Learning Goals in the Computer Science Major
A computer science major at Connecticut College will enter a variety of learning environments and gain an understanding of the discipline through courses, independent research, colloquia, workshops, internships, and seminars.
Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to solve problems and think independently as well as understand the role of computer science in and amongst the liberal arts. Upon completing a challenging course of study, the student will be expected to possess a collection of broad characteristics and have acquired a specific set of capabilities and skills: cognitive capabilities and practical skills related to computer science and additional transferable skills of a general nature that are applicable in many other contexts. The specific capabilities and skills are listed below.
Cognitive Capabilities and Skills Relating to Computer Science
- Knowledge and Understanding. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to computer science and software applications; be able to incorporate technical results into that knowledge and understanding.
- Modeling. Use such knowledge and understanding in the modeling and design of computerbased systems in a way that demonstrates understanding of the requirements, comprehension of the tradeoff involved in design choices, and awareness of critical evaluation and testing.
- Professional Responsibility. Recognize and be guided by the social, professional, and ethical issues involved in the use of computer technology.
- Liberal Arts. Understand the discipline of computer science as a liberal art and actively engage in exploring its connections to other disciplines.
Practical Capabilities and Skills Relating to Computer Science
- Problem-solving. Use appropriate theory, practices, and tools to specify, design, implement, test, and evaluate systems to solve problems in computer science and other fields.
- Applications. Understand applications of computer science in a range of fields.
- Tools and Operation. Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of software and be able to operate computing equipment and softwaresystems effectively.
- Research. Use computer science knowledge to conduct original research; read, understand, and produce technical papers.
Additional Transferable Skills
- Communication. Be able to make succinct presentations to a range of audiences about technical problems and their solutions.
- Teamwork. Be able to work effectively as a member of a development team.
- Numeracy. Be able to understand and explain the quantitative dimensions of a problem.
- Self Management. Manage one’s own learning and development, including time management and organizational skills.
- Professional Development. Keep abreast of current developments in the discipline in order to continue one’s own professional development.