Introduction

Computer Science degree programme aims to provide knowledge and skills for understanding, developing, and applying concepts, principles, and techniques of computing and computer systems design. The programme also aims to prepare students for further self-development and/or pursuit of research or graduate studies in computer science. 

The goal of the programme is to produce computer science graduates who are capable of using computing principles, concepts and techniques to design, implement, manage and maintain computing systems that address and provide solutions to various economic activities for benefit of humankind.

Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science degree program are six-fold, namely:

1. To equip students with knowledge and skills for modeling, analyzing, and synthesizing computations and computer systems.
2. To provide students with knowledge and skills for analyzing practical problems and developing viable computer-based solutions to them.
3. To train students on the practices and standards for ensuring professional, ethical, legal, secure, and responsible use of computer science.
4. To prepare students for participation in computer science projects that require teamwork and/or collaboration.
5. To produce graduates who are capable of keeping abreast of, and adapting to, new developments in computer science.
6. To prepare students for advanced learning and research in computer science.

Admission Requirements

1. KSCE Mean Grade of C+ and above, with at least a C+ in Mathematics and Physics/Physical Science, OR 
2. KACE with at least 2 Principles passes in Mathematics and Physics and 1 subsidiary pass, OR
3. Accredited Diploma in Computer Science /IT/ or related field with at least a credit pass from Commission for Higher Education accredited and validated institution.
4. KNEC Diploma holders in Computer studies with at least a credit pass and a mean grade of C at KCSE.

COURSE DISTRIBUTION

Year 1
	Semester 1	Semester II
CCS101	Fundamentals of Computing	CCS 102	Linear Algebra
CCS103	Discrete Structures I	CCS 104	Object Oriented programming
CCS105	Electrical Principles	CCS 106	Discrete Structures II
CCS107	Electronics	CCS 108	Digital Electronics 1
CCS 109	Basic Calculus	CCS 110	Introduction to Internet Technologies
CCS111	Introduction to Programming	CCS 112	Databases Systems
CCS113	Programming in C	CCS 114	Introduction to Spreadsheets
AEN 105	Communication Skills	PHT 112	HIV/AIDS
Year 2
	Semester I		Semester II
CCS 201	Object Oriented Programming II (Java)	CCS 202	Computer Organization and architecture
CCS203	Data Structures and Algorithms	CCS 204	Assembly Language Programming
CCS 205	Probability and Statistics	CCS 206	Application Development for the Internet
CCS 207	Digital Electronics II	CCS 208	Data Communications
CCS 209	Principles of Operating Systems	CCS 210	Automata Theory
CCS 211	Digital and Analogue Communication Systems	CCS 212	Web Design and Publishing
CCS 213	Systems Analysis and Design	CCS 214	Group Project
		CCS 216	Visual Basic Programming
Year 3
	Semester I		Semester II
CCS 301	Principles of programming languages	CCS 302	Human Computer Interaction
CCS 303	Design and Analysis of algorithms	CCS 304	Project II
CCS305	Intro. to Compiler Construction and Design	CCS 306	Software Engineering
CCS 307	Computer Networks	CCS 308	Research Methods and Technical Writing
CCS 309	Information Systems Security and Design	CCS 310	Computer Graphics
CCS 313	Unix Operating Systems	CSC 312	Mobile Computing
CCS 315	Intelligent Systems	CCS 314	Computer Networks Lab II (CISCO II)
CCS 317	Computer Networks Lab I (CISCO)	CCS 316	Network Administration
CCS 319	Database Administration	CCS 318	Introduction to Expert Systems
CCS 323	Group Project
Year 4
	Semester I		Semester II
CCS 401	Software Project Management	CCS 404	Social Legal and ethical issues in Computing
CCS 403	Computer Science Project I	CCS 406	Computer Science Project II
CCS 405	Management Information Systems	CCS 408	Computer Networks Lab IV (CISCO IV)
CCS 407	Distributed Systems	CCS 412	Natural Language Processing
CCS 409	Computer Networks Lab III (CISCO III)	CCS 414	Pattern Recognition
CCS 415	Data Mining	CCS 418	Advanced Database Systems
CCS 417	Principles of Functional Programming
CCS 419	Advanced Computer Architectures	CCS 422	Advanced Compiler Construction and Design
CCS 421	Intelligent Agents	ABS 424              Entrepreneurship and S B Mngmt
CCS 420	Neural Networks

 

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

Graduates who shall have undertaken the degree programme are expected to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to computer science and software applications.
2. Have system-level perspectives of computer systems and the interactions between their components.
3. Appreciate the interplay between the theory and practice of computer science; and the tradeoffs that are made in the design of practical systems.
4. Be familiar with the common themes and principles that recur in computer science, and the levels at which they are manifested.
5. Have significant project experience:
   1. Be able to identify and analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution.
   2. Be able to use knowledge and understanding as a basis for modeling and designing computer-based systems in a manner that takes into account tradeoffs involved in design choices.
   3. Be able to use appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, maintenance as well as evaluation of computer-based systems.
   4. Be able to carry out critical evaluation and testing of a computer-based system with a view to determining if it meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
6. Be able to use sound practices in planning, tracking progress, measuring, and managing quality in relation to the handling of computer software and/or hardware projects.
7. Have a solid foundation of knowledge that makes it possible to keep abreast of and adapt to rapid changes in computer technology and maintain skills as the computer science field evolves.
8. Be able to exercise professional responsibility in the development and application of computer science on the basis of social, professional, legal, ethical, as well as, cultural issues involved in the use of computer technology.

 

Programme Duration

The duration of the programme shall normally be EIGHT semesters.

 

Programme Structure

1. The programme comprises taught courses, practical courses (or labs), projects, and an industrial attachment course.
2. Courses are offered in units. A unit is defined as one hour lecture or two hours tutorial or three hours practical session per week per semester.
3. Projects shall be undertaken, under the supervision of academic staff, concurrently with taught and practical courses during the designated semesters.
4. Industrial attachment shall normally be undertaken in industry after the second semester of the third year of study for a period of three months.

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Mode of Delivery

BSc. In Computer Science degree programme shall be offered through one of the following alternative modes:

1. Mode I: Face-to-face sessions, involving students and lecturers, amounting to forty-two (42) contact hours per course.
2. Mode II: E-Learning.

 

EXAMINATIONS

Maseno University Common Rules and Regulations for Examinations shall apply.