Computer Science
Overview
Computers have transformed our world technologically, economically, and socially. Although computer science has its roots in mathematics, the use of computers increasingly informs almost every academic discipline. At Occidental College, the study of Computer Science emphasizes an understanding not only of the process of computing but also of the promise and limitations of computers within an intellectual, societal, and ethical framework. A minor in Computer Science can help prepare students for a variety of opportunities for subsequent employment or graduate work. Moreover, the minor can provide students with models of problem solving and theoretical constructs that can shed light on human intelligence and the workings of the mind.
Minor Requirements
COURSEWORK
The requirements for the minor consist of three core courses, two computer science electives, and one interdisciplinary elective.
Core Courses
This requirement may be satisfied by either COMP 127 or COMP 131, and COMP 229, and MATH 210, for a total of 12 units. The goal of these courses is to provide students with beginning experience, both practical and theoretical, to continue in computer science.
Two Elective Courses
This requirement can be fulfilled by any two courses below. The goal of these courses is for students to acquire depth in particular areas of computer science.
One Interdisciplinary Elective Course
Choose one of the following. Note that these courses may have additional prerequisites not listed here.
RELATED COURSES
Additional mathematics courses relevant to computer science include MATH 150, MATH 320, MATH 322, MATH 350, and MATH 380.
Computer Science Placement
Advanced placement is available to students with qualifying scores on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations in Computer Science. Those scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Examination may enroll in COMP 229 without the COMP 127 and COMP 131 prerequisites.
Courses
Computer Science Courses
Faculty
Regular Faculty
Eric Sundberg
Associate Professor, Mathematics
A.B., Occidental College; Ph.D., Rutgers University
Justin Li
Assistant Professor, Cognitive Science
PhD, University of Michigan
Jeffrey Miller
Full Time Non Tenure Track Assistant Professor
B.S. UC Davis; M.A., Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara
Advisory Committee
Scott Bogue
Associate Dean for Research; Professor, Geology
A.B., Brown University; Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz
Ron Buckmire
Professor, Mathematics
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Jeffrey Cannon
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
B.A. Occidental College; Ph.D. University of California, Irvine
Carmel Levitan
Associate Professor, Cognitive Science; Advisory Committee, Neuroscience
B.A., Stanford University; Ph.D., UC Berkeley
Janet Scheel
Associate Professor, Physics
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana; M.A., M.S., Cornell University; Ph.D., Caltech
Alec Schramm
Professor, Physics
B.A., Cornell University; M.A., Ph.D., Duke University
Amanda Zellmer
Assistant Professor, Biology
B.S. University of Wisconsin, PhD University of Michigan