SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

  • Biological Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Management
  • Environmental Science
  • Mathematical Science
  • Physics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Software Engineering
  • Statistics
  • Systems Engineering

The School of Science and Computer Engineering (SCE) offers high quality academic degrees consistent with the role of a regional public university. Plans within the school prepare graduates to enter fields in natural sciences, mathematics, computing and computer and software engineering. Individuals in the school's plans are expected to develop skills in problem solving, independent study and critical thinking, and to be able to adapt knowledge to new situations and to the benefit of society. Students in these plans attain a sense of professional values and ethics as well as knowledge and skills relevant to their specific subject area. This sense of professional responsibility is essential if society is to benefit from the interfaces with advanced technology and science.

The school supports research and development directed toward producing new knowledge and identifying additional applications of existing knowledge. Dissemination of scientific knowledge through publications and presentations is encouraged, as well as professional service to local, regional, national and international communities.

The School of Science and Computer Engineering has three divisions; the Division of Computing and Mathematics, the Division of Engineering and the Division of Natural Sciences. The faculty of each division aspires to a professional model that includes balance among the components of the SCE mission: teaching, research and service.

The Division Chair of Computing and Mathematics coordinates the plans in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences and Statistics. The undergraduate degree plans in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems are accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.

The Division Chair of Engineering coordinates the plans in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering and Engineering Management. Support areas include telecommunications, robotics, control systems, industrial modeling, mathematical modeling and petrochemical processes. The undergraduate degree plan in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.

The Division Chair of Natural Sciences coordinates the plans in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Physical Sciences. Sub-plans or specialization areas include physiology/pre-health, cell/molecular, ecology/microbiology, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental biology, industrial hygiene, safety and technical management. The Chemistry Program has complete accreditation from the American Chemical Society (ACS).

STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREES IN THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

ADMISSION INTO A DEGREE PLAN

Following admission to the university, students' transcript evaluations are forwarded to the Office of Student Advising. Some undergraduate plans and all graduate plans require that faculty admissions committees review the students' files and determine whether students will be accepted into degree plans. Students are notified of their admission status by the associate dean. Once accepted to a degree plan, students meet with academic advisers and faculty who assist students in completing a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS). The CPS delineates specific requirements of a study area and must be completed during the semester of acceptance into a degree plan.

In general, no more than 12 hours of course work for an undergraduate degree and 9 hours for a graduate degree taken at University of Houston-Clear Lake prior to completion of a CPS may be applied toward any degree in the school. These hours, along with the hours accumulated during the semester the CPS is being finalized, will be evaluated for acceptance by the faculty adviser and approved by the associate dean.

REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PLANS

Undergraduate students are required to satisfy the university undergraduate degree requirements described earlier in this catalog. Students pursuing bachelor of arts degrees or bachelor of science degrees must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours.

Courses noted on the CPS as academic core courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Some plans may require a grade of "C" or better in courses taken in the academic core.

STANDARDS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required of all students applying for admission to a graduate plan in the school. Computer Information Systems is the only plan that accepts Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) in lieu of the GRE. It is recommended that students who apply for admission to a graduate plan have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.000 (four point grade scale) on the last 60 hours of course work. GRE scores will be evaluated by the degree plan's admissions committee and will be used as one of the indicators of the applicant's potential for completion of the plan to which he/she has applied. Individual degree plans may specify additional qualifications (see individual plan descriptions).

All graduate degrees in the School of Science and Computer Engineering require 30-36 hours depending on specific plan requirements, a minimum of 30 hours must be graduate courses. No more than six hours of upper-level credit will be allowed in any master's degree. A maximum of six hours of Independent Study may be applied to any master's degree. A maximum of six hours of grades within the range of "C+," or "C" may be counted toward any graduate degree.

