Computing Curricula 2001

-- DRAFT (March 6, 2000) --

Chapter 13
Strategy and Tactics

Note: This chapter will consist of several sections that discuss issues that relate to the design and implementation of computing curricula but are not necessarily a part of it. At the moment, only the section on mathematics and science requirements is included. I expect that the final report will include additional sections on at least the following topics: Service courses Laboratories and hardware requirements Faculty and staff Accreditation issues Coordination with secondary school curricula Articulation issues for two-year colleges

Mathematics and science requirements

In terms of mathematics, the CC2001 Task Force recommends that all students be required to take a one-semester course in each of the following:

• Discrete mathematics. All students need exposure to the tools of discrete mathematics. The required concepts are detailed in the description of the Discrete Structures (DS) knowledge area.

• Probability and statistics. All students should have some background in basic statistical techniques, focusing primarily on discrete probability with some coverage of mathematical expression and standard statistical measures (normal and Poisson), with an emphasis on the practical application of these techniques to problems that arise in the computing discipline.

• Additional mathematics. Students should take at least one additional course to develop mathematical sophistication, which might be in any of a number of areas including calculus, linear algebra, number theory, or symbolic logic. The choice may be dependent upon institutional or departmental requirements or individual student need for advanced courses in computer science.

For science, there is a need for a genuine exposure to the scientific method. We believe that any science requirement should allow substantial flexibility in terms of subject matter, but should include a lab component to provide actual experience with the scientific method.

CC2001 Report DRAFT -- March 6, 2000 This report is a working draft and does not carry any endorsement from the sponsoring organizations