Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Computing, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Computer Science with Concentration in Bioinformatics

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions (UWO#2) 
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline (UWO#2) 
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts (UWO#1) 
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles (UWO#8, 10) 
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline (UWO#1) 

Related Links

Computing - Computer Science Bioinformatics, BS Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements44-45
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements54
Bioinformatics Concentration Requirements18
Electives3-4

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
Select one of the following:3-4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Elementary Statistics I
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15-16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Physical and Natural Science Inquiry
Select one of the following:4
Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab
General Biology
and Introductory Biology Laboratory
CHEM 107
CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours44-45
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Core Courses
CPSC 130Introduction to Computing and Programming 13
CPSC 146Programming Principles 13
CPSC 207Shell Commands and Scripting 13
CPSC 300Challenges of Computer Technology 13
CPSC 311Discrete Computational Structures 13
CPSC 323Fundamentals of Database Systems 13
CPSC 423Computer Networks 13
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I 13
Subtotal24
Computer Science Core Courses
CPSC 236Selected Computer Languages (the student is required to take CPSC 236: Selected Languages: Python) 13
CPSC 246Advanced Programming Principles 13
CPSC 370Computer Organization and Architecture 13
CPSC 374Algorithms and Data Structures 13
CPSC 376Programming Language and Theory 13
CPSC 474Advanced Architecture & Parallel Computing 13
CPSC 476Artificial Intelligence 13
CPSC 488Software Engineering 13
Subtotal24
Computer Science Electives
Select one of the following:3
Advanced Web Programming 1
Mobile App Development for Smart Devices 1
Internet of Things (IoT) 1
Select one of the following:3
Data Mining and Data Analysis 1
Data Visualization 1
Internship 1
Introduction to Computer Graphics 1
Analysis of Algorithms
Topics in Computer Science: Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics 1
Subtotal6
Total Hours54
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Bioinformatics Concentration

CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I3
BIOL 325Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab3
BIOL 335Cell Biology3
BIOL 370Molecular Biology3
CPSC 342Introduction to Bioinformatics3
CPSC 415Advanced Bioinformatics3
Total Hours18

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (Learning Community, Capstone Course, Semester Projects)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Service Learning Courses
  4. Internships
  5. Volunteering (Summer Day Camps, Semester Workshops for K-12 students, Robot demos for visitors/local school districts)
  6. Industry Awareness Night

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

COMPUTING - BS (6420)
Concentration in Computer Science (642C)
​w/optional Concentration in Bioinformatics (644C)
This program is effective as of Summer 2024
Revised 01.02.2024
UCC 11.28.2023