GRADUATE DEGREE OPTIONS

Thesis Option

Students selecting the thesis option must select a committee and submit a formal thesis proposal to the Office of the Dean prior to enrolling for thesis courses. The thesis committee will consist of at least three members, two of whom must be full-time UHCL faculty members. A fulltime faculty member of the School of Science and Computer Engineering will serve as the chair of the committee. The Office of the Dean will notify students, chairs and committee members of approval of the committee composition. The chair will report the final grades.

Students must register for the appropriate thesis research course no later than the first long semester after the dean has accepted the proposal. See the Master's Degree Option: Master's Thesis section of this catalog for more information.

University and SCE guidelines and procedures relating to the graduate thesis committee, thesis proposal, the thesis document and defense are described in the Graduate Thesis Guidelines and Procedures Manual available in the Office of the Dean.

Extended Course Work Option

All graduate plans in the school offering this option require a capstone course. See the particular plan area for the specific extended course work option requirements.

Internship Option

Some plans offer an internship option. See the particular plan of interest.

Research Project Course Option

Some plans offer a research project course option. See the particular plan of interest.

DIVISION OF COMPUTING AND MATHEMATICS

Students desiring to study in the computing sciences may choose any one of five undergraduate or four graduate plans. Applicants should consult the chair of the division for additional information.

Requirements and Standards for Plans in Computing, Mathematical Science and Statistics

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

An SCE admission committee reviews all applications. Students entering any of the undergraduate computing plans should have a cumulative GPA of 2.500 (four-point grade scale) or better in lower-level or transfer courses. Students with a GPA of less than 2.500 are encouraged to provide a written statement or additional material that will assist the admission committee in determining the individual's potential for success in upper-level courses.

Core Requirements

All core courses require a grade of "C-" or better.

Graduate Degree Candidacy

Students seeking graduate degree candidacy should have a bachelor's degree in a related field. To be accepted for degree candidacy, students should be within 15 hours of completing upper-level foundation courses. These courses are listed in the particular degree area in the catalog. All foundation courses must be completed within one calendar year of first graduate registration at UHCL. Students needing more than 15 hours of upper-level foundation courses are encouraged to complete a second bachelor's degree.

UNDERGRADUATE COMPUTING DEGREES

Computer Information Systems (Undergraduate)

The plan in Computer Information Systems (CIS) leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. This plan prepares students to hold technical, administration and management positions in the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, operation and management of computer-based information systems. It is based on a broad general education and upper-level studies in computer science and other areas related to information systems, such as management, communication and accounting.

Learning Outcome Objectives

The learning objectives of the CIS program strike a balance between theory and practice of computer science and information systems. This balance satisfies both regional and national needs. Students graduating from the CIS program are equipped with not only sound technical knowledge and skills, but also understanding of the Information Systems (IS) environments.

Objectives

The CIS program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is one of the few information systems programs in Texas accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Basic Requirements

Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for upper-level study:

Accounting 3 hours
Business Calculus or Calculus I 3-4 hours
*Statistics*Principles of Management or Management Theory and Practice 3 hours3 hours
Economics 3 hours
Three additional hours of Accounting or Economics 3 hours
*Computer Programming in Pascal or Visual Basic 3 hours

*Courses available at UHCL.

Core Requirements (42 Hours)

Students must meet these core requirements or approved upper-level substitutes:

CSCI 3133 Programming with C CSCI 3134 Software Development with Java
CINF 3331 Business Data Communications CINF 4234 Modern Systems Analysis and Design
CINF 3231 IS Theory & Practice CINF 4230 Web Application Development
CINF 4634 Computer Systems Administration CINF 4838 Senior Projects in CIS
CSCI 3333 Data Structures CSCI 3331 Computer Organization & Assembly Language
DSCI 3131 Quantitative Methods for Mgmt MATH 3331 Discrete Math
CSCI 4333 Design of Data Base Systems SWEN 4432 Software Engineering

Note: Lower-level credit given for any of the above courses may require students to take additional approved technical electives to satisfy the plan requirements.

Technical Electives (18 Hours)

*Business electives (6 hours) Note: The elected courses should not have major overlap with CSCI or CINF courses listed in the student's CPS. For example, ISAM 3331 (Intro. To Business Databases), ISAM 4331 (Internet App in Business) and ISAM 4635 (Analysis & Design of Business Systems) are NOT appropriate business electives for CIS students.
*CINF/CSCI/CENG/SWEN courses (6 hours)
**A communication course
WRIT 3132 Written Communications in Business (3 hours) or
COMM 4233 Speech Communication: Theory and PracticeApproved elective: CSCI, CINF or WRIT 3135 (3 hours)

*The specific courses beyond the core requirements to be included in the Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) will be selected by students with the approval of the faculty adviser.

**This requirement is in addition to the technical writing course requirement of SCE.

Web Application and E-Commerce Sub-plan

Students interested in developing a sub-plan in web applications and E-commerce should consider the following as electives:

CSCI 4135 Adv Software Dev with .Net Framework and C# CINF 4334 Electronic Commerce

Computer Systems and Security Sub-plan

Students interested in developing a sub-plan in computer systems and security should consider the following as electives:

CSCI 4134 Adv Software Design with Java CINF/CSCI 4233 Computer Security
CSCI 4534 Operating Systems CSCI 4132 Network Protocols

Telecommunications Sub-plan

Students interested in developing a sub-plan in telecommunications should consider the following as electives:

CSCI 4132 Network Protocols CENG 4231 Telecom Switching Systems
CENG 4131 Telecom Net Devices

Suggested Plan of Study

The following study plan for the four regular semesters is recommended as a typical example for incoming full-time CIS students. Individual study plans may vary as long as the prerequisite structures are satisfied. Students should seek the advice of their assigned faculty adviser and set up their Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) as early as possible.

Semester 1 (15 credits):

CSCI 3333 Data Structures CINF 3231 IS Theory & Practice
MATH 3331 Discrete Mathematics CSCI 3134 Software Dev with Java
Business elective

Semester 2 (15 credits):

CINF 3331 Business Data Communications CSCI 3331 Computer Organization & Assembly Language
SWEN 4432 Software Engineering CSCI 4333 Design of Database Sys
COMM elective

Semester 3 (15 credits):

CINF 4230 Web App Develop CINF 4234 Modern Systems Analysis and Design
CINF 4634 Comp Sys Admin CINF/CSCI/CSEN/SWEN elective
DSCI 3131 Quant Methods for Management

Semester 4 (12 credits):

CINF 4838 Senior Project in CIS CINF/CSCI/CSEN/SWEN elective
CINF/CSCI/CSEN/SWEN elective Business elective

Computer Science (Undergraduate)

The plan in Computer Science (CS) leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. This plan emphasizes the development of the skills and analytical abilities necessary to specify, design and develop computer-based solutions to complex systems problems. Students receive extensive instruction in software and hardware principles; in scientific, industrial and commercial applications; and in the supporting mathematical tools. The curriculum allows students to develop a broad background in computer science areas relating to system and application software development.

Learning Outcome Objectives

The learning objectives of the CS program strike a balance between theory and practice of computer science. Students graduating from the CS program are equipped with not only sound technical knowledge and skills, but also strong computer science fundamentals.

Objectives

The Computer Science program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Basic Requirements

Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for core requirements:

*Linear Algebra 3 hours
Calculus I & II 8 hours
*Ordinary Differential Equations 3 hours
*Calculus Based Physics with lab 6-8 hours
General Chemistry 3-4 hours
*Computer Programming in Pascal or Visual Basic 3 hours
*Computer Programming in C or C++ 3 hours

* Courses available at UHCL that can be taken while concurrently enrolled in a Community College.

