DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Department of Computer Science came into existence after the creation of Faculty of Computational and Developmental Mathematics (FCDM). The primary goal of the Department is to produce for both the private and public sector organizations middle and senior level managers who have a firm grip of the theory and practice of Applied and Business Mathematics. This programme will equip students with knowledge and skills needed to perform professional duties and to work more effectively with other specialists in other fields of study. The course emphasizes the acquisition of practical and problem solving skills to enable students realize what they learn and what is done in practice so as to enable them to apply meaningful rules in solving current developmental problems at regional, national and international levels. Consequently, there is growing demand for (and yet regrettably there is a shortage) people skilled in the subject and its applications.
Programme Highlights
In the first year, Introductory Mathematics is taught together with other general science courses offered by the Department. In the second, Introductory Applied Mathematics is taught together with other general science courses offered by the Department. In the third year, students are allowed to select their options of interested subjects in accordance with the Department’s pre-requisites and standards. Fourth year students offer courses in Information Technology and Management Information Systems depending on their option of study. Also, students specializing in the above stated courses continue with courses in their respective disciplines. Also, all fourth year students are supposed to undertake a project work as a requirement for their graduation. All students of the Department from year one to year three are obliged to participate in the University’s Third Trimester programme which takes place during the third trimester of every academic year. In addition, year three (3) students undertake Industrial Attachment, which is a Faculty requirement for graduation.
Philosophy and Objectives of the Computer Science Programme
The curricula for the Computer Science option in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science are designed to prepare students for specialized professional and academic studies. These curricula lead to honours degree of Bachelor of Science, normally at the end of a four year period of study. [Diploma holders join the Department in the second year].
The programme provides a solid academic base upon which to build more advanced degrees if so desired. The department places emphasis on strong theoretical background in computing and practical exposure in both traditional and object-oriented programming languages, networking, web page designing and hardware design of computers. Emphasis is also placed on both research and practical oriented projects and the industrial attachment which is of three (3) months duration in the penultimate year. The computer science student is given a very sound background in Mathematics in the first two years of study.
Other philosophies of Computer Science education in UDS include:
- Preparing students for lifelong learning that will enable them to move beyond today’s technology to meet the challenges of the future;
- Preparing students to be capable and responsible computer professionals and scientists;
- Preparing literate individuals who value computer science and appreciate its role in society;
- Stimulate a spirit of inquiry and develop a variety of problem- solving and decision- making skills and abilities;
- Building students’ skills in critical thinking, problem solving and ability to handle unfamiliar situations;
- Providing sufficient experience that students will become informed consumers of computer services, hardware and software, and will be aware of limitations of computer systems;
- Providing a broader understanding of information technology required for effective participation in society.
- Promoting adventure and discovery in the learning and teaching of Computer Science, so that students are equipped to cope with their environment more effectively and more imaginatively (not simply to drill students into parrot- type learning); and,
- The curriculum has a strong Environmental Science emphasis and has been designed to be interdisciplinary integrated and applied in nature yet mathematical in context. It is intended that the students of the department would have been equipped with a diverse background upon completion of their programme, a strong mathematical frame to pursue a multitude of careers.
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF GRADUANDS
UDS graduates, by nature of the programme content, are not in any way disadvantaged relative to graduates from other institutions. They can secure employment in a wide range of fields (Teaching, Banking, Industry for Mechanised farming, Insurance, Stock brokerage etc.).