Curriculum Overview
The Computer Applications program at SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND IT is structured to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in computing principles and practical skills. The curriculum is divided into core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to build both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Each semester follows a balanced mix of lectures, tutorials, and lab sessions to ensure that students can apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes project-based learning from early semesters, encouraging students to work collaboratively on meaningful projects that simulate industrial environments.
Course Structure Across 8 Semesters
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CS101 | Introduction to Programming | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | CS102 | Mathematics for Computing | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| 1 | CS103 | Digital Logic Design | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | CS104 | Engineering Drawing | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | CS105 | Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | CS201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS202 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS203 | Database Management Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS204 | Computer Networks | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS205 | Physics for Computing | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 3 | CS301 | Artificial Intelligence | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, CS202 |
| 3 | CS302 | Machine Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, CS202 |
| 3 | CS303 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 3 | CS304 | Web Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS202 |
| 3 | CS305 | Mobile Application Development | 3-0-0-3 | CS202 |
| 4 | CS401 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | CS304 |
| 4 | CS402 | Data Science and Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, CS202 |
| 4 | CS403 | Cloud Computing | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 4 | CS404 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, CS202 |
| 4 | CS405 | Internet of Things (IoT) | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, CS204 |
| 5 | CS501 | Advanced Machine Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 5 | CS502 | Deep Learning Architectures | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 5 | CS503 | Network Security and Cryptography | 3-0-0-3 | CS303 |
| 5 | CS504 | Big Data Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS203 |
| 5 | CS505 | Quantitative Finance and Algorithmic Trading | 3-0-0-3 | CS402 |
| 6 | CS601 | Blockchain Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS503 |
| 6 | CS602 | Game Development | 3-0-0-3 | CS401 |
| 6 | CS603 | Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS501 |
| 6 | CS604 | Smart City Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS405 |
| 6 | CS605 | Research Methodology and Ethics | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 7 | CS701 | Capstone Project - AI/ML Track | 3-0-0-3 | CS501, CS502 |
| 7 | CS702 | Capstone Project - Cybersecurity Track | 3-0-0-3 | CS503 |
| 7 | CS703 | Capstone Project - Software Engineering Track | 3-0-0-3 | CS401, CS602 |
| 7 | CS704 | Capstone Project - Data Science Track | 3-0-0-3 | CS402 |
| 7 | CS705 | Capstone Project - IoT Track | 3-0-0-3 | CS405 |
| 8 | CS801 | Thesis / Final Year Project | 6-0-0-6 | CS701, CS702, CS703, CS704, CS705 |
Detailed Departmental Electives
The department offers a rich array of advanced elective courses designed to deepen student expertise in specialized domains:
- Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning: This course delves into the mathematical foundations of neural networks, deep learning architectures, and reinforcement learning techniques. Students learn to design agents that can make decisions in complex environments using methods like Q-learning and policy gradients.
- Quantitative Finance and Algorithmic Trading: Designed for students interested in financial markets, this course explores algorithmic trading strategies, derivatives pricing, portfolio optimization, and risk management using computational tools.
- Blockchain Technologies: This course examines the architecture of blockchain systems, smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and their applications in supply chain, healthcare, and digital identity verification.
- Game Development: Students gain hands-on experience in designing interactive experiences using modern game engines like Unity and Unreal. Topics include 3D modeling, physics simulation, animation, and real-time rendering techniques.
- Smart City Technologies: This course explores how emerging technologies such as IoT, big data analytics, cloud computing, and AI can be integrated to create sustainable urban environments with smart traffic management, energy efficiency, and citizen services.
Other notable electives include Advanced Cybersecurity, Mobile App Security, Web Application Development, Database Systems Optimization, and Human-Centered Design for AI Systems.
Project-Based Learning Approach
The department strongly believes in learning by doing. Project-based learning is embedded throughout the curriculum, starting from early semesters with mini-projects that build upon foundational concepts. These projects are typically collaborative efforts involving teams of 3-5 students working under faculty supervision.
Mini-projects are designed to be practical and relevant, often simulating real-world challenges. Examples include building a simple chatbot, developing an inventory management system, or creating a mobile app for a specific use case. Students learn essential skills such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
The final-year capstone project is a significant milestone requiring students to propose, design, implement, and present an original contribution to their field of interest. Projects may involve collaboration with industry partners, participation in competitions like the ACM ICPC or IEEE competitions, or contributions to open-source initiatives.
Students select projects based on their interests and career goals, often in consultation with faculty mentors who provide guidance throughout the process. Evaluation criteria include innovation, technical depth, clarity of presentation, and overall impact.