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| 2007-2008 UHCL Catalog |
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| 2007-2008 UHCL Catalog |
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SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTER 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, Computer Systems 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 Systems 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 and 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 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 achelor of rts degrees are required to complete a minimum of 123 semester hours, while students pursuing achelor of cience degrees must complete a minimum of 132 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 atleast 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. 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. 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. 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 or engineering 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. All core courses require a grade of "C-" or better. 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 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. The CIS program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is the only information system program in Texas accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for upper-level study:
*Courses available at UHCL. Students must meet these core requirements or approved upper-level substitutes:
Lower-level credit given for any of the above courses may require students to take additional approved technical electives to satisfy the plan requirements. Required Technical Electives (15 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:
Computer Systems and Security Sub-plan Students interested in developing a sub-plan in computer systems and security should consider the following as electives:
Students interested in developing a sub-plan in telecommunications should consider the following as electives:
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.
Computer Science (Undergraduate) The plan in Computer Science 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. The educational objectives of Computer Sciences are that students in the plan shall:
The Computer Science program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is one of fifteen computing programs in Texas accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for core requirements:
* Courses available at UHCL that can be taken while concurrently enrolled in a Community College. Students must take the following courses or their approved substitutes:
In addition to the core requirements, students must also take the following:
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.
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):
Semester 2 (Junior Year - 16 credits):
Semester 3 (Senior Year - 12 credits):
Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective Semester 4 (Senior Year - 12 credits):
Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective One of the following:
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. 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 courses: Calculus I or Business Calculus Upper-level foundation course requirements:
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. The following courses, or approved substitutions are required for both the thesis option and extended course work options:
* 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.
Sub-plan In Database and Web-based Systems Students interested in developing a sub-plan in Database Systems and Web-based should take the following electives:
Sub-plan In Networking and Security Students interested in developing a sub-plan in Networking and Security should take the following electives:
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):
Semester 2 (9 credits)
Semester 3 (9 credits)
Semester 4 (6 credits)
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. 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.
Additionally, at least two of the following must be completed:
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. The following courses or their approved substitutions are required for both the thesis and the extended course work options:
One of the following:
Required courses for thesis option.
Extended Course Work Option (24 Hours) Complete the following courses:
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 5433Object-Oriented Database Systems CSCI 5533Distributed Information Systems CSCI 5633Web Database Development CSCI 5733XML Application Development CSCI 5833Data Mining: Tools and Techniques Sub-plan in Network Performance and Security: CENG 5333Network Performance Analysis CSCI 5132Internet Protocols CSCI 5233Computer Security and Integrity CSCI 5234Web Security CSCI 5235Network Security CSCI 5631N-Tiered Client-Server Architecture Sub-plan in Data Mining and Computational Bioinformatics: BIOL 5733Bioinformatics CENG 5634Artificial Neural Networks CSCI 5530Pattern Classification CSCI 5532Pattern Recognition and Image Processing CSCI 5833Data Mining: Tools and Techniques CSCI 5931Computational 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:
*Courses available at UHCL. 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:
Additional Requirements (6 Hours) The remainder of required hours are selected from the following:
Basic Preparation for BS Degree (20-21 Hours) Applicants for the BS in Mathematical Science should have completed these courses in preparation for plan core requirements:
*Courses available at UHCL. 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:
Additional Requirements (9 Hours) The remainder of required hours are selected from the following:
Mathematical Science (Graduate) The graduate plan in Mathematical Science leads to the master of science (MS) degree. Applicants for candidacy should have a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Students with other degrees may apply if their preparation includes a substantial number of advanced credits in mathematics. In some cases, additional preparatory courses may be required. Undergraduate Foundation Courses for Masters in Mathematics
With adviser's approval, MATH 4431 (Real Analysis and MATH 4133 (Topology) may count towards the Masters Degree if taken as a graduate student here at UHCL. [Provided that equivalent courses have not been completed previously] Course selections will be arranged in consultation with a faculty adviser while preparing the CPS. Students selecting the extended course work option must complete MATH 6837 (Research Project 1). This is to be taken after successfully completing nine hours of core and during the last 9 hours of course work. MATH 6838 (Research Project II) can be completed following MATH 6837 with faculty adviser approval prior to registration.
Students will select two courses from the following five:
Extended Course Work Option (18 Hours)
The plan in Statistics leads to a master of science (MS) degree. This plan emphasizes a curriculum that is designed to educate students in the theory and application of statistics. The plan is suitable for students with an undergraduate background in mathematics, engineering or the sciences. Students with degrees in engineering, science or other fields will be considered if their preparation includes an adequate number of upper- level credits in mathematics and statistics. In some cases, additional preparatory courses may be required. The following courses or their approved substitutes are required:
Extended Course Work Option (18 Hours) Students desiring to follow the extended course work option must complete STAT 6837 and STAT 6838 during the last 18 hours of course work.
Dual Master Degrees of Mathematics and Statistics (Graduate) The graduate plan in Mathematics and Statistics leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Statistics. This plan emphasizes a curriculum that is designed to educate students in both Mathematics and Statistics. The plan is suitable for students with degrees in engineering, science or other fields with an undergraduate background in mathematics. Core Requirements (33 Hours) The following courses or their approved substitutes are required:
Students will select two courses from the following six courses:
Thesis Option (27 Hours)
Extended Course Work Option (27 Hours) Students desiring to follow the extended course work option must complete Research Project I and II (MATH 6837/6838 or stat 6837/6838) during the last 18 hours of course work.
**Note: At least 6 of these 9 credit hours have to be in the field in which the thesis or research project is done. DIVISION OF ENGINEERING Students desiring to study in engineering may choose from one undergraduate or four graduate plans. The undergraduate plan is Computer Systems Engineering (CSEN). The four graduate plans are Computer Engineering (CENG), Software Engineering (SWEN), Systems Engineering (SENG) and Engineering Management (EMGT). The Engineering Management program is pending THECB approval. Applicants should consult the chair of the division for additional information. Requirements and Standards for Plans in Engineering Undergraduate Admission Requirements A faculty admission committee reviews all applications. Students entering the undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering 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 of 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. ENGINEERING DEGREES Computer Systems Engineering (Undergraduate) The plan in Computer Systems Engineering leads to the bachelor of science (BS) degree. This engineering plan is accredited by the ABET, Inc. and emphasizes the study of large and small computer systems for industrial, scientific and business applications. Computer hardware and software concepts, along with engineering-level mathematics, prepare students for jobs in computer-based industries as well as for admission into the graduate plan in Computer Engineering. The culminating experience for a graduate of this plan is CENG 4625 / CENG 4626 Senior Projects. Students desiring to complete this plan in 4 years should concurrently enroll at UHCL after completing 30 semester hours at the transfer institution. The mission of the Computer Systems Engineering plan is to provide students instruction in the pragmatic application of core knowledge by which they can specify, design and develop large and small computer systems for industrial and scientific purposes. There is an emphasis on microcomputer-based embedded systems. The curriculum includes sub-plans in software engineering and telecommunications. Educational objectives of Computer Systems Engineering are that graduates in the plan shall:
Basic Requirements Students seeking a degree in Computer Systems Engineering must have completed these courses or their equivalents in preparation for upper-level study:
*Courses available at UHCL. Core Requirements (64 hours)
An additional 12 hours of technical electives in CENG/CSCI/SWEN are required. Sub-plan in Software Engineering Students interested in software engineering should select from the following courses as their required technical electives:
Sub-plan in Telecommunications Students interested in careers involving telecommunications and networks should take the following courses as their required technical electives:
Computer Engineering (Graduate) The plan in Computer Engineering leads to the master of science (MS) degree. Graduate study in this plan prepares students to occupy leading roles in the development and use of computers and computer systems. The plan in Computer Engineering addresses the evaluation, design and implementation of computer systems for various applications. The curriculum and faculty research emphasize the integration of systems design, software applications and hardware design. Current specializations within the computer engineering degree plan include computer control systems, industrial automation and robotics, fault-tolerant computing, parallel processing, telecommunications and networking. The plan consists of formal courses, laboratory work and research in one of the specialty areas conducted under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Basic Preparation Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Computer Systems Engineering or equivalent. Students should consult with an academic adviser to determine if they have sufficient background to satisfy course prerequisites. At a minimum, the following undergraduate courses, or their equivalents, are required and should be completed prior to enrolling in certain graduate courses:
(Note: Students may enroll in CENG 5031 Computer Engineering Fundamentals and CENG 5011 Lab for Computer Engineering Fundamentals, to meet the requirements of CENG 3132, CENG 3112, CENG 3531 and CENG 3511.) Core Requirements (12 Hours) The following courses or their approved substitutions are required for both the thesis and the extended course work options.
Elective Requirements (18 Hours) The following courses or their approved substitutions are required for both the thesis and the extended course work options.
Thesis Option (6 Hours)
(Note: an additional 3 hours of thesis may be used as a plan elective.) Extended Course Work Option (6 Hours)
(*To be taken after completion of core courses and during last 12 hours) Sub-plan in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Students interested in developing a sub-plan in Digital Signal Processing should take the following as electives:
Sub-plan in Telecommunications Students interested in developing a sub-plan in telecommunications should take the following as electives:
Engineering Management (Graduate) The graduate plan in Engineering Management (EMGT) leads to the master of science (MS) degree. The Engineering Management Plan offers the candidate the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in two years while maintaining full-time employment. The EMGT curriculum provides the candidate with an enhance perspective on issues that affect the management of technology in today's world. The material is targeted to equip the candidate with the tools to better manage a project, processes, personnel, products and services in real-world situations. From organization behavior, management of organizations and optimal decision-making, to engineering, economics, the plan courses focus on essential topics. Individuals with engineering and scientific backgrounds will find that this master of science degree may better suit their needs than the traditional MBA. The Engineering Management (EMGT) curriculum is composed of 30 hours of course work of which 24 will be core courses. The 6 hours of electives could be either a 3 hour course elective with the Capstone Project or 6 hours of Thesis. The following plan course of study illustrates the cross-disciplinary nature of the program. Entrance Requirements To enter the EMGT plan, a candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or science. The candidate must be approved by the graduate admission committee to ensure that the appropriate industrial or existing managerial background knowledge base is present. The GRE is required of all candidates applying for admission. The candidate must submit a GRE score of 1000 (verbal + quantitative), with a verbal score of 400 or higher. 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. It is recommended that candidates who apply for admission to a graduate plan have a GPA of 3.0 or greater (four point grade scale) on the last 60 hours of course work. The graduate degree in EMGT requires 30 hours of graduate courses. No upper-level 4000 credits will be allowed for the EMGT master's degree. A maximum of six hours of grades of "C" may be counted toward the graduate degree; grades of "C-"will not apply. Foundation Courses Required for Entrance In addition, the EMGT graduate admission committee may require that a set of foundation courses and their prerequisites be completed before enrolling in graduate EMGT program. The foundation courses are:
Industrial related experience and letters of recommendations from current employers may also be required during admission review. The EMGT faculty graduate admissions committee based upon plane needs, the guidelines stated herein and UHCL admission requirements will decide acceptance into the program. Once admitted, the candidate must file a CPS in the first semester of enrollment. Core Requirements (24 Hours)
Capstone Option The Capstone enrollment is limited to candidates who have completed 18 hours of the EMGT core courses and their prerequisites.
Thesis Option The following table gives the rubric, course names, and Credits for EGMT Thesis Option that consists of six (6) hours of thesis research in engineering management. The master degree candidacy must have the approval of the candidate's faculty adviser and the Dean of SCE.
Software Engineering (Graduate) The graduate plan in Software Engineering leads to the master of science (MS) degree. Studies address the foundations, methodologies and tools used in the development and evolution of software intensive systems. By providing a careful balance between theory and practice, the plan prepares students for key roles in industry, government agencies and other institutions where software is important and provides a basis for an academic level related to software engineering. Entrance Requirements To enter the Software Engineering plan as either a local student or distance student, a candidate must typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or related field, must submit GRE scores of 1000 (verbal + quantitative), with a verbal score of 400 or higher and a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Writing ability (as measured by the new writing component of the GRE and other means) and previous related professional experience may also be considered during admission review. The faculty graduate admissions committee will decide acceptance into the program based upon program need, the guidelines stated herein and university admission requirements. Once admitted, the student must file a candidate plan of study (CPS) in the first semester of enrollment. Foundation courses that are found to be needed are added to the CPS and must be completed in or before the first year of enrollment. Credit earned before acceptance. No more than 9 hours of graduate level SWEN classes may be applied toward the SWEN degree if taken without admission into the program. No more than 6 hours credit may be transferred to the SWEN degree. Foundation courses and their prerequisites are required for entry and must be completed before enrolling in graduate SWEN courses. Foundation Courses Required for Entrance
*Required if verbal GRE < 400, ** Required if quantitative GRE < 500 Core Requirements (21 Hours)
Capstone Option (3 hours of capstone + 12 hours of electives)
*Courses taken as electives in SWEN require permission of the faculty adviser. Thesis Option (6 hours of thesis + 9 hours of electives)
Students must form a thesis committee and prepare a thesis proposal in the semester prior to enrollment into thesis. Contact the School of SCE advising office for instructions.
