The Software Systems Honors and Major

F.A.Q.

March 23, 2005

What Are Software Systems?

?Left for discussion at the end of the presentation

The Effect of a S. S. Honors/Major onyour Course of Study (BCS)

Less freedom in choosing electives Some electives are concentrated in the

software design and implementation areas Specifically, 5 elective courses must be

devoted to the Software Systems Majors/Honors

So Why Do It?

You learn a lot more about what makes computers “do” what they do [my personal opinion only]

You have an interest in software– Do find something interesting to study; it

makes your studies much more enjoyable

You want to work for a software company doing development work

What’s the difference between Majors and Honors? Same course selection, except… Senior report/thesis

– Honors must take CS4997– Majors may take either CS4983 or CS4997

Final grade point average– Honors requires 3.0 or above

• First class honors 3.5 or above• Second class honors 3.0 or above

– Majors requires 2.5 or above

Should You Choose Majors or Honors? Choose honors if you possibly may achieve a 3.0

average You can request a change later If you are enrolled in honors but finish with a

average between 2.5 and 3.0, you will be automatically moved to majors– If you complete with a grade point under 2.5, you will

automatically be awarded a “general” degree (just as if you had not applied for majors/honors)

You must change from honors to major if you decide to take CS4983 instead of CS4997

CS4983 or CS4997? CS4983 is a “library research” and report writing

course CS4997 is usually a “do something” course CS4997 projects are often more interesting

– You often work more closely with a professor CS4997 is 4 ch; CS4983 is 2 ch CS4997 is a full year (two term) course; CS4983

is a one term course CS4997 typically takes more weekly time than

CS4983

Why do it now?

The longer you wait to work out a plan, the harder it may be to fit in all the requirements

How Do I Enroll?

Fill out a “Application for Major/Honors in Software Systems” form– From the rack outside the FCS office (Gillin E

floor)– From the Faculty of Computer Science web site

Get it approved by a software systems major advisor; currently:– Andrew McAllister– John DeDourek

“Old” Form

A Change

The following new rules for Software Systems for all students graduating in May 2006: •Software Systems:  •CS3013; •1 from CS4405, CS4905; •1 from CS4405, CS4905, CS4015, CS4025, SWE4103, SWE4203; •1 from CS3025, CS4735; •1 from Group A.

NEW:

OLD:

Suggeston

Also fill out an academic history worksheet– Leave marks blank for courses not yet taken

Show a copy to your major advisor This avoids some mistakes made by

major/honors students in the past

Academic History Worksheet

1

2

3

Major/Honors Courses

Other Electives

Don’t includethe majors/honorscourses

Core CS4xxx/5xxx Elective

Don’t include any of the majors/honorscourses as the Core CS4xxx/5xxxelective

Questions?

?