Search Results
Your search for courses · during 25FA, 26WI, 26SP · tagged with CS Major Electives · returned 16 results
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ARTS 220* Art, Interactivity, and Microcontrollers (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
In this hands-on course, taught (in an art studio) by a sculpture professor and computer science professor, we'll explore and create interactive three dimensional art. Using basic construction techniques, microprocessors, and programming, we bring together sculpture, engineering, computer science, and aesthetic design. Students engage the nuts and bolts of fabrication, learn to program microcontrollers, and study the design of interactive constructions. Additionally, students will deliver technical presentations describing their work and receive feedback for improvement. Collaborative labs and individual projects culminate in a campus-wide exhibition. No prior building experience is required.
ARTS 220* is cross listed with CS 220*.
Seats held for Art and Art History majors and CS Match.
Extra Time Required: Field trip to the Walker sculpture garden.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 111 a grade of C- or better or a score of 4 or better on the Computer Science A AP exam or received a Carleton Computer Science 111 Requisite Equivalency. Not open to students who have taken CS 232 or CS 220.
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ARTS 220*.02 Spring 2026
- Faculty:Stephen Mohring 🏫 👤 · David Musicant 🏫 👤
- Size:12
- T, THBoliou 160 9:00am-11:30am
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Extra Time Required: Field trip to the Walker sculpture garden.
2 seats held for Art and Art History majors until the day after junior priority registration.
10 seats held for CS Match until the day after X priority registration.
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CS 220* Art, Interactivity, and Microcontrollers (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
In this hands-on course, taught (in an art studio) by a sculpture professor and computer science professor, we'll explore and create interactive three dimensional art. Using basic construction techniques, microprocessors, and programming, we bring together sculpture, engineering, computer science, and aesthetic design. Students engage the nuts and bolts of fabrication, learn to program microcontrollers, and study the design of interactive constructions. Additionally, students will deliver technical presentations describing their work and receive feedback for improvement. Collaborative labs and individual projects culminate in a campus-wide exhibition. No prior building experience is required.
ARTS 220* is cross listed with CS 220*.
Seats held for Art and Art History majors and CS Match.
Extra Time Required: Field trip to the Walker sculpture garden.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 111 a grade of C- or better or a score of 4 or better on the Computer Science A AP exam or received a Carleton Computer Science 111 Requisite Equivalency. Not open to students who have taken CS 232 or CS 220.
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CS 220*.02 Spring 2026
- Faculty:Stephen Mohring 🏫 👤 · David Musicant 🏫 👤
- Size:12
- T, THBoliou 160 9:00am-11:30am
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Extra Time Required: Field trip to the Walker sculpture garden.
2 seats held for Art and Art History majors until the day after junior priority registration.
10 seats held for CS Match until the day after X priority registration.
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CS 301 History of Computing in England Program: History of Computing 6 credits
In the mid-1800s, Charles Babbage’s analytical engine, inspired by programmable looms, was the first conception of an automated programmable computing device. A century later, British researchers built some of the first physical computers—particularly WWII-era code-breaking work, and programmable machines developed immediately after the war. We will explore those two eras, through historical writings (including Babbage and Ada Lovelace, who wrote programs for the analytical engine, and Alan Turing) and visits to relevant museums and archives. We will also study some of the more recent history of computing, particularly the major advances in the 1960s and 1970s.
Participation in OCS History of Computing in England program.
- Fall 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Acceptance in the Carleton OCS History of Computing in England program.
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CS 302* The Why Behind Everyday Technologies (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
What makes computers computers? Are computers defined by their existing functionalities, future capabilities, individual components, or something else? Are there inherent risks to the technologies we surround ourselves with, and are there ways we can mitigate those risks to live happier lives? How do we arrive at a ‘true’ interpretation of data, and does its presentation and visualization matter?
By peering into the black-box of everyday technologies alongside the philosophical discussions they engender, we will investigate the fundamental questions computing technologies and its mind-bending pace of advancement are posing in our lives, communities, and society. Technical communication is emphasized through student-led discussions, project pages for written and visual communication, and presentations.
16 seats held for CS Match until the day after X priority registration.
- Winter 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency.
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CS 302*.01 Winter 2026
- Faculty:Jean Salac 🏫 👤
- Size:16
- M, WHulings 120 11:10am-12:20pm
- FHulings 120 12:00pm-1:00pm
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13 seats held for CS Match until the day after Junior priority registration.
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CS 314* Data Visualization (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
Though the wealth of data surrounding us can be overwhelming, we have evolved incredible tools for finding patterns in large amounts of information: our eyes! Data visualization is concerned with turning information into pictures to better communicate patterns or discover new insights, drawing from computer graphics, human-computer interaction, design, and perceptual psychology. In this junior seminar, we will learn different ways in which data can be expressed visually and which methods work best for which tasks, with a particular focus on technical communication. Using this knowledge, we will critique existing visualizations as well as design and build new ones.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency. Not open to students who have taken CS 314.
