Computer Science

Minor in Computer Science

Note: The Minor in Computer Science is currently under revision, to account for new courses being introduced in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Please see a computer science professor to discuss your course plans to prepare for the new minor requirements. 

The Minor in Computer Science consists of six courses, distributed as follows.

1. Introductory Programming: one of

2. Data Structures

3. Discrete Mathematics

4. Two of the following five courses:

5. One additional elective listed in Requirement 4, or an approved independent study or seminar at the 300- or 400-level.

Courses taken Pass/Fail at Davidson College may not count toward the minor in Computer Science.  A grade of C or higher is required in all courses applied toward the minor.

Computer Science Courses

The 100-level courses are introductory and are open to students with no prior coursework in Computer Science.  The 200-level courses are either intermediate courses in fundamental Computer Science, or interdisciplinary introductory programming courses.  The 300-level courses cover more advanced fundamental topics in Computer Science, and typically require one or more 200-level courses as prerequisites.  The 400-level courses involve advanced topics.
 

• CSC 108 - Explorations in Computer Science
• CSC 121 - Programming and Problem Solving
• CSC 200 - Computational Physics (= PHY 200)
• CSC 209 - Bioinformatics Programming (= BIO 209)
• CSC 220 - Discrete Structures (= MAT 220)
• CSC 221 - Data Structures
• CSC 250 - Computer Organization
• CSC 315 - Numerical Analysis (= MAT 315)
• CSC 321 - Analysis of Algorithms
• CSC 322 - Programming Languages
• CSC 324 - Theory of Computation
• CSC 361 - Computer Graphics
• CSC 362 - Data Visualization
• CSC 370 - Artificial Intelligence
• CSC 371 - Machine Learning
• CSC 381 - Seminar
• CSC 395 - Independent Study
• CSC 396 - Independent Study
• CSC 397 - Independent Study in Advanced Software Development in Science (= PHY 397)
• CSC 481 - Seminar
• CSC 495 - Independent Study

Graduate School

Students considering graduate school in Computer Science should include MAT 150 and 220, and CSC 321, 322, and 324 in their coursework, as well as a selection of additional Computer Science electives drawn from CSC 315, 361, 370, and other courses. Note: new courses are planned in the near future; please see any faculty member in Computer Science for additional guidance. Students should also seek opportunities to engage in research and compete in programming contests.  The Graduate Record Examination should be taken during the fall semester of the senior year.