Computer Science Department

The Madonna University Department of Computer Science was created in 1999 as one of the pioneer departments in the then Faculty of Science and Engineering. The faculty was later split into the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering in 2004. Departments that make up the Faculty of Science are Computer Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Industrial Chemistry. The offices of the Faculty and the departments are located at the Faculty of Science Building at the centre of the university

Computer technology has had a profound effect on our society and the world at large. Every citizen needs some familiarity with this technology because of the impact it is making in the home, school, work place, and community. Computer technology changes on daily basis and to keep track of these changes, employers need efficient and knowledgeable computer scientist. Therefore the study of the Computer Science concentrates on the fundamental scientific principles and concepts of the field.

The Department also abides by the principles of IEEE/ACM which says:

The education that undergraduates in computer science receive must adequately prepare them for the workforce in a more holistic way than simply conveying technical facts. Indeed, soft skills (such as teamwork, verbal and written communication, time management, problem solving, and flexibility) and personal attributes (such as risk tolerance, collegiality, patience, work ethic, identification of opportunity, sense of social responsibility, and appreciation for diversity) play a critical role in the workplace. Successfully applying technical knowledge in practice often requires an ability to tolerate ambiguity and to negotiate and work well with others from different backgrounds and disciplines. These overarching considerations are important for promoting successful professional practice in a variety of career paths. (CS2013)

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) was formed in 1978 to maintain the standard of computer science in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and advance information technology and its applications and deployments to professional practice in education, government, industry and support for the general community and the profession at large. In the light of this, Nigeria Universities are mandated to train professionals to practice and work in these areas in Nigeria. The driving force for this discipline was then welcome by the founder of Madonna University amongst other important courses of study.

Our mission is to provide excellent undergraduate education in a state-of-the-art environment, preparing students for careers as computer scientists in industry, government and academia; to create, share, and apply knowledge in Computer Science, including in interdisciplinary areas that extend the scope of Computer Science to benefit humanity; to educate students to be successful, ethical, and effective problem-solvers and life-long learners who will contribute positively to society.

Aim and Objectives

The aim is to produce graduates with a wide range of abilities, dynamism and skills in Computer Science and the objectives of Bachelor of Science degree programme in Computer Science include:

• To create in students the awareness of and enthusiasm for Computer Science and its capabilities.

• To involve the students in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying

• To provide a broad and balanced foundation in computer science knowledge and practical skills.

• To develop in students through an education in computer science a range of transferable applicable skills of information technology to all aspects of human endeavours.

• To generate in students an appreciation of the importance of computer in an industrial, economic, technological and social context.

• To provide students with knowledge and skills base for further studies in computer science or multi-disciplinary studies involving computer science.

1.5 STRATEGIC PLAN

• To achieve our objectives, the department designs its curricula in compliance with National Universities Commission Benchmark of Minimum Academic Standard (NUC-BMAS) of 2007.

• All courses stipulated in the BMAS are included accordingly

• IEEE/ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programmes in Computer Science is considered also for areas that are not covered in the BMAS

• Since Computer Science students should develop the flexibility to work across disciplines, our curricula is designed to provide students with that flexibility that will enable them to work across many disciplines like Mathematics, Statistics, Fine Arts, Engineering, Life Science, etc

• The curricula for Computer Science is innovative and tracks recent developments in the profession providing the flexibility that courses need in order to respond to this rapidly changing field.

• Most courses involve practical sessions, projects, assignments, and tutorials to enable students master the topic and learn how to work independently

• Final Assessment can be use any combination of these: Examination, Quiz, Project, Assignment, Questions and Answers, Oral Presentation, Report writing, Term Papers, Seminar, and Demonstrations

Characteristics of Our Graduates

Our graduates meet the following expected characteristics of computer scientist:

• Understanding of the technical knowledge of computer science

• Get acquainted with a number of recurring themes, such as abstraction, complexity, and evolutionary change, and a set of general principles, such as sharing a common resource, security, and concurrency.

• Appreciation of the interplay between theory and practice and the essential links between them

• Recognition of the context in which a computer system may function, including its interactions with people and the physical world.

