Systems Track: 2011-2012 Requirements

• Systems Flow Chart
• Systems Overview Video (transcript)

Computers benefit almost every part of our lives -- from entertainment to cars to phones to medical devices. Computer systems engineers work with hardware and software to help application developers make these devices a reality. The Systems track emphasizes courses in:

• direct control of hardware through low-level software,

• the design and implementation of operating systems and programming languages,

• networking and performance analysis, and

• embedded system design.

Some of these courses are cross-listed with the courses from the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (ECE). The track, however, focuses on software design, while ECE has greater emphasis on circuits and electronics.

Computer systems engineers work in teams to develop the software for embedded devices and to interface computers with physical systems. Examples of artifacts that computer systems engineers create include

• novel user interfaces such as the Nintendo Wii remote;

• software for "smart phones" like the Apple iPhone or Palm Treo;

• operating and file systems for Digital Video Recorders, like the TiVo;

• navigation systems such as OnStar maps;

• supercomputers that are used to predict weather, design drugs, and simulate earthquakes and tidal waves; and

• robots that explore space, handle hazardous materials and accidents, and vacuum floors.

In addition to the degree requirements for all Computer Science majors, the Systems track has the following requirements specific to the track:

• Track Foundation

  All of the following courses are required:

  • CSCI 3753-4, Operating Systems.
  • CSCI 4273-3, Network Systems.
  • ECEN 2350-3, Digital Logic.

• Track Core

  Three courses selected from the following are required:

  • CSCI 3308-3, Software Engineering Methods and Tools.
  • CSCI 4229-3, Computer Graphics.
  • CSCI 4555-3, Compiler Construction.
  • CSCI 4593-3, Computer Organization.
  • CSCI 4753-3, Computer Performance Modeling.
  • ECEN 4613-3, Embedded System Design.

• Track Capstone

  One of the following options is required:

  • CSCI 4308-4 and CSCI 4318-4, Software Engineering Project 1 and Software Engineering Project 2.

    This sequence must be taken contiguously and may not be taken before the senior year. Prerequisites for Senior Project include the successful completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours of Computer Science Foundation, Track Foundation, Track Core and Computer Science Electives. See Senior Project for more information.

  • CSCI 4950-8, Senior Thesis.

    Senior Thesis may not be taken before the senior year. Prerequisites for Senior Thesis include the successful completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours of Computer Science Foundation, Track Foundation, Track Core and Computer Science Electives. See Senior Thesis for more information.

See the Systems Flow Chart for a quick overview of all degree requirements for the track.