computer science
INTRODUCTION
In the past few decades, advances in information technology (IT) have driven revolutionary changes in the ways we work, learn, and communicate. These advances have resulted in computer science education becoming part our educational system. As the use of information technology grows in the 21st century in developed and developing countries, computer science education is vital in the educational system in African countries. Africa University has the potential and the resources to become one of the leading universities on the continent with a strong computer science program.
Upon assessing the infrastructure, space and lab equipment, it is clear that Africa University has adequate resources to start a degree program in computer science. The existing infrastructure and resources, compared to those of other institutions, currently offering a degree program in computer science in Zimbabwe, puts Africa University in a far better position to introduce computer science in its curriculum.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAM
In the fall of 1998, a Joint Task Force was established by the Computer Society of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE-CS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to undertake a major review of curriculum guidelines for undergraduate programs in computing. Due to the dramatic changes in computing over time which have had a profound effect on curriculum design and pedagogy, curriculum guidelines for four areas in computing have been developed. The four areas in which the reports have either been completed or are in their final stages of completion are: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Systems.
Based on resources and infrastructure, it is recommended that Africa University can now start a four-year degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Computer Science can run side-by-side the existing degree program in Computer Information System since most courses will be common to both programs. The current emphasis on excellence in undergraduate teaching and advising in the Computer Information System program should not change. It is anticipated that adding a degree program in Computer Science will rather have a positive effect on the computer science education at Africa University by increasing opportunities for its students and at the same time attracting more students. In addition to a major in Computer Science, a minor in Computer Science may also be offered as a sub-program for students majoring in other disciplines. The rapid development in the field of information technology (IT) has made it one of the pivotal sectors in our society, the functions of which are increasingly based on IT systems. IT is nowadays closely linked with the areas of business, administration, research and education, where computer skills are essential. In light of this, a minor in Computer Science should be open to all students from other disciplines who want to apply computer technology in their field of study.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum is based on “Computing Curricula 2001” – Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems”, designed and approved by the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), and updated in the “Computer Science Curriculum 2008”. This curriculum guideline outlines the requirements to be met by any institution that offers a degree in Computer Science at the undergraduate level.
The curriculum has three main components:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
4-Year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
The program will consist of three main components:
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science at Africa University is designed to produce computer-fluent professionals, up-to-date problem solvers equipped with experience in the use of real world industry standard development tools, who can write clearly, communicate efficiently, speak clearly in public, and function well in a team environment.
Goals and Objectives
In successfully completing a major in Computer Science, a student should be able:
To be admitted into the Bachelor of Science – Computer Science program, a candidate must first meet the general University admission requirements as described in the University Handbook. In addition, a candidate must possess:
3. Equivalent qualifications for admission into a University in the candidate’s home country.
Prior knowledge of computing is not a prerequisite; however, preference will be given to candidates with Advanced Level passes or its equivalent in Mathematics and business or science related subjects. In addition, candidates must possess high analytical and logical thinking skills.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements for a Major
To be awarded a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, the student must:
a) Meet all the graduation requirements set out in the General Academic Regulations.
b) Successfully complete all required courses in the program.
c) Obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Requirements for a Minor
For a minor in B. Sc. Computer Science, a student must complete at least 21 credit hours of CIS courses, including CIS102, CIS201, CIS202, and CIS302.
Requirements for Honours Program
To be admitted into the Honours Program, a student must:
a) Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.20 or higher at the end of second year.
b) Meet the requirements for Honours Program set out in the General Academic Regulations.
c) Carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Internship/Industrial Attachment
Students must complete a year-long industrial attachment during the second semester of their third year and first semester of their fourth year of study. This practical on-site work experience provides the student the opportunity to gain industrial experience before they graduate. Assessment of a student’s performance will be based on performance evaluation by the student’s immediate supervisor and a comprehensive report by the student.
In the past few decades, advances in information technology (IT) have driven revolutionary changes in the ways we work, learn, and communicate. These advances have resulted in computer science education becoming part our educational system. As the use of information technology grows in the 21st century in developed and developing countries, computer science education is vital in the educational system in African countries. Africa University has the potential and the resources to become one of the leading universities on the continent with a strong computer science program.
Upon assessing the infrastructure, space and lab equipment, it is clear that Africa University has adequate resources to start a degree program in computer science. The existing infrastructure and resources, compared to those of other institutions, currently offering a degree program in computer science in Zimbabwe, puts Africa University in a far better position to introduce computer science in its curriculum.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAM
In the fall of 1998, a Joint Task Force was established by the Computer Society of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE-CS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to undertake a major review of curriculum guidelines for undergraduate programs in computing. Due to the dramatic changes in computing over time which have had a profound effect on curriculum design and pedagogy, curriculum guidelines for four areas in computing have been developed. The four areas in which the reports have either been completed or are in their final stages of completion are: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Systems.
Based on resources and infrastructure, it is recommended that Africa University can now start a four-year degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Computer Science can run side-by-side the existing degree program in Computer Information System since most courses will be common to both programs. The current emphasis on excellence in undergraduate teaching and advising in the Computer Information System program should not change. It is anticipated that adding a degree program in Computer Science will rather have a positive effect on the computer science education at Africa University by increasing opportunities for its students and at the same time attracting more students. In addition to a major in Computer Science, a minor in Computer Science may also be offered as a sub-program for students majoring in other disciplines. The rapid development in the field of information technology (IT) has made it one of the pivotal sectors in our society, the functions of which are increasingly based on IT systems. IT is nowadays closely linked with the areas of business, administration, research and education, where computer skills are essential. In light of this, a minor in Computer Science should be open to all students from other disciplines who want to apply computer technology in their field of study.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum is based on “Computing Curricula 2001” – Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems”, designed and approved by the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), and updated in the “Computer Science Curriculum 2008”. This curriculum guideline outlines the requirements to be met by any institution that offers a degree in Computer Science at the undergraduate level.
