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COS 140: Foundations of Computer Science

An Issue-Based Introduction to the Field

Announcements

  • 18 Oct 2007: A revised schedule has been posted -- see here.

COS 140 is a new course in computer science designed to help first year majors to begin to think like computer scientists, to help non-majors get a rigorous overview of the field, and to help undecided students find out if computer science is for them. Students will be introduced to the field by learning about a series of problems that confront those designing computers and understanding how computer scientists develop techniques for meeting these challenges. The course will give students a framework for understanding the issues surrounding computers that can be used both in advanced computer science courses and in everyday life.

We will look at five areas of computer science which work together to build usable computing platforms:

  • digital logic
  • computer organization and architecture
  • programming language constructs
  • operating systems
  • networks

For each area, we will begin with a broad introduction, then we will examine, in detail, several techniques that are used in that area.

No experience with programming is required for this class, and programming will not be taught.

Questions and Answers

  1. How is COS 140 different from other introductory COS courses?
  2. Who should take COS 140?
  3. What is the time, room and other registration information for COS 140?
  4. Who is the instructor for the course?
  5. How do I find out more about COS 140?