Computer Science 641 Learning Outcomes

This page specifies the learning outcomes for the course.

General information about this course, including more traditionally presented objectives, and the course's syllabus are found on separate web pages.

The learning outcomes below are set for the computer science department as a whole, and the statements of these outcomes are quoted (or modified) from the department's learning outcomes document. The purpose of the following is to tie this course in with the department's document.

A.  Understand the basics of our discipline.

Each graduate should know:

A1.  "Fundamental principles of computing."

This will be assessed by asking students questions on homeworks and exams about fundamental principles of program analysis.

A2.  "Basic foundations of mathematics, statistics, and physical sciences."

This will be assessed by asking students questions on homeworks and exams about mathematics ideas used in the course program analysis.

A3.  "Design and implementation of programs."

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B.  "Develop proficiency in the practice of computing."

Each graduate should be able to:

B1.  "Formulate and solve problems in computing."

This will be assessed by having students solve analysis problems based on techniques (patterns) described in the course, mostly in homeworks. These are read carefully by the course staff, and graded. Open-book exams are also used.

B2.  "Understand design and performance requirements of software systems."

B3.  "Apply sound principles to the synthesis and analysis of computer systems."

This will be assessed by having students demonstrate how to apply the principles of program analysis, in both homeworks and open-book exams. These are read carefully by the course staff, and graded.

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C.  "Prepare for continued professional development."

Our students should:

C1.  "Engage in lifelong learning and expect to embrace change."

C2.  "Communicate effectively and think critically and creatively, both independently and with others."

This will be assessed by homework problems in which students must write a report on literature related to program analysis. These reports will be carefully read and graded by the staff. We will also have an oral final examination in the class to help assess this.

C3.  "Be aware of social and ethical issues of computers in society."

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Last modified Friday, January 6, 2006.

This web page is for the Spring 2006 offering of Com S 641 at Iowa State University. The details of this course are subject to change as experience dictates. You will be informed of any changes. Thanks to Curtis Clifton for help with these web pages. Please direct any comments or questions to Gary T. Leavens.