General Information | The Program | Requirements | Courses | PDF File

The Computer Science and Engineering Major Program

The Department of Computer Science administers two curricula: Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, and Computer Science in the College of Letters and Science. It also administers a minor in the College of Letters and Science. For information on the Computer Science curriculum and minor, see Computer Science.

The field of Computer Science and Engineering encompasses the organization, design, analysis, theory, programming, and application of digital computers and computing systems. It develops versatile engineers with backgrounds spanning a broad computer hardware/software spectrum.

The Computer Science and Engineering major provides students with a solid background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronic circuits and systems, all supporting the computer hardware and computer software courses which form the focus of the curriculum.

A key theme of this curriculum is the hardware/software interaction in today's computer systems design, a theme reflected in the balance between computer hardware and computer software aspects in the course requirements. The key theme of hardware/software interaction is also reflected in the orientation of the courses themselves. The Computer Science and Engineering major also requires additional general education electives, helping to develop the verbal skills and intellectual breadth demanded by today's employers.

The Computer Science and Engineering program prepares students to do further work in hardware, software, or electronics, either in industry or postgraduate study.

Mission. The University of California, Davis, is first and foremost, an institution of learning and teaching, committed to serving the needs of society. The Department of Computer Science contributes to the mission of the University in three ways. First, its undergraduate and graduate education programs seek to educate students in the fundamental principles of computer science and the skills needed to solve the complex technological problems of modern society; the breadth of course work provides a framework for life-long learning and an appreciation for multidisciplinary activities. Second, through its research programs, the department contributes to the development and progress of computer science, and software and information technology, to provide innovative, creative solutions for societal needs. Finally, the department disseminates its research—to enhance collaborations with the public sector, further interdisciplinary interests that benefit society, and educate the public—through publications, public service, and professional activities.

Department Objectives. Teaching —To provide undergraduate students with a thorough understanding of the key principles and practices of computing, which include a strong theoretical background in mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering fundamentals and an ability to apply this knowledge to practical problems. To provide students with sufficient breadth to work creatively and productively in multidisciplinary work teams; this breadth, in its broadest context, will form the basis for an appreciation and interest in life-long learning. To provide students with the ability to design and conduct experiments, and to collect and analyze data in core, as well as more specialized, areas of computer science. To provide students with breadth in the humanities and social sciences so they learn to communicate effectively, understand professional and ethical issues in society, and appreciate the interrelatedness between computing and society. To educate graduate students to be our next generation of teachers or leaders in industry, or to pursue meaningful, creative research in industry, government, or academia. Research —To develop and maintain research programs that produce fundamental scientific advances, as well as useful technological innovations, while simultaneously training the next generation of researchers and leaders in the field of computer science.

Objectives. Students will work well on a team; work well independently; communicate well in writing; communicate well in speaking; write good correct, easily maintainable programs; solve complex problems in their discipline; understand computer systems; understand the relationship between hardware and software; effectively gather and use experimental data (e.g., profiling data); act with professional ethics and responsibility; use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the betterment of the society; achieve distinction in their careers; think creatively about new problems; do well in graduate school (for students who plan to go to graduate school); learn new things.

Integrated Degree Program. An integrated B.S./M.S. plan in Computer Science allows Davis
students in Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering, or Computer Engineering to complete a master’s degree in Computer Science in one year. Formal course work for the master’s degree is reduced by 6 units for students. Students can begin graduate studies immediately after completing their B.S. degree. More information is available in the graduate section of the College of Engineering Bulletin, or at http://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/graduate/ bs-ms.html.