Department of Physics and Computer Science

Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

NCF Science Annex 233 - (504) 520-7643 - https://www.xula.edu/department/department-of-physics-and-computer-science.html

Program in Bioinformatics

The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics enables students to gain knowledge and skills relevant to the broad field of bioinformatics, including understanding complex biological systems and their quantitative data; processing, storing, analyzing, and modeling of many types of biological data; and effectively communicating research findings. The field of bioinformatics is emerging at the intersections of biological sciences, statistics, Informatics, computer science, and design. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with content knowledge across the field, training a generation of students to become future leaders in bioinformatics. Graduates of the program will acquire the qualifications to pursue careers in industry, government, and academia as bioinformatics professionals, or pursue further studies towards obtaining MS, PhD, or other STEM related degrees.

All bioinformatics majors are required to complete a total of 120 hours of coursework that includes the Xavier Core Curriculum, and courses in bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and statistics, (six hours of which are already counted as part of the Core Curriculum hours). In addition, they need to successfully complete a two-part bioinformatics capstone project before graduation. In Bioinformatics Capstone I (BINF 4598 ), students have to choose a project that requires the implementation of bioinformatics software, pipelines, frameworks, or procedures to address important problems at the intersection of biology and computer science. Bioinformatics Capstone II (BINF 4599 ) will be on the continuation of the project from the first course, along with its implementation and evaluation.

Programs in Computer Science

The Computer Science Program prepares students to advance computing as a science and a profession. Computing is important to virtually every other discipline so computing students learn to analyze complex interdisciplinary problems and develop good solutions using creative problem-solving skills. Students have opportunities to study mobile application development, business, data mining, graphics, robotics, networking, security, and many other computing areas. At graduation, computer science majors are leaders prepared for graduate school or for stable careers that have excellent salaries.

The Physics & Computer Science Department offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, the Minor in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a Dual Degree in Computer Engineering. All majors require the same introductory programming sequence then diverge and the computer science majors take more mathematics courses, the computer information systems majors take more business courses, and the dual degree computer engineering majors take more mathematics and physics courses.

At the completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, our graduates are able to apply design techniques and programming practices to solve challenging problems; they have a breadth of knowledge in the theory and practice of computing; they understand the joys and challenges of teamwork; they are able to effectively communicate their knowledge; they have had research opportunities that enhance their knowledge; and they are prepared to be life-long learners in the computing sciences and beyond.

The computer science curricula are based on the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The University requires a minimum of 120 hours earned overall which includes the courses required to complete the Core Curriculum, a minor, and a major.

In addition to all University policies, computer science majors can earn no more than 25% of their computer science (CPSC) courses from another institution. No more than 10% of their earned 3000-level or above CPSC courses can be transferred from another institution.

To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, a student must earn a total of 120 semester hours; earn a “C” or better in all computer science courses accepted for credit; earn a “C” or better in all mathematics courses accepted for credit; and earn a “C” or better in Philosophy Logic (PHIL 2040 ).

To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems, a student must earn a total of 120 semester hours; earn a “C” or better in all computer science courses accepted for credit; earn a “C” or better in all business courses accepted for credit; and earn a “C” or better in Philosophy Logic (PHIL 2040 ).

Xavier also has a Computer Science with Dual Degree in Computer Engineering Program. This 3+2 program requires students to complete the core curriculum and the computer science courses and then transfer to an engineering school to complete their engineering degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Xavier and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from their engineering school.

Students choosing a double concentration in computer science and another discipline, must earn a total of 12 hours with a grade of “C” or better in CPSC 1724 , CPSC 2120 , and CPSC 2735 . An additional 12 hours is required in the other selected discipline of which specific courses might be required. Students are advised to check with the selected department that houses the discipline for the most up-to-date requirements.

Computer science majors with (1) a 3.5 grade point average in all computer science and mathematics courses accepted for credit, and (2) a cumulative 3.3 grade point average overall have earned the graduation distinction of “Honors in Computer Science”. Students must meet the academic requirements throughout their tenure in the Physics & Computer Science Department.

Computer information systems majors with (1) a 3.5 grade point average in all computer science and business courses accepted for credit, and (2) a cumulative 3.3 grade point average overall have earned the graduation distinction of “Honors in Computer Information Systems”. Students must meet the academic requirements throughout their tenure in the Physics & Computer Science Department.

Programs in Physics

Students electing physics as a major have the option of pursuing a program leading to either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.S. Program is designed for the student who plans a career as a physicist or as an engineer. The B.A. Program is pursued by students as preparation for further study and work in such fields as medicine, law, physical chemistry, biophysics, business administration, psychology, education, and many others.

The objective of the B.S. curriculum in physics is to equip the student with those skills (logical reasoning, problem analysis and solution, techniques in experimentation) and knowledge (fundamental concepts) necessary for entry into either graduate study in physics or the work force. The B.S. curriculum requires the student to take a total of 120 semester hours, with at least 51 in physics and 22 in mathematics.

The objective of the B.A. curriculum in physics is to enable the student to develop patterns of analytical reasoning and problem-solving which would be useful in the student’s chosen area outside of physics - medicine, law, etc. It is also intended that this curriculum will enable the student to acquire experiences that will serve as a foundation for later study in the chosen area of specialization. The student in the B.A. curriculum takes a total of 120 semester hours, with at least 24 in physics, 19 in mathematics and 24 in the area of specialization.

Xavier also has a Physics with Dual Degree in Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering Program. This 3+2 program requires students to complete the core curriculum and the physics courses and then transfer to an engineering school to complete their engineering degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in Physics from Xavier and a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering from their engineering school.

All majors must take a written comprehensive examination during the senior year dealing with the fundamentals of the various fields of physics and attend all departmental meetings. All Dual Degree Engineering Program students need to take a written examination in their junior year to receive a physics degree after completing the engineering degree requirements. In order for a physics or mathematics course to be counted for degree credit, a student must have a “C” or better in it.

All programs require taking the CHEM 1110/1110D -CHEM 1120/1120D sequence, however the CHEM 1010/1010D -CHEM 1020/1020D sequence may be substituted if a scheduling conflict does not permit taking the recommended 1110-1120 sequence. Note that a student’s chemistry courses must all be in one of the sequences.

Program in Robotic and Mechatronics Engineering

The program in Robotics and Mechatronics is designed to address the need for modern engineers to be educated in an area that is multi-disciplinary in nature. This program fits in very well with our student-centered mission for excellence in undergraduate education. Most of the current applications of robotic and mechatronic systems include areas that serve humankind such as assistive and medical devices, protection from attacks by terrorists, replacing human workers in hazardous environments, making cars safer through mechanisms for accident avoidance, etc. Training students, who will serve humanity by working in some of these areas, fits very well with Xavier’s mission.

The Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Mechatronics is focused on the fundamentals necessary for the design of “intelligent” systems and products in which mechanization and control requiring sensing, actuation, and computation are combined to achieve improved product quality and performance. Some of these intelligent systems include robots, as well as modern intelligent automobiles, airplanes, defense systems, assistive devices, appliances, game and entertainment systems. The skills that students will acquire in this program will be valuable to employers from a variety of industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, communications, defense, electronics, and healthcare.

The specific objectives of this program are to:

Develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, software engineering, and control systems in a synergistic framework.
Develop strong teamwork and communication skills to solve complex problems across disciplinary boundaries.
Design, develop and implement intelligent engineered products and processes to solve challenging technological problems or meet specific human needs effectively using a variety of innovation methods.
Develop innovative approaches and an entrepreneurial mind set to problem solving.

Programs

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Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

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