Master of Science in Computer Science (MS Computer Science)

Introduction:

The Master in Computer Science (MSCS) programme aims at developing professionals who are equipped with skills to cope with the diverse and ever changing field of CS. The programme provides students with a solid theoretical foundation along with knowledge of latest trends in specialised areas.

The two-year Master Programme provides rigorous training that not only provides a reliable understanding of systems, processes and technologies but also equips them with the ability to design new and imaginative solutions to problems. Those applicants who have a background in CS can complete the programme in two-year by taking the required 30 credit hours.

Strengths of the M.Sc. Computer Science Programmer:

• A solid theoretical foundation is ensured through the core courses and prerequisite requirements
• Ability to understand the theoretical basis of problem-solving
• Concentrated knowledge about latest trends in specialized areas
• Theoretical Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Engineering and Management
• Networks and Distributed Systems
• Multimedia Systems and DSP
• Ability to understand and apply current research in these areas
• Technical management skills
• Flexibility to focus on one area
• Wide range of course offerings
• High quality full time faculty, active in research
• Opportunity to work as research assistants with the faculty
• Opportunity to continue into the PhD programme.

Objectives of the Program

The main objective of the proposed program is to first give its students a strong background in advance topics of computer science which will then be complemented with specialized postgraduate courses in areas of immense research and commercial potential.

The aim of the degree is to create well-rounded computer scientists who can fulfill the demand for computer science researchers, academics, and practitioners in Pakistan. These computer scientists can also help strengthen Qarshi University research in core computer science areas.

MS CS degree program tends to target system-level approach for the design of computing applications, so only highly-specialized, theoretically-sound, and practically-important courses will be offered. This program will provide a theoretical and in-depth perspective of the principles and practice of emerging and classical software systems with an emphasis on hard core computer science aspects of these systems. The coursework is structured in a way that will ensure that the students are equally capable of applying their knowledge and skills to particular specialization areas such as High Performance Computing, Data Science and Management and Intelligent Software Systems.

Scope of the Program

The program is designed to meet the growing need for Computer Science and IT experts in the rapidly evolving 21st century economy. The mission is to provide post-graduates with a strong Computer Science expertise. The study program enables students to capitalize on the increasing career opportunities in computing and information technology sector, to expand the limits of their knowledge, and to pursue further doctoral studies.

Eligibility:

Degree in relevant subject, earned from a recognized university after 16 years of education with at least 60% marks or CGPA of at least 2.0 (on a scale of 4.0).

The following core courses are recommended to be completed before entering the MS (CS) program.

1. Analysis of Algorithms
2. Assembly Lang. / Computer Architecture
3. Computer Networks
4. Computer Programming
5. Data Structures
6. Database Systems
7. Operating Systems
8. Software Engineering
9. Theory of Automata

A student selected for admission having deficiency in the above stated courses may be required to study a maximum of FOUR courses, which must be passed in the first two semesters. Deficiency courses shall be determined by the Graduate Studies Committee, before admitting the student. A student cannot register in MS courses, unless all specified deficiency courses have been passed. A student has the option to pursue MS by undertaking either a 6 credit hour MS Thesis OR a three credit hour taught course and a three credit-hour MS Project

Duration:

Four (4) semesters/terms spread over two (2) calendar years with two semesters/terms a year.

Degree Requirements:

Minimum credit hours shall be 31 Cr. Hrs. for MS (Computer Science) program including course work and research thesis/project. In order to obtain MS (CS) degree a student must pass a minimum of:

1. Four (4) core courses (12 credit hours).

AND

2. Four (4) courses (12 credit hours) from graduate elective courses.

AND

3. Satisfactorily complete a Research Thesis of 6 credit hours.

AND

4. Obtained a CGPA of 2.5 or more              

Registration in “MS Thesis – I” is allowed provided the student has

1. Earned at least 18 credits
2. Passed the “Research Methodology” course; AND
3. CGPA is equal to or more than 2.5.

Distribution of Courses:

1. Followings are the distribution of total credit hours:
   

   Category or Area	Credit Hours
   Core	12
   Compulsory	3
   Elective	12
   Thesis	6
   Total Credit Hours	33

List of Core Courses:

1. At least four courses must be taken from the following
   

   Serial #	Code	Course
   1	CS-500	Advanced Analysis of Algorithms
   2	CS-502	Advanced Operating Systems
   3	CS-503	Theory of Programming Languages
   4	CS-501	Theory of Automata – II
   5	EE-504	Advanced Computer Architecture

Semester Wise Break Down

1. Semester/Term 1
   Serial #	Course Title	Credit Hours
   1	Advanced Analysis of Algorithms (Core 1)	3
   2	Theory of Automata-II (Core 2)	3
   3	Advanced Operating Systems (Core 3)	3
   4	CS Elective I	3

    

   Semester/Term 2
   Serial #	Course Title	Credit Hours
   1	Theory of Programming Languages(Core 4)	3
   2	CS Elective II	3
   3	CS Elective III	3
   4	Research Methodology	3

    

   Semester/Term 3
   Serial #	Course Title	Credit Hours
   1	CS Elective IV	3
   2	MS-Thesis-I	3

    

   Semester/Term 4
   Serial #	Course Title	Credit Hours
   1	MS-Thesis-II	3

List of electives for MS Computer Science

The list of courses given below are for reference only. The institute reserves the right to add / remove courses from the given list as per resources available and/ or demand for a particular course or set of specialization.