May 16, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Applied Communication

  
  • COMM 7000 - Writing Workshop I


    3 cr.
    This course is an individualized writing tutorial in which students work on their own projects under the direction of a writing instructor. Students, in discussion with the instructor, propose topics of interest and develop them to publishable form. Depending upon the student’s interest, topics may focus on technical communication, science journalism, or appropriately related nonfiction (essays or books). Upon completion of the workshop sequence, students should have a suitable manuscript(s) ready for publication.

  
  • COMM 7011 - Foundation of Communication Studies


    3 cr.
    In this course, students examine origins, nature, and consequences of communication in a variety of subfields. This course reviews the roles of theory in comprehension of communication practices. Furthermore, it introduces the link between communication theory and the methodologies of communication research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with an emphasis on interpretive approaches that are relevant to organizational settings.

  
  • COMM 7015 - Career Strategies


    3 cr.
    In this course participants explore their competencies, interests, and values as they plan a career path. This course will address resume development, how to conduct a market search on perspective employers, and build a professional network. Students will learn about traditional methods of job seeking and how to make use of social media and technology to identify jobs and connect with decision makers.

  
  • COMM 7016 - Communities and Civic Engagement


    3 cr.
    This course explores the concept of civic engagement and its relationship to building strong and vibrant communities. This course reviews ideas from multiple fields of study in order to conceptualize a community that can use the process of democracy to create an optimal situation.

  
  • COMM 7300 - Health Communication


    3 cr.
    The course presents an overview of health communication theory and research addressing issues in interpersonal, small group, organizational, public relations, and use of mass media in the health care setting. Students will learn how communication professionals work within a health care setting to help the organization meets its mission of patient care.

  
  • COMM 7301 - Gender Communication


    3 cr.
    The course introduces the principal concepts of gender-based communication. The student will explore the roles that communication plays in presentation and understanding gender roles and gender identities. Through this exploration the student will increase their awareness and understanding of interaction between genders in a variety of context as well as develop an analytic attitude toward gender and communication in everyday life.

  
  • COMM 7500 - Writing Workshop II


    3 cr.
    This course is an individualized writing tutorial in which students work on their own projects under the direction of a writing instructor. Students, in discussion with the instructor, propose topics of interest and develop them to publishable form. Depending upon the student’s interest, topics may focus on technical communication, science journalism, or appropriately related nonfiction (essays or books). Upon completion of the workshop sequence, students should have a suitable manuscript(s) ready for publication.

  
  • COMM 8000 - Administration of School Library Media Centers


    3 cr.
    Presents topics dealing with library/media services, planning centers and program management, developing and presenting budgets, record keeping, selection and acquisition of equipment and materials, computerization, and other basic management considerations that align and organize themselves with the daily operation of school library/media centers.

  
  • COMM 8010 - Organization of Learning Resources


    3 cr.
    Broad view of the organizational facet of the media center and varied patterns of organizing, arranging, cataloging and classifying learning resources (print and non-print). The use of printed aids and commercial services, the central cataloging center, acquisition, patterns of shelving and related problems of distribution are discussed.

  
  • COMM 8011 - Interpersonal Communication


    3 cr.
    This course explores interpersonal communication theory and will provide the student with the tools to understand and think about the communication process, methods to research interpersonal communication and skills to call upon in situated human interaction. Students work through a range of theoretical, methodological, descriptive and interpretive critical readings to reach these goals.

  
  • COMM 8012 - Intercultural Communication


    3 cr.
    This course examines intercultural communication through communication theory which differs from other social science disciplines. The course will equip the students with tools to understand and think about intercultural communication methods to call upon in future intercultural contacts. This course will show that people experience different ways of being human because of the communication they use.

  
  • COMM 8013 - Applied Rhetoric


    3 cr.
    This course takes place at the intersection of rhetorical theory and rhetoric in actual practice. At the convergence of theory and practice, the student will learn the methodology of rhetorical analysis through discussions, instruction and examples. Students will examine the communication practices, artifacts and environments that to a large extent comprise our lived experience.

  
  • COMM 8015 - Introduction to the Coordinated Management of Meaning


    3 cr.
    This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of CMM. Students will be introduced to concepts such as the communication perspective, logical forces, moral operators, person position, the primary of life stories, the development of interactional patterns, and the role of mystery and ineffability in the human condition.

  
  • COMM 8016 - Philosophical Underpinnings of the Coordinated Management of Meaning


    3 cr.
    In this course student will be introduced to the past and current “conversation partners” that inform CMM. These include American pragmatism, systemic though and practice, social constructionism, Buberian dialogue, adult transformational learning, and interpersonal neuroscience. At the end of this course students will be familiar with the philosophical conversations that have and are shaping the development of CMM.

  
  • COMM 8017 - A CMM Based Approach to Research and Analysis


    3 cr.
    CMM will be studied as a practical theory and the course will provide specific research project, thesis, and dissertations using CMM as a research methodology. After this course is completed, students will have knowledge and information about how to structure CMM-based research and how to use CMM as a methodology in collecting data and analysis.

  
  • COMM 8018 - Joint Action: Meaning, Thought and Episodic Action


    3 cr.
    Students will become familiar with the George Herbert Mead’s ideas about joint action, the later work of Ludwig Wittgenstein, and John Dewey’s conceptions of aesthetics, experience, and consummatory moments. The course will explore emotions as social construction, and applications to non-responding media such as television, radio, or listening to music.

  
  • COMM 8019 - Methods and Techniques of CMM


    3 cr.
    Students will develop proficiency in circular questioning techniques, the CMM heuristics such as the hierarchy model, daisy model, serpentine model, LUUUUTT model, and loops and paradoxes and make applications of these models to situation action. Students will call upon these models as tools to analyze moments of situated action.

  
  • COMM 8030 - Technology, Media Centers and Libraries


    3 cr.
    Students will explore new technologies and their impact on schools, media centers and libraries. The courses uses the latest cataloging and circulation programs, videodisc technology, on-line services, bulletin boards, CD-ROM and facsimile machines.

  
  • COMM 8112 - Health Communication and Social Change


    3 cr.
    Applied communication scholars have contributed substantially to the study of communication practices of groups, organizations and communities working towards social change, including studies of public health campaigns and activism. Given the current changes in the social, political, and economic contexts in which health care is delivered, public health practitioners must learn to develop effective campaigns to promote change in attitudes and/or behaviors, to improve social and economic conditions, to advance social policies, and to secure necessary resources. This course will explore the theories and methods that inform various social change strategies, activist projects and campaigns, along with specific examples of communication strategies used in planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health campaigns and initiatives.

  
  • COMM 8114 - Social Marketing


    3 cr.
    Social marketing utilizes techniques from the field of marketing to address social issues mainly through changing the behavior of target groups that benefit society. The focus is on the consumer, learning what people need to make life changes. In this course, students will learn the techniques to design and intervene in social issues a community faces.

  
  • COMM 8115 - Communication and Social Change


    3 cr.
    This course will explore the theories and methods that inform various social change strategies, activist projects and campaigns, along with specific examples of communication strategies used in planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health campaigns and initiatives. Students will study various communication strategies to identify the most persuasive strategies used to promote social change.

  
  • COMM 8120 - Crisis Communication


    3 cr.
    This course in Crisis Communication emphasizes a proactive approach to planning for, managing and then responding to organizational crises by following a comprehensive crisis management process. It is intended for students in both the Applied Communication and Health Communication Programs insofar as it will emphasize the application of conceptual and substantive readings to the actual practice of crisis communication. Beginning from the assumption that all organizations should be prepared for crises, we will use a series of case studies in crisis management in conjunction with Ongoing Crisis Communication: an in depth analysis of a past organizational crisis and the communication strategies and practices that were employed in response; and your development of a Comprehensive Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) for an actual organization in your field to cultivate your own expertise in how to forecast and then develop a successful communications approach for any exigent crisis.

  
  • COMM 8250 - Advanced Studies in Childrens’ and Adults’ Literature


    3 cr.
    This course is a survey of literature for children and young adults (print and non-print) including wide reading books and introduction to authors, illustrators and other media creators. It explores the nuanced ways in which language of a literary text is communicated. The course centers on a close analysis of literature, poetry, short stories and novels for children and young adults.

  
  • COMM 8300 - Writing Workshop III


    3 cr.
    This course is an individualized writing tutorial in which students work on their own projects under the direction of a writing instructor. Students, in discussion with the instructor, propose topics of interest and develop them to publishable form. Depending upon the student’s interest, topics may focus on technical communication, science journalism, or appropriately related nonfiction (essays or books). Upon completion of the workshop sequence, students should have a suitable manuscript(s) ready for publication.

  
  • COMM 8400 - Writing Workshop IV


    3 cr.
    This course is an individualized writing tutorial in which students work on their own projects under the direction of a writing instructor. Students, in discussion with the instructor, propose topics of interest and develop them to publishable form. Depending upon the student’s interest, topics may focus on technical communication, science journalism, or appropriately related nonfiction (essays or books). Upon completion of the workshop sequence, students should have a suitable manuscript(s) ready for publication.

  
  • COMM 8500 - Philosophical and Rhetorical Issues in Professional Writing


    3 cr.
    This course examines critical philosophical issues inherent in technical and professional writing. Adopting a historical approach, the application of various philosophical stances to the roles of jargon, syllogism, enthymeme, objectivity/subjectivity, logical proof, deconstruction and error will be examined.

  
  • COMM 8700 - Quasselstrippe


    3 cr.
    In this course, students examine origins, nature and consequences of communication in a variety of subfields. Students work towards developing their critical thinking competency and attain a deeper understanding of the inquiry process. As a co-learner and faculty member, the faculty member will share drafts of his/her work and thinking with the students so that they could model the scholarly process.

  
  • COMM 9000 - Topics


    3 cr.
    Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student and faculty interest.

  
  • COMM 9010 - Contemporary Issues in Communication


    3 cr.
    This course assesses new technologies and potential applications within communications media and prepares students for long-range planning. Students examine the merging of machine and human intelligences within this century. The course examines the future of such developments with regard to new media technologies, interpersonal communication, and intrapersonal communication, the sense of self, and what it means to be human in the 21st century and beyond.

  
  • COMM 9015 - CMM in Organizational Settings


    3 cr.
    This course will focus on the use of CMM concepts and tools to enhance organizational life and organizational communications. CMM can make sense of what goes on in an organization so that members can align with the mission and purpose of enterprise. The work of organizations is carried out largely through talk and communication. CMM can offer organizations a new perspective in understanding what goes on in moments of organizational life.

    Prerequisite(s): All 8000 level courses in the program.
  
  • COMM 9016 - CMM in Public Dialogue or Participatory Democracy Projects


    3 cr.
    Students will learn how to use CMM in designing strategic processes, specific events, and developing facilitation skills to engage communities in dialogic conversations. The primary goal of CMM is to enrich the lives of others and in this course students will study how CMM has been used in community projects.

  
  • COMM 9017 - A Comparative Study of CMM and Other Theories


    3 cr.
    Students will explore theorists such as John Shotter, Kenneth Gergen and Shelia McNamme, and Rom Harre so they may take on a comparison of semiotic and representational views of language. Students will develop an understanding of the constitutive nature of language and how meaning arises in use. This course will focus on other perspective mostly in the social constructionist tradition.

  
  • COMM 9018 - CMM in Personal and Social Development


    3 cr.
    Students will learn how to use CMM to enhance mindfulness of their social world to discover the part they play and how they can make better social worlds. In this course students will be introduced to a number of concepts where they develop a richer appreciation of their intellectual and physiological resources and how these can be contribute to their research and goals.

    Prerequisite(s): All 8000 level courses in the program.
  
  • COMM 9019 - Advanced Seminar in CMM


    3 cr.
    Students explore their topics of interest and work with a faculty member and other students to develop a prospectus for their thesis. In this course students will conduct a literature review of their area of interest, develop their guiding research questions, and complete their research design.

    Prerequisite(s): All 8000 level courses in the program.
  
  • COMM 9020 - Media Communications Facilities Design


    3 cr.
    This is a study of structural, technological, human and environmental parameters required for comprehensive design specifications for new or renovated facilities as applied to media production and/or utilization. Students become familiar with blueprint reading, power requirements, electrical distribution, low voltage networking, heating and air conditioning, lighting, ergonomic design, OSHA and other safety codes and requirements. Emphasis is placed on analyzing vendor proposals and contracts.

  
  • COMM 9050 - Health Care Management Capstone


    3 cr.
    This course is aimed at providing students with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and competencies they have acquired while studying in the certificate program in health care management. It is also an opportunity for students to design a program, policy, change, or other intervention in the organization where they are employed to bring about meaningful change and respond to a “real world’ issue they have experienced firsthand. By working on a capstone project they should draw on prior course work and utilize their critical thinking skills in synthesizing previous course work and extend and develop their own original ideas.

  
  • COMM 9071 - Managing the Documentation Life Cycle, Part I


    3 cr.
    This course is a study of internal communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Students analyze documentation teams, DOC plans, corporate style guides, government and military standards, and interpersonal work style preferences for their impact on the documentation life cycle.

  
  • COMM 9072 - Persuasion in Context: Communications for Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations


    3 cr.
    This course exposes students to the theories, strategies and techniques of designing managed communications campaigns for marketing, advertising, and public relations professions. Students will explore relevant communication theories of persuasion and past practices in professional persuasion contexts. Based on their developing understanding, students will form small entrepreneurial design teams to create and evaluate campaigns for clients of their choosing. Final designs will be presented formally in appropriate written and oral forms.

  
  • COMM 9080 - Managing the Documentation Life Cycle, Part II


    3 cr.
    This course is a study of external communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Students examine document design, document maintenance, editing and production problems, desktop publishing, online documentation, and interactive communications systems for their impact on the document life cycle.

  
  • COMM 9110 - Communication Research Methods


    3 cr.
    Student examine the various research tools and methodologies used in the communications field to produce a viable thesis proposal. Students are familiarized with methods of content analysis, audience research, needs assessment, and the use of statistical procedures to quantify value and variable measurement. The value of research conducted by others is recognized as a tool in conducting one’s own research.

  
  • COMM 9120 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication


    3 cr.
    This course examines some of the large issues that face the communications field and considers how the law and one’s ethical standards may address these issues. Rather than a review of the law, the course encourages students to think about how the law requires action or inaction and why. Various models for ethical and legal decision making are examined as well.

  
  • COMM 9130 - Organizational Communication


    3 cr.
    This course provides a perspective on the internal politics, legal regulations and organizational strategies for communication within an organization. Issues such as corporate culture, change, cultural diversity and leadership are addressed. This course analyzes communication theory and how it affects behavior of the members of an organization. Communication is an essential aspect of organizational functioning and the majority of managerial problems are rooted in communication. This course examines the major theoretical and practical aspects of communication in organizations as they apply to business and governmental contexts.

  
  • COMM 9200 - Practicum in Communication


    6 cr.
    This course is a practical experience in which students apply knowledge and skills in a real-life problem-solving situation. Students receive first-hand experience in identifying the problem, setting the parameters, planning for the application of human and technological resources, and evaluating the outcome. A mediated oral presentation of the project is made to the sponsoring organization and to the graduate advisor.

    Prerequisite(s): COMM 9110  and permission of advisor.
  
  • COMM 9980 - Thesis in Communication


    6 cr.
    This is an empirical study of a proposition stating the relationship between two or more concepts, phenomena or events. This critical analysis focuses on a current or potential problem or practice facing managers of business, industry, government, and health service media centers. The study includes a research procedure for the tabulation, statistical analysis and interpretation of numerical data.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of advisor and COMM 9110 .

Art

  
  • ART 7013 - Book Making as Art and Craft


    3 cr.
    This course is an intensive study of bookmaking as an art form and communication tool throughout history. Students will create books through different processes and of different styles.

    Prerequisite(s): Art background or permission of the instructor.
  
  • ART 7016 - The Mask and the Maker


    3 cr.
    Students will explore different techniques of making masks. They will examine the role of the mask maker and meanings of masks as an historical, multicultural and personal journey in becoming mask makers.

  
  • ART 8146 - Arts Technology in the Classroom


    3 cr
    This lab experience provides professional development in the arts technologies. Emphasis is placed on integrating these exciting tools into varied learning. Topics include both visual arts and music applications such as digitized images, digital sound, scanners, synthesizers, video overlay card, MIDI laser discs, sequencers and sound design. This course is a must for educators from all disciplines and levels. No prior technology expertise required.

  
  • ART 8150 - Advanced Graduate Studio


    3 cr.
    This advanced studio course emphasizes the student’s personal connection with the process of art making. Students design a specific studio project in their own chosen medium(s), so as to expand upon their prior artistic experience and further develop their artistic ability and vision by creating a body of related artwork.

    Prerequisite(s): Art degree or permission of the instructor.
  
