Natural Science Clusters in Computer Sciences

The Rochester curriculum includes clusters of three related courses in a discipline. Computer Science currently offers many such clusters. All courses in the college fall into the categories of Natural Science, Humanities, and Social Science. If your major is Computer Science (Natural Science), you will need a 3-course cluster in both the Humanities and Social Science areas. If you need a Natural Science cluster, the following CSC clusters will help you fulfill this requirement.  New CS clusters are  created frequently.  Current clusters are listed below and in the Computer Science Undergraduate Handbook.

  • Foundations of Computer Science (N4CSC001): CSC 171, CSC 172, CSC 173. This is the main course sequence leading into the Computer Science B.S. degree. It provides a thorough overview of foundational computer science techniques and issues. Prerequisite: none.
  • Computer Systems (N4CSC004): Either CSC 171 or CSC 173, plus CSC 172 and CSC 252. Covers the internal organization of computers and its relation to recent computer hardware 13 developments as well as to classical topics in computer software such as compilers and operating systems.
  • Business Computing (N4CSC002): CSC 108 is required; Choose one: (CIS 215 or CSC 225); and choose one: (CSC 161, CSC 170 or CSC 171). An introduction to software packages, computing, and computerized business systems analysis. The mixture of programming skills and powerful analysis packages like EXCEL is a strong foundation for serious applications.
  • Computer Science and Art (N4CSC009): Choose one: (CSC108, CSC131); choose one: (CSC166, CSC198 (Console Game Programming), or CSC198 (Computational Models of Music)), and also choose one: (CSC161, CSC170 or CSC171). This cluster introduces students to the use of computers in visual art and music.
  • Computing for the Social Sciences (N4CSC010): Choose one: (CSC108, CSC199, CSC190B), and choose one: (CSC161, CSC170, CSC171) and choose one (PSC200, PSC201, STT211, STT212, STT213). This cluster introduces students to powerful software packages and fundamentals of computer programming. There is a special emphasis on computation done in the context of the social sciences. Algorithms (N4CSC011): Choose one: (MTH150, MTH162 or MTH172Q) and choose one: (CSC161, CSC171, CSC 160) and choose one: (CSC 281, CSC 282). Emphasizes algorithmic thought, use of data structures and the design and analysis of efficient algorithms, including cryptography.
  • Human Computer Interaction (N4CSC013): Required: Human Computer Interaction (CSC212 or the old number of CSC290): Choose Two of the following: (CSC161, CSC171, CSC170, or CSC210). This cluster teaches the program and design tools for Human Computer Interaction. Computer Graphics (N4CSC014): Required: CSC108; Choose two (CSC131, CSC166/EAS106, CSC298). Teaches the use of modern computational systems as a tool for creative artistic expression. Focuses on 3D computer graphics and animation techniques. Suitable for students with an interest in creating animated video or interaction digital media (computer games).
  • Computational Problem Solving (N4CSC015): CSC 108; either CSC 161 or CSC171; CSC 172. An introduction to problem solving through standard computer applications and computer programming. Suitable for students in a wide variety of disciplines.
  • Management of Data (N4CSC016): Choose one: (CSC 161 or CSC171); Required: CSC172; choose one: (CSC 29X Intro to Database Systems, CIS 215 or CIS 225). Computer programming and software packages with an emphasis on the application of databases and information systems to problems in business and commerce.