Introduction
As we live in a digital age, most industries rely on data and software programs. Therefore, the demand for computer professionals with a scientific background has grown rapidly in the past decade. The College of Computing and Informatics offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with the aim of satisfying the growing need and qualification of distinguished cadres, commensurate with the needs of the labor market. The program includes the scientific foundations of computing with advanced applications that require advanced knowledge of computing systems, programming and problem-solving tools and techniques.
The Importance and Reasons for Creating the Program
The Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is committed to provide citizens with knowledge and skills to meet the future needs of the labor market. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be a key enabler of the national programs outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and described in detail in the National Transformation Plan 2020. However, the ICT sector suffers from a significant gap between supply and demand. This is reflected in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) strategic objective, that is “the rehabilitation of specialized Saudi human capital and employment of this capital to reduce the gap between supply and demand in the ICT sector”. A recent report by the CIT Commission states that although Saudi universities, colleges, recruitment organizations, and domestic training institutions continue to supply hundreds of new ICT professionals, the gap between the demand and the supply will continue to expand. The ICT talent gap exceeded 37,000 in 2017. The report shows the growing needs for computer science specialties such as software/application developer/manager which classified among the most difficult skills to find by employers. Therefore, The BSc in Computer Science program aims to bridging the gap in ICT industry by developing qualified graduates who are able to contribute and participate to the growth of Saudi Arabia and to the improvement of society.
Duration of Study in the Program
8 semesters.
Program Objectives
1. Development of a technically proficient workforce comprising of Saudi citizens capable of carrying out software development projects to the best of international standards.
2. To keep pace with academic advances in international universities in the field of computation and informatics.
3. To increase learners' experience by enabling them to solve academic and practical problems in their areas of specialization.
4. To enable graduates to compete in the fields of computation and informatics.
5. To support continuous development through partnerships with local and international companies.
6. To connect programs through integrated courses designed and taught through advanced technology.
7. To integrate academic programs by bridging the gap between theoretical advances and practical applications.
Career Opportunities for Graduates of the Program
1. Computer Scientist
2. Software Engineer
3. Software Developer
4. Systems Analyst
5. Technical support specialist
6. Web Developer
7. Network Architect
8. Database Administrator
9. Information Security Analyst
10. Artificial intelligence specialist
11. System Developer
12. Software project manager
13. Software Quality Assurance Specialist
14. Software Tester
Study Plan and Course Description
The academic plan of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science consists of 132 credit hours distributed over eight semesters as follows:
- University Requirements = 34
- College Requirements = 24
- Department Requirements = 74
First Year: Level One
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS001 | Computer Essentials | 3 | |
| ENG001 | English Language Skills | 8 | |
| CI001 | Academic Skills | 2 | |
| Total | 13 | ||
First Year: Level Two
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH001 | Fundamentals of Mathematics | 3 | |
| ENG001 | English Language Skills | 8 | |
| COMM001 | Communication Skills | 2 | |
| Total | 13 | ||
Second Year: Level Three
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS140 | Computer Programming 1 | 4 | |
| CS210 | Digital Logic Design | 3 | |
| MATH150 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 | |
| Science1 | General Physics 1 | 3 | |
| ENG103 | Technical Writing | 3 | |
| ISLM101 | Islamic Culture | 2 | |
| Total | 18 | ||
Second Year: Level Four
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS141 | Computer Programming 2 | 4 | |
| CS250 | Computer Architecture and Organization | 3 | |
| CS265 | Theory of Computing | 3 | |
| CS151 | Discrete Mathematics for CS | 3 | |
| Science2 | General Physics 2 | 3 | |
| ISLM102 | Islamic Culture | 2 | |
| Total | 18 | ||
Third Year: Level Five
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS312 | Data Structures | 3 | |
| CS330 | Fundamentals Of Database Systems | 3 | |
| CS344 | Operating Systems | 3 | |
| CS348 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 | |
| MATH151 | Linear Algebra | 3 | |
| ISLM103 | Islamic Culture | 2 | |
| Total | 17 | ||
Third Year: Level Six
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS355 | Software Engineering | 3 | |
| CS360 | Computer Networks | 4 | |
| CS374 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 | |
| CS388 | Principles of Programming Languages | 3 | |
| STAT101 | Statistics | 3 | |
| ISLM104 | Islamic Culture | 2 | |
| Total | 18 | ||
Practical training in the summer
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS499 | Practical Training | 1 | |
| Total | 1 | ||
Fourth Year: Level Seven
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS414 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 | |
| CS436 | Web Programming | 4 | |
| CS409 | Computer Security | 3 | |
| CS490 | Senior Project 1 in Computer Science | 2 | |
| CS4xx | Elective 1 | 3 | |
| MGT101 | Introduction to Management | 3 | |
| Total | 18 | ||
Fourth Year: Level Eight
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS491 | Senior Project 2 in Computer Science | 4 | |
| CS4xx | Elective 2 | 3 | |
| CS4xx | Elective 3 | 3 | |
| CS452 | Software Project Management | 3 | |
| CS457 | Ethics in Information Age | 3 | |
| Total | 16 | ||