  • ART 8500 - Art and Human Development


    3 cr.
    This course examines the production, history, criticism and philosophy of art. Students experience slide lectures as well as a museum trip during which noted works of art are examined from a formal, contextual and philosophical point of view involved in their creation. Students create art works applying this information.

    Prerequisite(s): Art degree or permission of the instructor.
  
  • ART 9090 - Art Presentation


    3 cr.
    A student creates a culminating project in art under the supervision/direction of an art faculty member or the program chairperson. A student planning an exhibit of his/her works should have the majority of them created for this exhibit.

    Prerequisite(s): Must successfully complete at least 18 hours in the program.

Biology

  
  • BIOL 7001 - Biology of Mammals


    3 cr.
    This course is an investigation of the evolution and present biology of mammals involving extensive use of native New England species. Laboratory work includes identification of mammal species from skins, skulls, and tracks. Field trips enhance familiarity with what is learned in the classroom.

    The course involves four hours of lecture/laboratory plus additional hours for field trips.
  
  • BIOL 7003 - Freshwater Biology


    3 cr.
    This is a field study course designed to study aquatic ecological systems. Daily field trips are taken to the lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers in the Fitchburg area to collect water samples and specimens. Laboratory analysis is conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the water and to identify and study the organisms.

  
  • BIOL 7005 - Biology of the Brain and Behavior


    3 cr.
    This course focuses on the biological bases of behavior. A variety of media, including lectures, journal articles and films, are used to study ethology, psychology, neurobiology and genetics in an attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying behavior.

    Prerequisite(s): One semester of any of the following: General Biology, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology or instructor’s permission.
  
  • BIOL 7006 - Medical Parasitology


    3 cr.
    The course examines the biology of medically important animal parasites. Lectures emphasize clinical considerations, such as life cycles, modes of transmission, epidemiology, symptomology and treatment. Additionally, methods of collection and identification are explored.

  
  • BIOL 7007 - Ecology


    3 cr.
    The dynamic relationship between organisms and their environment is investigated in this survey of major ecological concepts and methodology. Field and laboratory work emphasize problem identification, formulation of hypothesis, data collection, and analysis and interpretation of results in terms of biological implications.

  
  • BIOL 7008 - Winter Botany


    3 cr.
    A comprehensive study of plants in winter designed to discover plant adaptations for survival during the cold season. Field trips are taken to observe and identify trees and herbaceous plants in winter conditions.

    Lectures and indoor labs are included.
  
  • BIOL 7009 - Model Systems and Techniques in Embryology


    3 cr.
    This is an intensive laboratory course emphasizing embryological and developmental biological techniques. Current theories regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying early development and classical developmental processes will be the major themes. Topics may include regeneration, metamorphosis, aging, organogenesis and pattern formation. Lecture is combined with the laboratory study of the development of live sea urchins, amphibians and planaria, as well as work with prepared slides.

    Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600 or permission of instructor.
  
  • BIOL 7010 - Techniques in Neurohistology


    3 cr.
    This course introduces basic neurobiology as well as the current techniques in neurohistology. The students will work with neural tissue provided by the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This material will be fixed, imbedded in paraffin, cut, stained, and mounted. The student will prepare a complete personal set of slides. The techniques require patience and discipline, and provides the student with a unique experience regarding the structure of the brain.

  
  • BIOL 7012 - The Modern Secondary School


    3 cr.
    This class is required of all MAT candidates who do not have initial licensure to teach and covers a broad range of issues faced by teachers in today’s secondary schools. Students become familiar with the complexities and demands of secondary school teaching.

    This course includes 25 hours of prepracticum experience.
  
  • BIOL 7200 - Summer Field Botany


    3 cr.
    This course is a field study of trees, shrubs, fungi, mosses, and herbs found in New England.

    Daily field trips to collect plants and daily laboratory work facilitate the study of ecology and taxonomy of plants.
  
  • BIOL 7300 - Evolution


    3 cr.
    This is an introduction of the principles governing the evolution of living organisms. Emphasis is placed on the cause and affect relationship of various biological disciplines on the evolutionary process. A survey of paleontological evidence demonstrates how evolutionary principles have influenced life.

    Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate course in botany or zoology, ecology, and genetics.
  
