Grinnell's 2013 CS Curriculum Workshop

At Grinnell, the CS faculty often review the CS program every 2-4 years.

• Recent Curriculum Workshop: 17-29 July 2013

  • Detailed review of recent exit surveys with 2013 graduating CS majors
  • Discussion of 2008-2010 surveys of alumni, including a tabulation of results from CS graduates
  • Identification of themes
  • Clarification of areas working well
  • Brainstorming opportunities for improvement
  • Exploration of some new approaches

• Some common themes (prior to examination of CS 2013)

  • Introductory 3-course sequence well received by all; provides a solid basis for later course
  • Algorithms, Theory strong
  • Organization/Architecture, Operating Systems cover systems' basics reasonably well
    • Both are vital, and both are available
    • College parameters do not allow both to be required
    • coverage depends on advising, not requirements

  • Coverage programming languages has been a strength

    • Likely goes far beyond normal requirements for undergraduates
    • Several graduates have gone on to graduate programs in programming languages

  • Team-based software development

    • Only 1 course can be required, so must do methodology and completion in same course
    • Courses well received, but problematic to teach

  • Areas of optional/minimal coverage

    • Networks elective, not required
    • Computer security coverage thin

created 31 July 2013 last revised 1 August 2013

previous  next