Computer Science

This concentration program is intended to provide students with a science degree based on the field of computer science. This discipline studies phenomena and concepts arising from the use of logic, mathematics, engineering, and other sciences in understanding and manipulating information. The courses in this program are intended to provide the student with a firm foundation in both hardware/architecture and software, as well as an understanding of a variety of applications of these fundamental ideas and techniques. Through a selection of advanced electives, students have the opportunity to explore in depth areas of special interest to them, such as artificial intelligence, distributed database systems, networks, compiler construction, software engineering, and operating systems. Students completing this concentration successfully will be in a good position to enter the workplace or continue on to graduate programs in computer science, computer engineering, business administration, law, or a variety of other disciplines which many of our graduates have already pursued.

Introduction to Computing Courses

CS 100 is an introductory class intended for students who plan to concentrate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. It is not a class for students who are looking for a good general introduction to computing.

Computer Science does offer two classes intended for non-concentrators: CS 181, Introduction to Computer Systems and CS 183, Elementary Programming Concepts. These classes are much more appropriate for entering LS&A students who plan on concentrating in areas other than Computer Science.

What should I take for my first computing course?

1. CS 181 - learn how to use basic computer software packages like word processors, spreadsheets, simple graphics, web browsers, and databases, etc. (not programming). Does not count for the computing requirement in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering - free elective only.
2. CS 183 - learn the fundamentals of C++ programming (including C programming). Usually taken by LS&A students who do not plan to concentrate in computer science (CS) or computer engineering (CE). Assumes no prior programming experience. Does not count for the computing requirement in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering - free elective only.
3. Engineering 101 - learn the fundamentals of C programming plus engineering applications of computing, including MATLAB. Usually taken by engineering students who do not plan to concentrate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. This course replaces the former Engineering 103, 104, 106, 107 courses. Assumes no prior programming experience.

   Note: This course is counted as non-LS&A credit. (There is a limit of 12 credits in the 120 required for an LS&A degree.)

4. CS 100 - recommended first course for those who intend to concentrate in electrical engineering, computer science or computer engineering. It assumes no prior programming experience. Half the course is devoted to computer hardware components and the second half to the basics of programming using C. If you take EECS/CS 183 or Engineering 101 and then decide later you want to be an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science concentrator, you can take a bridge course to pick up the hardware half of EECS/CS 100 for one credit; you do not have to take all of EECS/CS 100.
5. If you already have C experience and want to jump to the next programming course, you need to take the EECS/CS 100 bridge course (for Winter 1999 it is listed as EECS/CS 284 - Section 001), and then enroll in EECS/CS 280.

QUESTIONS?

If you are interested in becoming an Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering concentrator, contact the EECS Counseling Office at 763-2305, 3415 EECS Building.

If you are interested in becoming a Computer Science concentrator, contact the LS&A Academic Advising Center at 764-0332, 1255 Angell Hall.

If you are undecided about which of these three options to choose, please contact the College of Engineering Freshman Counseling Office at 647-7106, 1009 Lurie Engineering Center.

Questions about the concentration program in Computer Science should be addressed to:

Undergraduate Counseling Office

EECS Department
3415 EECS
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2122
telephone: (734) 763-2305
email: csdegree@umich.edu
web: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/cse/