  • BIOL 7400 - Bioethics


    3 cr.
    The purpose of this course is to communicate the process of ethical reasoning in conjunction with biological science. Students gain an understanding of how cooperation between those concerned with the results of biological research and the makers of public policy must become a working hypothesis. Through an examination of the current literature, students uncover facts and general principles of bioethics and relate their near and long term consequences to moral positions.

  
  • BIOL 7600 - Marine Biology


    3 cr.
    This course examines physical, chemical, and biological factors in the marine environment. The dominant animals and plants in salt marsh, sand beach, tide pools, and a rocky inter-tidal area are investigated. Data on physical and chemical conditions is collected and correlated with the composition, behavior, and physiology of the flora and fauna within each habitat.

    Saturday or Sunday field trips supplement lectures.
  
  • BIOL 8000 - Advanced Methods of Teaching at the Secondary Level


    3 cr.
    This course combines academic study with clinical practice and supervision. Theories and topics studied and demonstrated include learning styles, critical thinking, computer applications and inclusive learning environments. Emphasis is placed on integrating culturally or linguistically diverse students and those with special needs. Interdisciplinary course development and implementation, student assessment including portfolio assessment and writing are studied for utilization across the curriculum.

    Prerequisite(s): BIOL 7012  or initial teacher licensure.
  
  • BIOL 8002 - Independent Study


    3 cr.
    The independent study provides an opportunity for biology students to work independently on the development of a written work, a science curriculum, a job related document or some other activity agreed upon by the student and the graduate faculty advisor. The final product of this study is a written or otherwise permanent documentation of the study completed.

  
  • BIOL 8003 - Practicum


    6 cr.
    The practicum provides an opportunity for students to gain teaching experience in area schools and in the university campus school. Practicum experience is designed to meet the state requirements for advanced provisional teacher certification.

  
  • BIOL 8090 - Practicum


    6 cr.
    Student teaching experience is offered to give practical classroom experience to those degree students who have not satisfied the state requirements for certification.

  
  • BIOL 8250 - Curriculum and Technology


    3 cr.
    This course looks at the integration of educational technology in the classroom and its relationship to learning theories and curriculum, specifically, the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The course also explores the use of the Internet as a classroom resource to strengthen curriculum. Various Internet related topics are covered, such as acceptable use policies and copyright issues.

  
  • BIOL 8260 - Curriculum Design and Development


    3 cr.
    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills of the curriculum development-revision process. The course examines societal demands on the curriculum and the role of the American school in a democratic and multicultural society as students assess, revise and implement instructional programs and the curriculum in a systematic and logical way. Active participation in school-based curriculum teams, IEP teams, site-based management teams and community groups teach effective delivery of services to all students and school improvement/reform efforts. In collaborative groups students review, revise and expand the curriculum and assessment procedures in order to integrate current research findings and education reform initiatives.

  
  • BIOL 9004 - Research in Biology


    3 cr.
    Students will carry out research in a specific field of Biology that involves an in-depth exploration of a well-defined problem. The student must develop a hypothesis based on the data collected for the possible solution to the problem; develop experimental techniques to test the hypothesis, and develop a logical conclusion also based upon the data collected. The final product is a written documentation of the research and results. Each study is done under the supervision of graduate faculty.

  
  • BIOL 9010 - Thesis in Biology


    3 cr.
    Students will conduct a research project that will result in a thesis. This thesis will be developed under the supervision of a thesis advisor and a thesis committee of at least three people.

  
  • BIOL 9011 - Seminar in Biology


    3 cr.
    This course is designed to introduce students to scientific research. Topics covered are hypothesis formation, experimental design, literature searches and quantitative methods. Emphasis is placed on student participation and evaluation of each topic. A final research proposal is required of each student.

  
  • BIOL 9012 - Action Research Internship


    3 cr.
    The Action Research Internship is a capstone experience allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. A research project is completed during the duration of the internship, and the final product is a Biology Action Research Teacher Work Sample.

  
  • BIOL 9100 - Special Topics


    3 cr.
    Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline. It depends upon student and faculty interest.

  
  • BIOL 9400 - Clinical Experience


    6 cr.
    Clinical Experience is a capstone course allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. In a high school classroom students incorporate all standards specific to the discipline of biology as well as all common standards for classroom teachers. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester on-site under the auspices of the university is fulfilled. A research project is completed during the duration of the clinical experience.