Core Requirements (48 Hours)

Students must take the following courses or their approved substitutes:

CENG 3112 Lab for Digital Circuits CSCI 3331 Comp Organization & Assembly Language
CENG 3132 Digital Circuits CSCI 3333 Data Structures
CENG 3311 Lab for Telecom & Networks CSCI 3532 Adv Data Struc & Algorithms
CENG 3331 Intro to Telecom & Networks CSCI 4333 Design of Database Systems
CENG 3511 Lab for Computer Architecture CSCI 4534 Operating Systems
CENG 3531 Comp Arch: Minis & Micros MATH 3331 Discrete Math
CSCI 3134 Software Dev with Java MATH 3334 Prob & Stat for Sci & Eng
CSCI 3231 Numerical Methods SWEN 4432 Software Engineering
CSCI 3233 Object-Oriented Design & Prog CSCI 4838 Senior Project in Computer Science

Required Electives (12 Hours)

In addition to the core requirements, students must also take the following:

CSCI courses 6 hours
Approved CSCI, CINF or other related electives 6 hours

Suggested Plan of Study

The following study plan for four regular semesters is recommended as a typical example for incoming full-time CS students. Individual study plans may vary as long as the prerequisite structures are satisfied. Students should seek the advice of their assigned faculty adviser and set up their Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) as early as possible. The plan includes 48 hours of required core and 12 hours of required electives. Students must take all courses or their approved substitutes.

Semester 0 (7 credits):

CENG 3132 / CENG 3112 Digital Circuits and Laboratory
CSCI 3134 Software Dev with Java

Note: The above courses should be taken before the start of the junior year at UHCL (no later than summer of sophomore year).

Semester 1 (Junior Year - 13 credits):

CENG 3331 / CENG 3311 Intro to Telecom & Networks and Laboratory
CSCI 3233 Object-Oriented Design and Programming
CSCI 3333 Data Structures
MATH 3331 Discrete Mathematics

Semester 2 (Junior Year - 16 credits):

CSCI 3331 Computer Organization and Assembly Language
CENG 3531 / CENG 3511 Comp Arch: Minis & Micros and Laboratory
CSCI 3532 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
MATH 3334 Prob & Stat for Sci & Eng
SWEN 4432 Software Engineering

Semester 3 (Senior Year - 12 credits):

CSCI 3231 Numerical Methods
CSCI 4333 Design of Database Systems

Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective

Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective

Semester 4 (Senior Year - 12 credits):

CSCI 4534 Operating Systems

Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective

Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective

CSCI 4838 Senior Project in Computer Science

Graduate Computing Degrees

Computer Information Systems (Graduate)

Graduate studies in Computer Information Systems lead to a master of science (MS) degree. This plan is designed to prepare students for key technical, administration and management positions in the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, operation and management of industrial and commercial computer information systems.

Basic Preparation

Students aspiring to graduate degree candidacy must have a bachelor's degree in a related area and a background in Computer Information Systems. Preparatory requirements are proficiency in at least two high level languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, C++ or C#, and the following undergraduate course:

Calculus I or Business Calculus

Upper-level foundation course requirements:

CSCI 4333 Design of Database Systems CSCI 3331 Comp Org & Assembly Lang
MATH 3331 Discrete Mathematics CSCI 3333 Data Structures
SWEN 4432 Software Engineering CINF 3331 Business Data Communications(or CENG 3331 + CENG 3311)
CSCI 4230 Web App Development

None of the above courses may apply to the graduate degree.

Students may select from the thesis option or the extended course work option. The thesis option requires 33 credit hours of graduate work and the extended course work option requires 36 credit hours.

Core Requirements (9 Hours)

The following courses, or approved substitutions are required for both the thesis option and extended course work options:

CSCI 5132 Internet Protocols
CSCI 5333 Database Management Systems
CSCI 6530 Research Methods in Computer Science

Thesis Option (24 Hours)

CENG/CINF/CSCI/SWEN or other approved related courses 6 hours
CINF/CSCI 4000-6000 level 3 hours
*CINF/CSCI courses, 5100-6000 level 9 hours
CSCI 6939 Master's Thesis Research 6 hours

* Students interested in pursuing the thesis option are encouraged to take CINF 5939 (Independent Study in CIS) during their first year, in order to write up their thesis proposals (with the sponsoring of a faculty adviser).

Extended Course Work Option (27 Hours)

Students desiring to follow the extended course work option must successfully complete the capstone project course.

CINF/CSCI 4000-6000 6 hours
CINF/CSCI 5100-6000 12 hours
CINF/CSCI 6838 Research Project and Seminar (taken after completion of the required core and during last 12 hours) 3 hours

Sub-plan In Database and Web-based Systems

Students interested in developing a sub-plan in Database Systems and Web-based Systems should take the following electives:

CSCI 5433 Object-Oriented Database Systems
CSCI 5533 Distributed Information Systems
CSCI 5633 Web Database Development
CSCI 5733 XML Application Development
CSCI 5833 Data Mining: Tools and Techniques

Sub-plan In Networking and Security

Students interested in developing a sub-plan in Networking and Security should take the following electives:

CENG 5333 Network Performance Analysis
CSCI 5233 Computer Security and Integrity
CSCI 5234 Web Security
CSCI 5235 Network Security
CSCI 5431 Client-Server Based Network Programming
CSCI 5531 Advanced Operating Systems

Suggested Plan of Study (for students in the Thesis Option)

The following study plan for the four regular semesters is recommended as a typical example for incoming full-time CIS students who plan to pursue the Thesis option. Individual study plans may vary as long as the prerequisite structures are satisfied. Students should seek the advice of their assigned faculty adviser and set up their Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) as early as possible.

Semester 1 (9 credits):

CSCI 5132 Internet Protocols
CSCI 5333 Database Management Systems
CINF/CSCI 4000-6000 level

Semester 2 (9 credits)

CINF/ CSCI 4000-6000 level
CSCI 6530 Research Methods in Computer Science
CINF/CSCI 5939 Independent Study

Semester 3 (9 credits)

CENG/CINF/SWEN or other approved related courses
CINF/CSCI 5100-6000 level
CINF/CSCI 6939 Master's Thesis Research

Semester 4 (6 credits)

CINF/CSCI 5100-6000 level
CINF/CSCI 6939 Master's Thesis Research

Computer Science (Graduate)

The plan in Computer Science leads to the master of science (MS) degree. This plan is designed to prepare students to hold key technical positions in the development of computer-based solutions to complex systems problems.

Basic Preparation

Students seeking admission into the degree plan in Computer Science must have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related area and extensive background in computer science. It is expected that the minimum GRE score required for acceptance into the plan be reasonably balanced amongst the different components of the GRE exam. Students with bachelor's and master's degrees in related fields of study will be required to complete appropriate background courses. The admissions committee, during evaluation of the student's application, will designate courses to be completed before beginning graduate studies. Preparatory requirements include proficiency in at least two modular computer programming languages, including C or C++, plus the completion of the following undergraduate courses, their equivalents or successful completion of equivalence exams upon approval from the admissions committee.

Calculus II (Not offered at UHCL)

CENG 3511 Lab for Computer Architecture CSCI 4333 Design of Database Systems
CENG 3531 Comp Arch: Minis & Micros CSCI 4534 Operating Systems
CSCI 3331 Comp Org & Assembly Lang MATH 3131 Introduction to Linear Algebra
CSCI 3333 Data Structures SWEN 4432 Software Engineering
CSCI 3532 Adv Data Structures & Algorithms

Additionally, at least two of the following must be completed:

CSCI 3231 Numerical Methods
PHYS 3032 University Physics II
MATH 3331 Discrete Mathematics
MATH 3334 Probability and Statistics for Scientists & Engineers
MATH 4131 Ordinary Differential Equations and Applications

None of the above courses may apply towards the graduate degree.

Students should consult with their faculty adviser to determine if they have sufficient background to satisfy a specific course prerequisite. Foundation and prerequisite courses should be completed before enrolling in any graduate course.