*Courses taken as electives require permission of the faculty adviser. Students interested in concentrating their study in a specific sub-area of software engineering such as Information Management Systems, Software Safety or Software Management may choose as electives those courses listed under the respective sub-plans listed below. Information Management Systems
Software Safety
Software Management
Web Based Electives (Distance Option)
All courses have a dependency structure and students should consult the Software Engineering Course Roster in this catalog for prerequisites, co-requisites and sequencing of courses. SWEN via Distance Education The Software Engineering program may be taken via the web by taking those SWEN courses that are offered as web-based and that meet the requirements of the SWEN program curriculum. All SWEN courses are available via the web whereas the foundation courses are not. Foundation courses are only offered as traditional on campus live lecture classes. Foundation courses must be taken either at UHCL or another university before entry into the SWEN distance option. Electives needed for the SWEN program are available over the web but they are restricted to a small set of available courses. (See web based electives listed with distance option above.) For more information see http://sce.uhcl.edu/swen/ms.htm. The web-based courses do not require attendance for weekly lectures, all lectures and class materials are available online. However, some of our web based courses require attendance at the UHCL campus on exam days. There could also be academic administrative reasons that you might occasionally have to visit the campus. Systems Engineering (Graduate) The graduate plan in Systems Engineering leads to a master of science (MS) degree. The plan is designed to prepare engineers who are knowledgeable in interdisciplinary systems engineering approaches and engineering management and who therefore have the full range of concurrent engineering concepts and skills needed to specify, implement and support complete systems. Such knowledge is particularly important in the evolution of systems that are critical to achieving the mission of an organization and to sustaining the safety of life, health, property and the environment. Such systems are vital to many organizations that are served by UHCL such as: aerospace, biomedical, chemical, energy, manufacturing and others. The plan consists of formal courses, laboratory work and research conducted under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Candidates can tailor their plan of study to emphasize systems engineering analysis or systems engineering management. The website for the Systems Engineering program is http://sce.cl.uh.edu/seng Basic Preparation The candidates should have a bachelor's degree and be approved by the graduate admissions committee to ensure that the appropriate background knowledge base is present. This background must include, at a minimum:
Candidates who do not have the required or equivalent preparation are required to take the appropriate courses before enrolling in certain graduate career courses in SENG, SWEN, CSCI and CENG. The committee recommends that candidates take CENG 5131 Engineering Applications as a preparation elective. Core Requirements (21 Hours)
Elective Options
Elective Hours: Thesis Option (6 hours of thesis + 9 hours of electives)
Capstone Option (3 hours of capstone + 12 hours of electives)
Biological Sciences (Undergraduate) The plan in Biological Sciences leads to the bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of arts (BA) degree. This plan is designed to prepare students for advanced study, technical positions in environmental or biomedical research or teaching. The biomedical sciences sub-plan within the BS plan is particularly applicable to students preparing for medical or dental school or for future graduate studies. The BA in Biological Sciences is designed for students interested in teaching biology. Students who plan to pursue a teaching career must have dual advisement in both the subject field (Biological Sciences) and education. Please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog for the appropriate grades 4-8 or 8-12 degree and certification. Basic Requirements for the BA Degree Applicants for the BA in Biological Sciences must have completed these courses in preparation for upper-level study:
In addition, two semesters of college physics are recommended. Students must complete a minimum of 12 upper-level hours with grades of "C" or better (grades of "C-" or below are not acceptable) in the Biological Sciences at UHCL. The CPS must include at least one course of upper- or lower-level study in each of these areas of Biological Science:
Examples: marine biology, ecology or epidemiology
Examples: human anatomy, plant anatomy, microbiology or comparative animal morphology
Examples: human physiology, comparative animal physiology or plant physiology
Examples: biochemistry or cell biology
The BA in Biological Sciences also requires that students complete these support courses:
Basic Requirements for the BS Degree Applicants for the BS in Biological Sciences must have completed these courses in preparation for upper-level study:
The course of study for the BS in Biological Sciences requires 45 semester hours, which include 17 hours of core courses, plus 18-19 hours within a specialization area, plus 9-10 hours of approved electives. Students must complete the following core courses with grades of "C" or better (grades of "C-" or below are not acceptable) in the Biological Sciences. Core courses for the BS in Biological Sciences (17 Hours):
Three Specialization Areas are available to students pursuing the BS degree in Biological Sciences. In all cases prerequisites for each course must be satisfied prior to enrollment in the course. Students in each Specialization Area must complete the required courses with grades of "C"or better (grades of "C-"or below are not acceptable). Required Courses for Specialization Areas in Biological Science: Cell/Molecular Specialization Area (18-19 Hours)
Physiology/Pre-Health Specialization Area (19 Hours)
Ecology/Microbiology Specialization Area (20 Hours)
An additional 9-10 hours of coursework in the sciences must be selected in consultation with a Biology Program faculty adviser and must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Premedical and predentistry students are advised that most medical schools require the following courses; however, students are responsible for determining the specific requirements of those medical schools selected for application:
Requests for letters of recommendation from the PreHealth Profession Evaluation Committee must be in the Premedical Adviser's office no later than the third Monday in September. Biology Scholars Plan: Linked BS-MS Degree Plans in Biology The Biology Scholars Plan combines the BS and MS degree plans in Biology with the intention of allowing highly motivated and quali | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||