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Effective: Fall 1998 Revised: April 8, 1998

Comprehensive Examination Policies

Computer Science Comprehensive Examinations

Students in the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program must pass a comprehensive examination during the last term they are registered as a student as a partial requirement to earn the degree. Students in the Master of Science in Computer Science program, who elect not to write a thesis, must pass a comprehensive examination during the last term they are registered as a student as a partial requirement to earn the degree. Students in the Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Science program must pass a comprehensive examination after they have completed their formal course work as a partial requirement to earn the degree.

This document outlines the policies established by the Florida Tech Computer Science faculty on the content and logistics of these examinations.

Comprehensive Examination Logistics

Comprehensive examinations are given during the tenth week of Fall and Spring semesters. Results are reported to the students by Tuesday of the thirteenth week of the semester.

The Computer Science faculty schedule a preliminary meeting with students on the Wednesday of the sixth week of Fall and Spring semesters. Students with questions and concerns about the exam are encouraged to participate. Study guides for each topics area are available.

Students register for the exams using on-line forms available on the Computer Science Web pages under the Graduate Program link. On-line registration starts during the fourth week of a semester. Ph.D. students must have the approval of their Doctoral Committee to register.

Questions on the comprehensive examinations should be directed to the Comprehensive Examination Coordinator, the Computer Science Program Chair, or the student's Doctoral Committee.

  
M.S. Computer Information Systems Examination Policy

The Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems is a written exam given on the Friday of the tenth week of Fall and Spring semesters. The student must pass three tests in the areas of foundations, software, and systems. Two hours are allocated for each test, but they are designed to be completed in one hour. See the Florida Tech Graduate Policy Manual for additional information on Comprehensive Examinations.

Foundations

This test is on Data Structures and Algorithms. Students who earn a B or better in the introductory course CSE 5100 and retain their understanding of the topics in this course, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Software

The software area includes questions on Compilers, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering. Students who earn a B or better in an introductory course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the software area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Systems

The systems area includes questions on Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, and Operating Systems. Students who earn a B or better in an introductory course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the systems area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Thesis Option for Computer Information Systems

Students in the Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems program may request to write a thesis. Computer Information Systems students who request to write a thesis must have completed at least 18 credit hours before enrolling in CSE 5999, Thesis in Computer Science, and must distinguish themselves by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.

  
M.S. Computer Science Examination Policy

The Master's of Science in Computer Science is a written exam given on the Friday of the tenth week of Fall and Spring semesters. The student must pass four tests in the areas of applied software, foundations, software, and systems. Two hours are allocated for each test, but they are designed to be completed in one hour. See the Florida Tech Graduate Policy Manual for additional information on Comprehensive Examinations.

Applied Software

The applied software area includes questions on Artificial Intelligence, Databases, and Graphics. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the applied software area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Foundations

The foundations area includes questions on Algorithms, Automata, and Discrete Mathematics. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the foundations area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Software

The applied software area includes questions on Compilers, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the software area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

Systems

The systems area includes questions on Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, and Operating Systems. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the systems area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area. Most students will need to review and prepare for the comprehensive exam.

  
Computer Science Ph.D. Examination Policy

The Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination serves to provide evidence that each student has a broad knowledge of computer science, is able to perform directed research, and demonstrate that each student can communicate their knowledge. The Comprehensive Examination is to be taken after the student has completed all formal course work included in the student's doctoral program of study. See the Florida Tech Graduate Policy Manual for additional information on the Comprehensive Examination.

The Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination is given in two parts. The first part is a breadth exam that tests the student's knowledge of the theoretical foundations of computer science, computer systems, and their ability to design and write computer programs. At each offering, each student takes the same examination. The breadth exam is prepared and graded by the Computer Science faculty, and should be completed within two years (four years for part-time students) from the time the student first enrolls in the program.

The second part of the Ph.D. Comprehensive is a depth examination administered by the student's Doctoral Committee. It tests the student's knowledge of a proposed research area, but may also include other areas considered appropriate by the Doctoral Committee.

The Breadth Examination

The breadth examination is prepared, and graded by the Computer Science faculty and given on the Friday of the tenth week of Fall and Spring semesters. There are four required tests on the topics of applied software, foundations, software, and systems. Two hours are allocated for each test.

Applied Software

The applied software area includes questions on Artificial Intelligence, Databases, and Graphics. Doctoral students will be required to pass in at least two of the above applied software topic areas. The purpose of this portion of the exam is to allow doctoral students to demonstrate knowledge in important areas where computer science is applied.

Foundations

The foundations area includes questions on Algorithms, Automata, and Discrete Mathematics. Doctoral students will be required to pass in at least two of the above foundations topic areas. The purpose of this portion of the exam is to allow doctoral students to demonstrate they have a firm understanding in the foundations of computer science.

Software

The applied software area includes questions on Compilers, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering. Doctoral students will be required to pass in at least two of the above software topic areas. The purpose of this portion of the exam is to allow doctoral students to demonstrate they are able to design and develop software solutions to problems.

Systems

The systems area includes questions on Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, and Operating Systems. Doctoral students will be required to pass in at least two of the above systems topic areas. The purpose of this portion of the exam is to allow doctoral students to demonstrate they know how computer systems work.

After the Program has validated that the student has passed the breadth exam and the student has completed all formal course work, the student's Doctoral Committee schedules a depth examination.

The Depth Examination

The depth examination is administered by the student's Doctoral Committee. The event is published by the Graduate School and open to all members of the Graduate Faculty. To pass the exam, the student must have the unanimous approval of the Committee.

The content of the depth exam are determined by the Doctoral Committee in consultation with the student. The exam should provide evidence that the student is prepared to accomplish original, directed research in a field of Computer Science. The Ph.D. depth exam is normally scheduled for two hours.


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1998-08-07