Students expecting credit for foundation courses completed at international institutions must submit course descriptions. This will allow proper evaluation and appropriate credit.

Students may select from the thesis option or the extended course work option. The thesis option requires 33 credit hours of graduate work. The extended course work option requires 36 credit hours.

Core Requirements (12 Hours)

The following courses or their approved substitutions are required for both the thesis and the extended course work options:

CSCI 5333 DBMS
CSCI 5531 Advanced Operating Systems
CSCI 6530 Research Methods in Computer Science

One of the following:

CSCI 5232 Concepts of Programming Languages
CSCI 5432 Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Thesis Option (21 Hours)

Required courses for thesis option.

CSCI/CINF/SWEN/CENG/SENG 4000-6000 3 hours
CSCI electives 3 hours
CSCI/CINF electivesCINF/SWEN/CENG/SENG electives 3 hours6 hours
CSCI 6939 Master's Thesis Research 6 hours

Extended Course Work Option (24 Hours)

Complete the following courses:

CSCI/CINF/SWEN/CENG/SENG 4000-6000 6 hours
CSCI electives 6 hours
CSCI/CINF electives 6 hours
CINF/SWEN/CENG/SENG electives 3 hours
CSCI 6838 Research Project and Seminar 3 hours

NOTE: CSCI 6838 MUST BE TAKEN DURING THE LAST 12 HOURS, AFTER COMPLETION OF CSCI 5531 AND CSCI 5333.

Sub-plans

Students interested in developing a sub-plan should take the corresponding courses listed below:

Sub-plan in database systems:

CSCI 5433 Object-Oriented Database Systems
CSCI 5533 Distributed Information Systems
CSCI 5633 Web Database Development
CSCI 5733 XML Application Development
CSCI 5833 Data Mining: Tools and Techniques

Sub-plan in Network Performance and Security:

CENG 5333 Network Performance Analysis
CSCI 5132 Internet Protocols
CSCI 5233 Computer Security and Integrity
CSCI 5234 Web Security
CSCI 5235 Network Security
CSCI 5631 N-Tiered Client-Server Architecture

Sub-plan in Data Mining and Computational Bioinformatics:

BIOT 5733 Bioinformatics
CENG 5634 Artificial Neural Networks
CSCI 5530 Pattern Classification
CSCI 5532 Pattern Recognition and Image Processing
CSCI 5833 Data Mining: Tools and Techniques
CSCI 5933 Computational Bioinformatics

Participation with PhD Degree at Texas A&M University

The Computer Science Department of Texas A&M University is accepting applications for the PhD plan from interested UHCL graduates. The degree requirements include minimal residence at the Texas A&M campus. Texas A&M University maintains the same entrance standards for all applicants. This case by case plan supports research within the Clear Lake area technical community. Individuals may contact the Chair of the UHCL Computer Science plan for details.

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE AND STATISTICS DEGREES

Mathematical Science (Undergraduate)

The plan in Mathematical Science leads to the bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree. The undergraduate degree is designed to prepare the student for a career in industry or education, or to prepare the student for graduate study in mathematics, statistics, operations research or other mathematically based disciplines. The plan includes courses in both the classical foundations of mathematics and the modern concern with numerical issues spawned by the computer.

Students who are seeking teaching certification will follow the degree plan and certification on notated pages. Please consult the School of Education for 4-8 degree and certification as well as for 8-12 degree and certification.

Basic Preparation for the BA Degree (20-21 hours)

Applicants for the BA in Mathematical Science should have completed these courses in preparation for core requirements:

Calculus I,II 8 hours
*Calculus III 3-4 hours
*Natural Science 6 hours
*Scientific Programming Language 3 hours

*Courses available at UHCL.

Core Requirements (9 hours)

If lower-level credit is given for any of the following courses, additional upper-level course work selected from the list of electives will be required. In addition to the three-semester calculus sequence, students must complete the following courses:

MATH 3131 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MATH 4030