Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

Transcription

1 Computer Science Program Educational Objectives Athens State University has a set of eight Institutional Goals and nine Learning Goals across all programs within the institution. This information is available to the general public on the Athens State University web site at INSTITUTIONAL GOALS IG1. To emphasize a student-centered approach to teaching, learning, and University life by expanding educational opportunities and social mobility through high quality instructional and student support services that are both accessible and affordable. IG2. To promote a sense of belonging that results in lifelong associations with the University. IG3. To foster and strengthen effective partnerships with educational, governmental, business, charitable, and civic organizations. IG4. To recruit and retain a diverse and highly qualified faculty and staff committed to excellence in all University pursuits. IG5. To encourage an atmosphere of diversity and to protect the free exchange of ideas. IG6. To maintain and improve University facilities and programs through public funds and philanthropic initiatives and to ensure effective stewardship of resources. IG7. To conduct University affairs in a manner that is transparent, deliberative, and ethical. IG8. To evaluate, support, and effectively utilize emerging technologies. LEARNING GOALS LG1. Global Understanding Graduates of Athens State University will understand human cultures, the natural world, and the connections of a global society in the 21st century. LG2. Effective Communication Graduates of Athens State University will read, write, speak, and listen effectively. LG3. Lifelong Learner Graduates of Athens State University will desire to learn for a lifetime. LG4. Intellectual and Practical Skills Graduates of Athens State University will think critically and creatively, independently and cooperatively, qualitatively and quantitatively. LG5. Ethical Responsibility Graduates of Athens State University will engage in moral and ethical reasoning and will be proactive in their efforts to build a more just world. LG6. Human Diversity Graduates of Athens State University will recognize and value human difference as well as understand how those differences enrich communities.

2 LG7. Digital Citizenship and Information Literacy Graduates of Athens State University will appropriately utilize and embrace emerging and relevant technologies and will demonstrate information literacy that will enhance their personal and professional lives. LG8. Civic Engagement Graduates of Athens State University will be prepared to participate effectively in civic, charitable, and governmental affairs. LG9. Disciplinary Knowledge Graduates of Athens State University will have an in-depth understanding of a discipline that will prepare them for careers or further studies, showing evidence of applying quality research to real situations. Computer Science Program Objectives at time of graduation The computer science program goals strive to: (1) enhance the student s knowledge of mathematics and computer science; (2) cultivate analytical and problem-solving skills; (3) instill an appreciation for ethical principles to face the challenges posed by the development and uses of new technology and advanced scientific inquiry; and (4) instruct students to communicate ideas clearly orally and in writing. The program goals are supported through five program objectives at time of graduation: PO1. Develop knowledge of fundamental core concepts of Computer Science and their applications, PO2. Develop analytical and problem-solving skills, PO3. Learn large-scale project development in a team development environment, PO4. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills, Computer Science Program Objectives: 2 3 years after graduation The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science produces graduates who: PO5. Are academically prepared to continue on to graduate study or advance in their workplace, PO6. Are skilled, competent, and capable of contributing to the workforce in their specialty, PO7. Use the background they have acquired from their study of a wide range of areas in computer science as a basis for continued self-motivated growth of their professional skills and knowledge, PO8. Model high ethical standards within the community and profession, PO9. Use teamwork skills effectively in the development of computer software systems. Departmental Student Outcomes Graduates of computer science programs must demonstrate fundamental competency in the core topics of computer science. Further, professionals in the field should embody a characteristic style of thinking and

3 problem solving promoted by the study of the field and professional practice. The Department of Mathematical, Computer, and Natural Sciences at Athens State University implements the following learning objectives for promoting our student s abilities in the field of computer science: SO1. Technical understanding of Computer Science Graduates of the Athens State University s Computer Science Program will have the necessary technical knowledge, education, and skills in breadth and depth to practice computer science in an industrial environment and/or be ready to successfully pursue graduate study or professional development. 1. Be prepared for one of the following: (a) to enter the workforce as an entry-level applied computer scientist, or (b) be accepted into a computer science graduate program. 2. Be recognized by their peers and superiors for their technical skills in the field of computing. 3. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of computing, mathematics, and business management to the task of designing, implementing, and evaluating a computer-based system or process. 4. Demonstrate programming proficiency in modern programming languages operating upon multiple industryaccepted hardware and software platforms. SO2. Familiarity with common themes and principles Graduates of our program understand that the recurring themes of abstraction, complexity, and evolutionary change have broad application to the field of computer science. 1. Be able to use current techniques, skills and tools to analyze problems and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. 2. Demonstrate an ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program capable of solving problems. SO3. Appreciation of the interplay between theory and practice A fundamental aspect of computer science is understanding the interplay between theory and practice and the essential links between them. Graduates of our program understand how theory and practice influence each other. 1. Have gained a solid foundation in algorithms, systems, and software.

4 2. Have been exposed to multiple sub-disciplines of computer science and be capable of specializing in one or more of these sub-disciplines in either industry or academia. SO4. System-level perspective and problem solving skills Graduates of a computer science program need to think at multiple levels of detail and abstraction. Our graduates understand how to apply the knowledge they have gained to solve real problems, not just write code and move bits. 1. Demonstrate the ability to recognize the context in which a computer system may function including how such a system may interact with people and the physical world. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the implementation details of the components required to build complex computing systems. 3. Demonstrate an appreciation for the structure of computer systems and the processes involved in their construction and analysis. 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze multiple solutions to a given problem and that selecting among these solutions is not a purely technical activity, as these solutions will have a real impact on people s lives. SO5. Communication and organizational skills Graduates of the Computer Science program of Athens State University are able to communicate solution of real-world problems to others, including why and how a solution solves the problem and what assumptions were made. 1. Show they can successfully apply the knowledge they have gained through participation in a large-scale, integrative project of substantial size and scope. This project will reveal the student s interpersonal communication skills as well as technical ability. 2. Demonstrate the ability to make effective presentations to a range of audiences about technical problems and their solutions. This may involve face-to-face, written, or electronic communication. 3. Be prepared to work effectively as members of teams, including managing time, priorities, and progress. SO6. Commitment to life-long learning and professional responsibility The computing field advances at a rapid pace, and graduates must possess a solid foundation that allows and encourages them to maintain relevant skills as the field evolves. Therefore, our graduates realize that they must continue to learn and adapt their skills throughout their careers. They understand their individual and collective responsibility and the possible consequences of failure. They must understand their own limitations as well as the limitations of their tools.

5 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of computers in society. 2. Demonstrate an awareness of the key ethical issues affecting computer science and their responsibilities as computer science professionals. Relationship of ABET Student Outcomes to Departmental Student Outcomes Athens State ABET Outcome University Program Objective and Student Outcome a. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics SO1, SO3, SO4 appropriate to the program s student outcomes and to the discipline b. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the SO1, SO3, SO4 computing requirements appropriate to its solution c. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based SO1, SO3, SO4, SO5 system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs d. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common SO5 goal e. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social SO4, SO6 issues and responsibilities f. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences SO5 g. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on SO2, SO3, SO4 individuals, organizations, and society h. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing SO2, SO6 professional development i. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for SO1, SO2, SO3, SO4 computing practice j. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic SO1, SO2 principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices. k. An ability to apply design and development principles in the SO1, SO2, SO3, SO4 construction of software systems of varying complexity