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CS 314*.01 Spring 2026
- Faculty:Eric Alexander 🏫 👤
- Size:16
- M, WAnderson Hall 223 12:30pm-1:40pm
- FAnderson Hall 223 1:10pm-2:10pm
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CS 320 Machine Learning 6 credits
What does it mean for a machine to learn? Much of modern machine learning focuses on identifying patterns in large datasets and using these patterns to make predictions about the future. Machine learning has impacted a diverse array of applications and fields, from scientific discovery to healthcare to education. In this artificial intelligence-related course, we’ll both explore a variety of machine learning algorithms in different application areas, taking both theoretical and practical perspectives, and discuss impacts and ethical implications of machine learning more broadly. Topics may vary, but typically focus on regression and classification algorithms, including neural networks.
X seats held for CS Match until the day after X priority registration.
- Winter 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 with a grade of C- or better or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 200 Requisite Equivalency AND CS 202 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 202 Requisite Equivalency or MATH 236 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 236 Requisite Equivalency. MATH 236 will be accepted in lieu of CS 202.
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CS 320.01 Winter 2026
- Faculty:Anna Meyer 🏫 👤
- Size:28
- M, WLanguage & Dining Center 244 9:50am-11:00am
- FLanguage & Dining Center 244 9:40am-10:40am
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28 seats held for CS Match until the day after Senior priority registration.
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CS 322 Natural Language Processing 6 credits
Advances like deep learning and large language models have led to computer programs that seem to converse intelligently with people. But how do these programs work, and do they really understand language? In this course, we’ll explore techniques that aim to enable computers to interpret and respond appropriately to ideas expressed using natural languages (such as Chinese or English) as opposed to formal languages (such as Python or C). Topics may include classical and modern approaches, and varying applications, such as machine translation, semantic analysis, and question answering.
- Fall 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 with a grade of C- or better or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 200 Requisite Equivalency AND CS 202 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 202 Requisite Equivalency or MATH 236 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 236 Requisite Equivalency. MATH 236 will be accepted in lieu of CS 202.
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CS 322.01 Fall 2025
- Faculty:Anna Rafferty 🏫 👤
- Size:34
- M, WAnderson Hall 329 9:50am-11:00am
- FAnderson Hall 329 9:40am-10:40am
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17 seats held for CS Match until the day after rising junior priority registration.
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CS 327* Introduction to Robotics (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
Have you ever wondered how a robotic vacuum is able to navigate back to its charger after cleaning? In this course we will explore concepts of robotic systems including: kinematics, sensors and perception, path planning, and control. In addition to learning the theory behind these topics, students will have the opportunity to design, program, and deploy behaviors for a mobile robot. This course emphasizes technical communication, including both writing and speaking components.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency AND MATH 134 or MATH 232 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 232 Requisite Equivalency AND CS 202 (MATH 236 will be accepted in lieu of CS 202) with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 202 Requisite Equivalency.
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CS 327*.01 Spring 2026
- Faculty:Chelsey Edge 🏫 👤
- Size:16
- M, WHulings 316 8:30am-9:40am
- FHulings 316 8:30am-9:30am
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CS 331* Computer Networks (*=Junior Seminar) 6 credits
The Internet is composed of a large number of heterogeneous, independently-operating computer networks that work together to transport data all over the world. The fact that it does this so well given its complexity is a minor miracle. We’ll study the structure of these individual networks, of smaller-scale local networks, and of the Internet, and learn how this “magic” takes place. Topics include protocols, routing, security, network architecture, and performance measurement along with economic, ethical, and privacy issues. Students will develop technical communication skills in writing and oral presentations through several network analysis projects.
- Fall 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency. Not open to students who have previously taken CS 331.
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CS 331*.01 Fall 2025
- Faculty:Amy Csizmar Dalal 🏫 👤
- Size:16
- M, WAnderson Hall 323 12:30pm-1:40pm
- FAnderson Hall 323 1:10pm-2:10pm
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10 seats held for CS Match until the day after rising junior priority registration.
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CS 334 Database Systems 6 credits
Database systems are used in almost every aspect of computing, including managing data for websites and apps, but also large-scale data science archives. Why, and how? This course takes a multi-pronged approach. From a systems perspective, we will look at the low-level details of how a database system works internally, studying data storage, indexing, and query optimization. From a theory perspective, we will examine ideas such as normal forms and relational algebra. From a utilization perspective, we will look at how query languages such as SQL interface with the database system, and understand how SQL queries really work.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency.
