CJ Taylor Associate Professor Computer and Information Science Undergraduate Curriculum Chair

The Computer Science Programs at Penn encompass the principles of computing that enables students to keep abreast of developments in a rapidly changing technology. Computer  science students not only gain a solid foundation in the theory and design of modern computing systems, but are exposed to a variety of applications, both in lab assignments as well as in independent, for-credit projects. The curriculum is designed to keep the students up to date with the current technology. All of our incoming freshman will be taught Java and its applications on the World Wide Web during the first year of our program.

Students are encouraged to get "hands on" experience in the Department's research labs. They are also encouraged to explore cross-disciplinary connections by completing a minor in a related field or by combining fields in cross-disciplinary research.

Computer Science Degree Programs involve the student in a balanced curriculum of computer science theory, algorithms, programming, systems, and machine architecture. It is capped by a two-semester Senior Project. There are numerous electives based on contemporary themes and on the research interests of Faculty. The CIS Faculty are internationally known for their research, which they use to enrich the classroom experience. Students are also encouraged to take independent study projects to nurture their advanced interests.

The design of the Computer Science curriculum encourages the student to take advantage of other course offerings across the University. The great flexibility of the degree programs make it easy to customize the curriculum to varied secondary interests, either within Computer Science or other programs. These include, for example, the Management Technology Program with Wharton and the Cognitive Science Program with the School of Arts and Sciences. The close proximity of the many professional schools at Penn facilitates a student's broad exposure to other disciplines, whose methodologies and problems constantly enrich - and are in turn enhanced by - the computer science experience.

Camillo J. Taylor