  
  • BIOL 9500 - Internship


    6 cr.
    The internship is a capstone experience allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. Within the individual’s classroom it incorporates all standards specific to the discipline of biology as well as all common standards for classroom teachers. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester on-site under the auspices of the university is fulfilled. A research project is completed during the duration of the internship.

  
  • BIOL 9501 - Internship in Biology


    1-6 cr.
    The internship provides laboratory or field experience in conjunction with established biological programs at cooperating non-profit, governmental, industrial or private institutions. The institutional program directors and faculty from Fitchburg State University share supervision of the student. The nature of the final evaluation will be determined jointly by both the on and off campus supervisors.


Computer Science

  
  • CSC XXXX - Directed Study


    Directed study allows a student to carry out a non-research project or participate in an activity under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In exceptional circumstances, it can be used to offer an existing course to an individual student. All directed studies require approval of faculty sponsor, advisor, program chair and dean of graduate and continuing education.

    Prerequisite(s): At least 9 S.H. of graduate courses in Computer Science, and any course prerequisites for the course the directed study is used for.
  
  • CSC 7000 - Programming under UNIX in “C”


    3 cr.
    This course is offered infrequently

    This is an advanced level programming course exploring the C language, emphasizing I/O processing in the UNIX environment. Students will improve their C programming skills while exploring many of the resources made available by modern implementation of UNIX.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 2560
  
  • CSC 7011 - Computer Engineering


    4 cr.
    This class covers the conceptual and practical aspects of computer systems with emphasis on programmable hardware. Topics to be discussed are: electrical theory, electronic devices, digital logic, computer architecture and low-level microprocessor programming and interfacing.

  
  • CSC 7013 - Advanced Mathematics for Computer Scientists


    3 cr.
    This class covers mathematical foundations of computer science as well as mathematical applications in computer science. Modern analysis, linear algebra, mathematical logic, number theory and discrete mathematics will be discussed to highlight their importance for computer science.

  
  • CSC 7014 - The Practice of Computer Programming


    3 cr.
    This class covers some of the practical aspects of software engineering through a project based approach which builds confidence and competence in a variety of computer programming paradigms.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550 and CSC 2560
  
  • CSC 7050 - Theory of Computation


    3 cr.
    This course provides an introduction to theoretical computer science. The course covers the fundamentals of automata theory, formal languages and computability theory. Several distinct models of computation, including the Turing Machine, will be introduced. The concepts of computability, decidability and reducibility will be explored.

  
  • CSC 7132 - Operating Systems and Networking


    3 cr.
    This course covers the concepts, structure, and operation of modern operating systems and networking. Topics covered include: process management, scheduling, deadlock, memory management, virtual memory, networking, network security, and operating systems in network environments. A working knowledge of a higher-level system programming language and computer data structures is assumed.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550 and CSC 2560
  
  • CSC 7160 - Software Development in Computer Graphics


    3 cr.
    This course is offered infrequently

    This course is about developing in large-scale computer graphics package starting with low-level algorithms and using standard modularization and integration techniques practiced in industry. The course provides an in-depth introduction to state-of-the-art interactive computer graphics algorithms with special emphasis on the GKS standard. 2-D and 3-D viewing, clipping and geometric modeling will be studied. Raster extensions and mathematical algorithms will be presented.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 2560
  
  • CSC 7200 - Object Oriented Programming


    3 cr.
    This course introduces object oriented programming and object oriented design paradigms. Students are expected to have previous exposure to C and another object oriented programming. Topics covered include classes, polymorphism, encapsulation and inheritance, input/output streams, templates, exception handling, file processing and standard template library.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550
  
  • CSC 7255 - Data Communications and Networking


    3 cr.
    This course covers data communications principles, emerging networking technologies and local and wide area networks. Signal transmission analysis, modulation concepts, modems, multiplexers, digital technologies and various transmission models will be extensively discussed. Network protocols will be presented including TCP/IP protocol suite and IEEE 802 standards. Network technologies such as ISDN, xDSL, SONET, packet switching networks, Ethernet and ATM will also be discussed.