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CS 334.01 Spring 2026
- Faculty:David Musicant 🏫 👤
- Size:34
- M, WAnderson Hall 329 1:50pm-3:00pm
- FAnderson Hall 329 2:20pm-3:20pm
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CS 338 Computer Security 6 credits
When hackers can disable gas pipelines, national hospital systems, and electrical grids, and data brokers can create a largely unregulated world-wide surveillance system, there’s a clear need for people who understand the mechanisms of computer security and insecurity. Towards that end, in this course we will study technical and social aspects of computer and network security. Topics will include threat modeling, cryptography, secure network protocols, web security, ethical hacking and penetration testing, authentication, authorization, historical hacking incidents, usability, privacy, and security-related law.
- Fall 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency.
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CS 341 History of Computing in England Program: Cryptography 6 credits
Modern cryptographic systems allow parties to communicate in a secure way, even if they don’t trust the channels over which they are communicating (or maybe even each other). Cryptography is at the heart of a huge range of applications: online banking and shopping, password-protected computer accounts, and secure wireless networks, to name just a few. In this course, we will introduce and explore some fundamental cryptographic primitives. Topics will include public-key encryption, digital signatures, code-breaking techniques (like those used at Bletchley Park during WWII to break the Enigma machine’s cryptosystem), pseudorandom number generation, and other cryptographic applications.
Participation in OCS History of Computing in England program.
- Fall 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Acceptance in the Carleton OCS History of Computing in England program.
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CS 344 Human-Computer Interaction 6 credits
The field of human-computer interaction addresses two fundamental questions: how do people interact with technology, and how can technology enhance the human experience? In this course, we will explore technology through the lens of the end user: how can we design effective, aesthetically pleasing technology, particularly user interfaces, to satisfy user needs and improve the human condition? How do people react to technology and learn to use technology? What are the social, societal, health, and ethical implications of technology? The course will focus on design methodologies, techniques, and processes for developing, testing, and deploying user interfaces.
- Winter 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 201 or better Requisite Equivalency.
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CS 344.01 Winter 2026
- Faculty:Sneha Narayan 🏫 👤
- Size:28
- T, THAnderson Hall 329 1:15pm-3:00pm
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15 seats held for CS Match until the day after Sophomore Only priority registration.
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CS 362 Computational Biology 6 credits
Recent advances in high-throughput experimental techniques have revolutionized how biologists measure DNA, RNA and protein. The size and complexity of the resulting datasets have led to a new era where computational methods are essential to answering important biological questions. This course focuses on the process of transforming biological problems into well formed computational questions and the algorithms to solve them. Topics include approaches to sequence comparison and alignment; molecular evolution and phylogenetics; DNA/RNA sequencing and assembly; and specific disease applications including cancer genomics.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): CS 200 with a grade of C- or better or CS 201 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 200 Requisite Equivalency AND CS 202 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Computer Science 202 Requisite Equivalency or MATH 236 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 236 Requisite Equivalency. MATH 236 will be accepted in lieu of CS 202.
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CS 362.01 Spring 2026
- Faculty:Layla Oesper 🏫 👤
- Size:34
- M, WLeighton 305 11:10am-12:20pm
- FLeighton 305 12:00pm-1:00pm
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MATH 271 Optimization 6 credits
Optimization is all about selecting the "best" thing. Finding the most likely strategy to win a game, the route that gets you there the fastest, or the curve that most closely fits given data are all examples of optimization problems. In this course we study linear optimization (also known as linear programming), the simplex method, and duality from both a theoretical and a computational perspective. Applications will be selected from statistics, economics, computer science, and more. Additional topics in nonlinear and convex optimization will be covered as time permits.
- Spring 2026
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning
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Student must have completed any of the following course(s): MATH 134 or MATH 232 AND MATH 120 or MATH 211 with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
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PHYS 343 Electronics and Lab 6 credits
A study of the electrical circuits and electronics underlying modern physics instrumentation. Includes an introduction to microprocessor and microcomputer design. Approximately equal emphasis on analog and digital electronics. One laboratory per week.
During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.
- Fall 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 with grade of C- or better.
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PHYS 343.01 Fall 2025
- Faculty:Barry Costanzi 🏫 👤
- M, WAnderson Hall 036 9:50am-11:00am
- FAnderson Hall 036 9:40am-10:40am
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PHYS 343.52 Fall 2025
- Faculty:Barry Costanzi 🏫 👤
- Size:10
- TAnderson Hall 027 1:00pm-5:00pm
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PHYS 343.59 Fall 2025
- Faculty:Barry Costanzi 🏫 👤
- Size:10
- THAnderson Hall 027 8:00am-12:00pm