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Computer Information Sciences Department
(CIS) |
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Introduction |
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The Department
of Computer and Information Sciences at PSCW offers two
undergraduate programs: Computer Science (CS) and Information
Systems (IS). The expected duration of each program is four
years. Entry into these two programs is possible only after the
successful completion of the courses in the
preparatory
year program.
The main goal of the orientation year is to improve the
student’s oral and written experience in the English language,
to strengthen the student’s mathematical skills and to introduce
the student to basic computer knowledge and operation.
The Computer Science and Information Systems programs were
developed taking into account the needs of the local community,
the interdisciplinary nature of the subjects and the
breath-taking speed of development in these fields. In addition
the contents and structures of many programs in the United
States, Canada and the UK are taken into account, as well as the
recommendations of leading international bodies such as: |
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Association for Computer Machinery (ACM). |
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Association of Information Systems (AIS). |
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Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). |
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Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC). |
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). |
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The two programs
ensure the scientific study of each subject area. They enable
the student to acquire the necessary professional skills in his
chosen subject. Within the framework of the degree courses, the
student is given the freedom to design his own tailor-made study
program in a specific area of his chosen major. The program also
allows the student to follow a more general approach within his
major. |
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Department Mission |
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As a participant
in the academic mission of the PSCW, the Department of Computer
and Information Sciences is committed to producing a distinctive
class of high-quality graduates. These graduates will possess a
sound academic background in the fundamental and necessary
skills, which will enable them to solve contemporary societal
problems of an interdisciplinary nature and to disseminate the
acquired knowledge to others in order to improve computer
education and practice.
The department is additionally committed to fostering
intellectual excellence, emphasizing knowledge that is relevant
to technology and the community and society at large, upholding
high ethical standards and preparing the student for a
fulfilling career in industry, government, academia and for
advanced graduate studies. A student in the department can
therefore look forward professionally to employment in an
industrial or financial firm, a governmental agency, or a
secondary college, or a university. |
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Admission to
the Department |
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Admission into
the Department of Computer and Information Sciences depends on, |
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Academic Majors |
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Only
students who have successfully completed the
Preparatory Year Program will be allowed
to enroll in the freshman courses .The duration of the
PYP is one academic year - nine months. It is divided into two
semesters. |
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The computer information sciences
department offers the following undergraduate academic majors: |
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1. |
COMPUTER SCIENCE
(CS) |
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2. |
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(IS) |
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1. B.S.
in Computer Science (CS) |
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Introduction
Computer science (CS) is a rapidly changing field. The ideas and
research results emanating from it are swiftly transformed into
practice. Thus the program in computer science offers not only
technical instruction on the frontier of new developments but
also provides students with a broad education that covers the
core areas of computer science. This ensures a foundation for
continued and sustainable career growth in the computing
profession for our students.
This curriculum in Computer Science is deliberately oriented
towards giving the students education in the broad area of
computer science from which the student can acquire the
necessary skills and experience needed to solve real-world
practical problems. In addition, students are given the freedom
to create their own computer science study program in either
breadth or depth so as to enable them to pursue their strengths
and interests depending upon their future career plans. In our
attempt to produce students who are self-reliant, self-learning,
and creative, all our elective courses have been designed
without scheduled tutorial classes. The curriculum places strong
emphasis on practical skills in computer programming, problem
solving, abstraction and modeling, and the design and
development of software and algorithms. Consequently most of the
courses are complemented by practical exercises which, (except
for some first-year courses which have closed labs), are done on
an unscheduled basis.
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Objectives
This curriculum has been designed to be academically strong and
flexible to allow the student to pursue either breadth or depth
in all aspects of computer science during the course of his
study, depending on his interests and future career or plans.
The main objective of the course is therefore to prepare
graduates for a fulfilling career in computer science. Hence,
the objectives are to develop in students:
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Communication skills, ability to
learn and ability to work individually or within teams. |
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A knowledge of
the humanities and social sciences, computer-related mathematics
and physical sciences. |
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Algorithmic reasoning and
development methodologies. |
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An understanding
of the underlying concepts of computer hardware and computer
software systems, database management and how computers interact
with users and the rest of society. |
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The curriculum covers more abstract fields in artificial
intelligence and the theoretical framework of computer science.
Moreover, without some sort of exposure to real-life work
experience, students will not be fully prepared to fit into the
work environment in the Kingdom. Therefore, one of the
objectives of the program is to provide students with an
opportunity to gain practical experience before graduation.
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Career Opportunities
The rapid growth and widespread acceptance of computing science
in public, private and corporate business areas has led to new
and interesting opportunities for graduates in computer science.
Job opportunities are plentiful and salaries are generally high.
Many graduates in computer science can have career growth into
positions such as:
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Software engineers. |
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Systems analysts / programmers. |
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Project leaders. |
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Marketers of computer software or
hardware. |
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Database/network administrators. |
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Establishing
their own firms, or going on to complete second degrees to
pursue research and / or teaching careers. |
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Graduation Requirements:
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The Department
of Computer and Information Sciences offers a flexible
curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in
Computer Science. Students seeking a degree in this field are
required to take a minimum of 134 semester hours from the
framework of courses that is prescribed by the department
see the table below. The
expected duration of the program is
eight semesters.
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Courses |
Credits |
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University Requirements
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40 |
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Department Requirements
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44 |
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Program Requirements
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50 |
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Total
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134 |
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2. B.S. in
Information Systems (IS) |
Introduction
The Information Systems (IS) specialization is one of
two programs offered by the Department of Computer and
Information Sciences at PSCW . This program offers a
Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems. The
main goal of the IS program is to produce college
graduates who are capable of excelling in the
information systems department, or other functional
departments, of a business or government organization.
The graduating student’s background knowledge will
include the technical, business and communication skills
necessary to succeed in the professional world. Program
concentration will be on the development of theoretical
and technical knowledge which will provide the student
with the capabilities to conduct information systems
analysis, design and development through the use of
modern development tools. The graduate’s business
background will provide the basic business knowledge
that enables the understanding of the daily operations
of a business organization and hence the organization’s
appropriate needs for information systems. Communication
skills will develop the student’s ability to effectively
communicate and negotiate with the different entities of
the business organization and the community. |
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Objectives
The objectives of this program are: |
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To
provide basic education in the field of information
systems through formal instruction and practical
training in order to develop a real understanding of
information technology and the organizational system. |
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To
develop the student’s interpersonal and communication
skills |
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To
develop the student’s ability to work individually and
as a team member, |
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To teach
the fundamental skills and tools required for the
design, development, integration and management of
information systems. |
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Career Opportunities
Types of positions that the IS graduate can hold
include: |
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Programmer |
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Systems
/ business / database analyst. |
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Software
engineer. |
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Applications developer and network administrator. |
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Pursuing
higher education in information systems, information
technology, operations research, computer science, or
business administration. |
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Setting
up a consulting firm. |
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Graduation Requirements: |
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The
Department of Computer and Information Sciences offers a
flexible curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Science
degree in Computer Science. Students seeking a degree in
this field are required to take a minimum of 134
semester hours from the framework of courses that is
prescribed by the department
see the
table below. The expected duration of
the program is
eight semesters.
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Courses |
Credits |
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University Requirements
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40 |
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Department Requirements
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44 |
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Program Requirements
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50 |
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Total
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134 |
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