• Application of the gained knowledge in solving real problems, not just write code and move bits. They should to be able to design and improve a system based on a quantitative and qualitative assessment of its functionality, usability and performance. They should realize that there are multiple solutions to a given problem and that selecting among them is not a purely technical activity, as these solutions will have a real impact on people’s lives and be able to communicate their solution to others, including why and how a solution solves the problem and what assumptions were made.

• Ensure that graduates can successfully apply the knowledge they have gained, they should be involved in at least one substantial project. In most cases, this experience will be a software development project, but other experiences are also appropriate in particular circumstances

• Possession of a solid foundation that allows and encourages graduates to maintain relevant skills as the field evolves. Specific languages and technology platforms change over time, graduates need to realize that they must continue to learn and adapt their skills throughout their careers. To develop this ability, students are exposed to multiple programming languages, tools, paradigms, and technologies as well as the fundamental underlying principles throughout their study period.

• Recognition is given to the social, legal, ethical, and cultural issues and standards both local and international inherent in the discipline of computing.

• Our graduates have the ability to make effective presentations to a range of audiences about technical problems and their solutions which may involve face-to-face, written, or electronic communication. They are prepared to work effectively as members of teams and be able to manage their own learning and development, including managing time, priorities, and progress.

• Graduates understand the full range of opportunities available in computing on different platforms ranging from embedded micro-sensors to high-performance clusters and distributed clouds.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the programme may be through any of the following modes:

• UTME: Candidates who have successfully completed the Senior Secondary School or its equivalent and obtained five credits in Mathematics, English Language, Physics to form the core subjects with credit in any other two relevant science subjects (preference is given to Additional Mathematics, Computer Studies, Statistics, Chemistry, or Biology) in not more than two sittings.
• Direct Entry: Candidates who fulfils above requirements and who have obtained G.C.E Advanced Level, HSC or equivalent passes in Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry or Statistics, or Computer Studies, or Economics may be admitted at the 200 level of the programme. Candidate who fulfil normal admission requirements and in addition holds an ND or HND certificate (minimum upper credit) in Information Technology or Computer Science or Computer Engineering are eligible for direct entry admission.
• Transfer Cases: Candidates wishing to transfer from one programme to Computer Science for some good reason(s) may be considered for absorption at 200 level. Any deficiencies in their background should be rectified by taking appropriate courses.

To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Computer Science, a student:

(a) Must have spent minimum of 3 or 4 years on the programme depending on the mode of entry.

(b) Must have passed all Compulsory courses.

(c) Must have passed all required courses and selected electives.

Requirement for Graduation

Before graduation, every student is expected to pass all compulsory courses, required courses and selected electives at a minimum level of E grade. The minimum credit requirement for graduation is 167. The degree to be awarded shall be Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Computer Science. Candidate with good honours degree in Computer Science may be accepted for Masters or PhD programmes in the relevant area of study and research.

1.9 ACHIEVEMENT

The Department of Computer Science gained it first full accreditation status from the National University Commission (NUC) in November 2008 and the second full accreditation status June 2015. The Department also produced the overall best student in the University in 2013/2014 graduation list and also in 2014/2015 graduation list

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATES

The use of computer technologies is commonplace in all types of organizations, in academia, research, industry, government, private and business organizations. The career opportunities for computer science graduates can be classified into seven categories: programming and software development, information systems operation and management, telecommunications and networking, computer science research, web and Internet, graphics and multimedia, training and support, and computer industry specialists.

STRESS AREAS CODE

General Courses 0

Programming 1

Software Development Fundamentals 2

Systems Fundamentals 3

Intelligent Systems 4

Computability 5

Information Systems 6

Research work 9

INSTRUCTION TO DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS

Students who gained admission by direct entry into the 200 level will ensure that they register and pass the following General Studies Courses in addition to all the courses in the Faculty/Departmental curriculum, as applicable.

FIRST SEMESTER (FOR DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS)

Course Code Course Title Unit

GST 111 Communication in English I 2

GST 113 Nigerian Peoples and Culture 2

GST 121 Use of Library, Study Skills and Information Technology 2

GST 123 Communication in French 2

GST 125 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Studies I 2

SECOND SEMESTER (FOR DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS)

Course Code Course Title Unit

GST 104 Fundamental Philosophy 1

GST 112 Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence 2

GST 122 Communication in English 2

GST 142 Communication in German 2

GST 162 Introduction to Social Science 2