Welcome to the Diploma in Computer Science (DCS) Program! This article contains some basic information from the official handbook of the DCS program created to guide you on your journey as a DCS graduate student. For a more in-depth look into the Diploma in Computer Science program, you may view the program handbook here: DCS Program Handbook.
The DCS program is designed to address the need for advanced training of personnel in information systems. It targets corporate information officers, EDP personnel, programmers, software developers and teachers with minimal training in the field of computer science. After completing this program, you will be expected to be able to:
Acquire the necessary background in computer science in preparation for advanced studies;
Gain knowledge and skills in computer science as applied in their field of work; and
Develop and improve techniques in the practice of proper design and development of application software.
The following are the DCS Program point persons whom you may need to get in touch with. Please make sure your concerns are directed to the appropriate person and that you have browsed our program handbook for general concerns:
Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Arada
DCS Program Chair, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene D. Clariño
DCS Program Development Associate, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
marykristene.clarino@upou.edu.ph
Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr.
Dean, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
Asst. Prof. Joyce Mae M. Vega
Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
Ms. Christine Faye Pesimo
DCS Program Support, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
About DCS
One of the programs under FICS is the Diploma in Computer Science (DCS), which has been established to answer the need for personnel working in the information technology field to have an academic degree in computer science. DCS in its Distance Education Mode allows for its students to complete the degree program while still attending their respective workplace and has been developed in cooperation with the Institute of Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Los Baños. The program aims to train individuals in the design, implementation, and maintenance of software systems that handle large amounts of data.
Even with the rapid developments in the field of technology and causing changes in the field of computer science and information technology as well, the DCS program has retained much of its content from its conception in 1996. Being a post-baccalaureate program focused on theory, its content remained relevant and applicable. However, a few courses had been revised and instituted to keep up with the changes, especially in the development of new technologies that are essential in the field of computer science.
Opportunities for graduates of the program are supervisory positions in workplaces that develop and maintain large software systems. They may be corporate information officers, EDP personnel, programmers or software developers, and high school instructors. Prospective opportunities for students upon graduating may include a promotion in their IT-related industry and other variations of advancement in their career.
The DCS curriculum had been designed and revised to contain 24 units of core courses and 3 units of elective courses. The core courses provide students with a solid foundation in computer science concepts such as discrete structures in computer science, computer systems and organization, the interaction between structures and algorithms, and the basics of data communications. The elective courses give the DCS students more options and wider perspectives on related fields in computer science, providing additional knowledge and perspectives to the students.
Program Tracking
The DCS curriculum requires the completion of 24 units of core courses and 3 units of elective courses for a total of 27 units. The courses are spaced out to be finished within two (2) years and four (4) semesters. Students may enroll up to 9 units per semester; however, overloading would need the program chair’s approval. As a diploma degree, the maximum residency rule (MRR) for DCS is up to four (4) years.
Core Courses
- CMSC 201: Discrete Structures in Computer Science (3 units)
Logical structures, sets, combinatorial structures, graphs, formal systems - CMSC 202: Principles of Programming (3 units)
Algorithm representation, implementation, using a high-level language, systematic program development using top-down design, and program verification - CMSC 203: Computer Systems and Organization (3 units)
Internal organization of a computer, how this organization is used to represent data, execute programs and communicate to the outside world, assembly language programming; and basic operating system concepts - CMSC 204: Data Structures and Algorithms (3 units)
Abstract data types, their implementations, and use in algorithm design - CMSC 205: Data Communications and Networking (3 units)
Principles of data communications and computer networks - CMSC 206: Database Management Systems (3 units)
Design and implementation of database management systems; relational database and query optimization; and future trends in database designs - CMSC 207: Web Programming and Development (3 units)
Developing applications using web-based technologies - CMSC 208: Software Engineering (3 units)
Principles and methods of designing, implementing, validating and maintaining software systems
Elective Courses
- CMSC 209: Management Information Systems (3 units)
Fundamental concepts of planning, development, and information processing implementation of MIS - CMSC 210: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 units)
Principles, techniques, applications, and trends in artificial intelligence
Learning Resources
You may also check out the following videos if you have any questions or would like to have more information about a certain topic:
About UPOU
- UPOU Institutional Video: https://networks.upou.edu.ph/4843/
- Tatak UPOU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4eKdr6_WZY
DE Readiness and Skills
- Online Learning Study Skills (Student Orientation 2018): https://networks.upou.edu.ph/12552/
- Online Learning Study Skills (Student Orientation 2019): https://networks.upou.edu.ph/22239/
Introduction to MyPortal
- Introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7IL9cGsP48
- User Registration and Login: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCe-Vp_JF0
- Student’s Profile and Account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VMsuloZCg4
- Navigation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdEi7VFl2aA
- Activity Modules: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLdiJE8-f1I
UPOU Websites
- UPOU Networks: https://networks.upou.edu.ph/
- UPOU Library: https://library.upou.edu.ph/
- Office of Student Affairs (OSA): https://osa.upou.edu.ph/
- University Registrar's Office (OUR): https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/
- Office of Gender Concerns: https://ogc.upou.edu.ph
For any concerns that had not been addressed in this article or the program handbook, you may check out our other solution tickets or address your concerns to the DCS program support email. We hope this introduction to the DCS program had been useful!
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