  
  • CSC 7400 - Object Oriented Analysis and Design


    3 cr.
    This course introduces the software engineering principles used in the development of large software products. Topics such as requirements engineering using use cases, systems and software analysis using object-oriented principles, software design using class diagrams and implementation using CASE tools are covered. Project management issues are also introduced.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550
  
  • CSC 7500 - Database Design


    3 cr.
    This course covers concepts of database systems in general and relational database systems in particular. The techniques for database modeling and the concepts of Structured Query Language (SQL) will be studied. The issues involved in the design, implementation, maintenance and security of relational databases will be discussed.

  
  • CSC 7600 - Embedded Systems


    4 cr.
    This class covers some of the conceptual and practical aspects of microcontroller-based computer system development. Topics to be discussed are: microcontroller architecture, system specification, interrupt servicing, device driver design, serial I/O protocols and real-time data processing.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7011  
  
  • CSC 8020 - Client/Server Networking


    3 cr.
    Client/server architecture is the standard used in most network applications today. The course is structured to dynamically cover the latest Internet technologies and latest terms and design methodologies used in client/server applications. A final project will include concepts from file systems, CPU scheduling, memory management, virtual memory, distributed computing, concurrency and security. Topics covered include client/server architecture, BSD and Windows socket programming, concurrency/deadlock, HTTP server overview, CGI/Servelets/SOAP, file system interface, Internet proxies, network management and utility classes.

  
  • CSC 8050 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms


    3 cr.
    This course introduces the concepts of computational complexity and the complexity classes P and NP. Topics covered include sorting and searching algorithms, graph algorithms, string matching, NP-completeness problems and dynamic programming techniques.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550 and CSC 2560
  
  • CSC 8120 - Local Area Networks


    3 cr.
    The purpose of this course is to study new techniques in the theoretical design of local area networks, as well as to gain practical experience in the installation, maintenance and management of LAN networks. Security topics, including firewalls, proxy servers and privacy management, will be studied extensively.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7255 
  
  • CSC 8180 - Windows Programming


    3 cr.
    This course is offered infrequently.

    This course focuses on the development of Windows applications. Students will learn application framework fundamentals and the documentation / view architecture of a Windows application program. Concepts such as Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and Multiple Document Interface (MDI) will be implemented. Student projects will include creating application programs that include dialog boxes, pull-down menus and printing options.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7200 
  
  • CSC 8190 - UNIX Network Programming


    3 cr.
    This course is offered infrequently

    This course is designed for experienced C programmers who have no previous network programming experience under UNIX platform. The course includes Ethernet, the TCP/IP family of protocols, sockets, virtual circuits, datagram circuits and programming concepts. Project using the BSD socket interface will be developed in the course.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7000 
  
  • CSC 8205 - Advanced Java


    3 cr.
    This course covers the emerging and advanced Java technologies used in the 3-tier architecture. Various Swing components used for the front-end user interface, Servelets and JSP used on the Web server and JDBC used for back-end database connectivity are studied extensively. The course begins with a quick review of major topics in object-oriented programming as implemented by Java.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 1550
  
  • CSC 8255 - Advanced Network Technologies


    3 cr.
    This course covers the emerging and advanced network technologies and architectures such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, Virtual LAN, frame relay, SONET and broadband ISDN. Other concepts such as quality of service, packet over SONET, Multiprotocol Label Switching, Digital Subscriber Line and Voice over IP will also be discussed.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7255 
  
  • CSC 8280 - Advanced Operating Systems


    3 cr.
    This course provides a high-level review of different responsibilities of an operating system with an emphasis on coding practices of a popular operating system. Major functional components of a modern operating system such as file systems, CPU scheduling, memory management, virtual memory, secondary memory management, concurrency and security will be studied.

    Prerequisite(s): CSC 7132 
  
  • CSC 8600 - Topics in Computer Science


    3 cr.
    The objective of the topics course is to study a topic of current interest in computer science. The course serves as a vehicle for curriculum experimentation and/or enrichment. The course of study should provide an understanding of some current advance in computer science and/or greater understanding of a particular topic that is of current interest.

    Prerequisite(s): Depend on the topic of study.
  
  • CSC 8901 - Internship


    1-3 cr.
    A three credit on- or off-campus internship requires 12 hours of work each week for 15 weeks. Students apply their knowledge and skills to develop practical solutions to computer science or information technology problems. Approval by graduate chairperson is needed to register for this course. A written report on the work done in the format specified by departmental policy must be submitted to the chairperson to receive a grade.

    Prerequisite(s): 12 S.H. graduate courses in computer science.
 

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