The curriculum has three main components:
- Campus-Wide Courses: In addition to technical expertise, IT professionals are expected to be critical thinkers with good writing and communication skills.
- Computer Science Courses. The computer science component of the Computer Science program will focus on five areas: Software Engineering, Programming, Database Development and Administration, Systems Administration, and Network Administration and Security.
- Elective Courses: This component covers courses in mathematics, business and administration, sciences, and social sciences.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
4-Year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
The program will consist of three main components:
- General Education (University-wide) courses.
- Computer Science courses.
- Mathematics, Business and Administration, Sciences, and Social Sciences courses.
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science at Africa University is designed to produce computer-fluent professionals, up-to-date problem solvers equipped with experience in the use of real world industry standard development tools, who can write clearly, communicate efficiently, speak clearly in public, and function well in a team environment.
Goals and Objectives
In successfully completing a major in Computer Science, a student should be able:
- To apply both traditional and new concepts and skills in computer sciences to solve problems.
- To design and implement applications that enhances organizational performance.
- To model and organize processes and data, define and implement technical and process solutions, manage projects and integrate systems.
- To apply computer science concepts and knowledge in helping individuals, groups, and organizations achieve their goals.
- Exhibit strong ethical principles and have good interpersonal communication and team skills.
To be admitted into the Bachelor of Science – Computer Science program, a candidate must first meet the general University admission requirements as described in the University Handbook. In addition, a candidate must possess:
- At least five credit passes in the GCE Ordinary Level subjects including Mathematics and English Language (or French or Portuguese for non-English speakers).
- At least two Advanced Level passes or equivalent.
3. Equivalent qualifications for admission into a University in the candidate’s home country.
Prior knowledge of computing is not a prerequisite; however, preference will be given to candidates with Advanced Level passes or its equivalent in Mathematics and business or science related subjects. In addition, candidates must possess high analytical and logical thinking skills.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements for a Major
To be awarded a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, the student must:
a) Meet all the graduation requirements set out in the General Academic Regulations.
b) Successfully complete all required courses in the program.
c) Obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Requirements for a Minor
For a minor in B. Sc. Computer Science, a student must complete at least 21 credit hours of CIS courses, including CIS102, CIS201, CIS202, and CIS302.
Requirements for Honours Program
To be admitted into the Honours Program, a student must:
a) Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.20 or higher at the end of second year.
b) Meet the requirements for Honours Program set out in the General Academic Regulations.
c) Carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Internship/Industrial Attachment
Students must complete a year-long industrial attachment during the second semester of their third year and first semester of their fourth year of study. This practical on-site work experience provides the student the opportunity to gain industrial experience before they graduate. Assessment of a student’s performance will be based on performance evaluation by the student’s immediate supervisor and a comprehensive report by the student.
required courses for the 4-year b.sc computer science program
(University-wide) courses
Credit hours
HCS 101 and 102 Communication Skills 6
TEV 200 Ethics and Christian Values 2
HAS 100African Studies 3
HSL 111 English as Second Language, or
French for beginners, or
Portuguese for beginners 6
Introduction to Information Technology 2
20 credit hours
Computer Science Courses
Credit hours
CSC 100 Problem Solving Techniques 3
CSC 101 Discrete Structures 3
CIS 102 Microcomputer Applications 3
CIS 201 Computers and Society 3
CIS 202 Programming I 3
CIS 203 Programming II 3
CIS 204 Electronic Business 3
CSC 211 Operating Systems 3
CIS 301 Database Systems 3
CIS 302 Computer Hardware Concepts 3
CIS 303 Networks and Communications 3
FMA 301 Internship/Industrial Attachment 15
CSC310 Intermediate Programming 3
CSC 401 Software Engineering I 3
CSC 402 Project Management and Practice 3
CSC 403 Web Application Development 3
CSC 404 Capstone Project 4
CSC410 Systems Administration 3
CSC 411 Algorithms and Data Structures 3
CSC 412 Advanced Database Systems 3
CSC 413 Software Engineering II 3
76 Credit hours
Mathematics Courses
Credit hours
Calculus 3
Discrete Mathematics 3
Algebra 3
9 credit hours
Elective Courses 21 credit hours
Credit hours
HCS 101 and 102 Communication Skills 6
TEV 200 Ethics and Christian Values 2
HAS 100African Studies 3
HSL 111 English as Second Language, or
French for beginners, or
Portuguese for beginners 6
Introduction to Information Technology 2
20 credit hours
Computer Science Courses
Credit hours
CSC 100 Problem Solving Techniques 3
CSC 101 Discrete Structures 3
CIS 102 Microcomputer Applications 3
CIS 201 Computers and Society 3
CIS 202 Programming I 3
CIS 203 Programming II 3
CIS 204 Electronic Business 3
CSC 211 Operating Systems 3
CIS 301 Database Systems 3
CIS 302 Computer Hardware Concepts 3
CIS 303 Networks and Communications 3
FMA 301 Internship/Industrial Attachment 15
CSC310 Intermediate Programming 3
CSC 401 Software Engineering I 3
CSC 402 Project Management and Practice 3
CSC 403 Web Application Development 3
CSC 404 Capstone Project 4
CSC410 Systems Administration 3
CSC 411 Algorithms and Data Structures 3
CSC 412 Advanced Database Systems 3
CSC 413 Software Engineering II 3
76 Credit hours
Mathematics Courses
Credit hours
Calculus 3
Discrete Mathematics 3
Algebra 3
9 credit hours
Elective Courses 21 credit hours