of
digital techniques on journalism; the
emerging role of citizens in the news
process; the influence of social media;
and the changing business models
that will support newsgathering. In the
workshop, students will use a handson
approach to delve deeply into
information design, focusing on how
to build a site, section, or application
from concept to development,
ensuring the editorial goals are kept
uppermost in mind.
courses in computer
science
In the listing below, the designator
COMS (Computer Science) is
understood to precede all course
numbers for which no designator is
indicated. NOTE: Students may receive
credit for only one of the following three
courses: COMS W1003, W1004, and
W1005. Likewise students may receive
credit for only one of the following three
courses: COMS W3133, W3134, and
W3137.
engineering 2011–2012