Courses

Computer Science

Las Positas College offers Degrees and Certificate programs in Computer Science that prepare students for direct job entry and/or preparation for transfer to a four-year university. These programs cover a wide range of computer related professions that include programming, systems analysis, data processing, and computer science. Students will learn to direct computer operations by writing detailed instructions in computer languages to solve a variety of problems in business, government, and science. These include information acquisition, processing storage, and transmission, using computers and computer peripherals. Principal areas of study within computer science include artificial intelligence; computer systems and networks; database systems; human factors; numerical analysis; programming languages; software engineering and theory of computing.

Degrees:

AS - Computer Science

Certificates of Achievement:

Career Opportunities

Include but are not limited to: Programmer, Programmer/Analyst, Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Computer Scientist, Information Technologist, Information Systems Professional, Information Technology Professional, Programming Professional, Software Developer, or Software Engineer.

Computer Science Courses

CS 1 - Computing Fundamentals I

4 units

Introduction to programming and problem-solving using C++. Problem solving techniques and algorithms; program design, development, style, testing and debugging. C++ syntax covered includes: variables; data types; operators and expressions; control structures; library and user-defined functions; basic file input/output; binary file input/output; arrays; vectors; abstract data types including user-defined data structures and enumerated data types. Strongly Recommended: MATH 107 with a minimum grade of C, CS 7 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# COMP 122.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 2 - Computing Fundamentals II

4 units

Application of software engineering techniques to the design and development of large programs. Object-oriented programming methods and problem-solving strategies applied to intermediate-level problems using C++. Includes pointers and dynamic allocation; classes; encapsulation; inheritance and polymorphism; object and function overloading; recursive algorithms; data abstraction and structures. Prerequisite: CS 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# COMP 132.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 7 - Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts

3 units

An introductory course in computer programming concepts and fundamental coding skills using object-oriented languages like Python. Material includes problem-solving techniques, design of algorithms, and common programming constructs such as variables, expression, input/output, decision-making, loops, and arrays. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# COMP 112.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 16 - Mobile Application Development-iPhone

3 units

Object-oriented programming in Swift for the iPhone, iPad and related platforms at a beginning to intermediate level. Introduction to the iOS mobile platform. Introduction to Swift syntax and concepts and the iOS application programming interface (API), including: classes, objects, inheritance, protocols, optionals, arrays, dictionaries, and closures; creating user interfaces; using graphics and audio; responding to touch-based user interaction. Strongly Recommended: CS 1. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 17 - Discrete Mathematical Structures

4 units

Designed for majors in mathematics and computer science, this course provides an introduction to discrete mathematical structures used in Computer Science and their applications. Course content includes: Propositional and predicate logic; rules of inference; quantifiers; elements of integer number theory; set theory; methods of proof; induction; combinatorics and discrete probability; functions and relations; recursive definitions and recurrence relations; elements of graph theory and trees. Applications include: analysis of algorithms, Boolean algebras and digital logic circuits. Students who have completed, or are enrolled in, MATH 10 may not receive credit. Prerequisites: MATH 1 with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently), CS 1 with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently). 72 hours lecture, 18 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B4; IGETC: 2A; C-ID# COMP 152.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

CS 18 - Mobile Application Development - Android

3 units

This programming course is intended for those students who already have completed an introductory programming course and presents a comprehensive study of concepts and skills in Android programming and helps students develop applications for mobile devices. Students will use a software emulator to develop applications and a real mobile device to demonstrate applications. The focus is on Computer Science concepts needed to develop, debug, and test a variation of existing applications. Strongly Recommended: CS 31 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 20 - Advanced Programming with Data Structures/C++

4 units

Design and implementation of complex programs in C++ using a variety of fundamental data structures and algorithms. Includes the design and implementation of recursive functions, abstract data types, linked lists, stacks, queues, binary trees, hash tables, induction, searching and sorting algorithms, graphs, heaps and algorithm analysis. Strongly Recommended: CS 2 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 21 - Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming

4 units

Basics of machine architecture, cpu architecture and design, machine language, assembly language, operating system and higher level language interface. Data representation, instruction representation and execution, addressing techniques and use of macros. Space and time efficiency issues. Input/output including video modes. Procedures including parameter passing and linkage to higher level languages. Prerequisite: CS 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# COMP 142.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 31 - Java Programming

4 units

Applications programming in Java for students already familiar with the concepts of programming. Topics will include in Applets, GUI programming, and design using Swing, presenting data files over the web, elementary data structures (queues, linked list, stacks) and vectors, searching (linear, binary), sorting algorithms, Database programming using JDBC (Java Data Base Connectivity), Remote Method Invocation (RMI), and Java Beans. The student will also be exposed to and experience developing Java applications and applets in the Linus/Unix environment(s). Strongly Recommended: CS 1 with a minimum grade of C, CS 7 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 41 - Introduction to Linux/LPI Linux+ Certification

3 units

This course provides hands-on training covering basic installation, management, configuration, documentation and hardware topics for the Linux/UNIX operating system on workstations in a network environment. The course includes comprehensive coverage of topics related to Linux distributions, installation, administration, X-Windows, and networking. Students who have completed or are enrolled in CNT 7401 may not receive credit. Strongly Recommended: CIS 50 with a minimum grade of C. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 43 - Professional Communications

3 units

This course applies the principles of ethical and effective communication to the creation of letters, memos, emails, and written and oral reports for a variety of business situations. The course emphasizes critical thinking, planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents to create and deliver professional-level oral presentations. Additional focus will be placed on developing interpersonal skills, team participation skills, and technical report writing skills. Students who have completed or are enrolled in CNT 43 or CIS 43 may not receive credit. Prerequisite: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C or ENG 1AEX with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID#BUS 115.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 45 - Database Programming

4 units

This is a programming course that goes beyond mere "desktop" database management. Participants will learn how to design and manage cloud based databases and explore dynamic applications that interact with databases using compiled and interpreted client/server programming languages. Learn databases concepts, relational database principles, database design/modeling techniques and Structured Query Language (SQL). Prerequisite: CS 1 with a minimum grade of C or CS 7 with a minimum grade of C or CS 31 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 46 - Game Programming: 2D and 3D

3 units

Want to Play? You have played plenty of games. Now it is time to create your own! Design, develop and test small 2D and 3D computer games using game development software tools such as Scratch, Alice, or similar programming development programs. This first programming course will provide the student with an understanding of the principles of game design, genre-specific design issues, storytelling, image manipulation, and development teams. Programming experience is not required to get started. Although this course has a programming focus, other topics briefly covered will include the history of computer/video game technology, game genres and design principles, and the social impact of games. 45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CS 47 - Capstone Project

3 units

This is intended as a culminating experience within a degree or certificate sequence. Working individually or in a small team, you will develop a large-scale work-like project, driven by client needs, and requiring planning, implementation, documentation and presentation of the solution. Based on client requirements, each student or student team will design and implement a solution in a systematic and organized manner, breaking the project into logical sub-components and/or steps. Each student or student team will also prepare relevant written materials and give an oral presentation of the final product. Strongly Recommended: CS 1 with a minimum grade of C or CS 31 with a minimum grade of C, CNT 52 with a minimum grade of C, CIS 43 with a minimum grade of C or CNT 43 with a minimum grade of C or CS 43 with a minimum grade of C, CIS 60 with a minimum grade of C, CIS 62 with a minimum grade of C, CS 45 with a minimum grade of C. 18 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP