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Alkimi University Academics

CS 480 · Computer Science

Special Topics in Computer Science

Advanced study of an emerging topic or specialized area of computer science not covered in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.

How to enroll Where it fits

Catalog overview

Course Essentials

Credits
3
Level
400 upper division
Typically offered
Spring, odd years
Prerequisites
CS 250 and junior standing.

400-level courses: advanced capstone, senior research, and specialized seminars. Counts toward the 36 upper-division credits every bachelor's degree requires (Undergraduate Catalog §2.3). Details: Undergraduate Catalog §9.4.

Portrait of Dr. Lena Novak

Dr. Lena Novak

Assistant Teaching Professor of Computer Science

Instructor for CS 480, Spring 2027

Office
Ashby Hall 225
Email
lnovak@university.alkimi.ai

Department of Computer Science

Department page →
Ashby Hall Chair: Dr. Olumide Olatunji, Ashby Hall 209

Questions about a major or your plan: Academic Advising Center, Lovell Hall 101, (555) 555-0158.

Meeting times and rooms for each term are listed in AlkimiHub when registration opens. Department chairs make teaching assignments each year (Faculty Handbook §5.1), and every instructor posts the syllabus in Canvas by the first day of classes (Faculty Handbook §5.2).

Spring 2027 syllabus

CS 480 isn't offered in Fall 2026. The Spring 2027 syllabus will be posted in Canvas by the first day of classes, Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Meeting times and rooms appear in AlkimiHub when Spring 2027 registration opens on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Generative AI in this course

Every syllabus must state one of three levels: Level 1 (AI not permitted for graded work), Level 2 (AI permitted with disclosure for specified tasks), Level 3 (AI permitted broadly with disclosure). Check your section's syllabus in Canvas. Unless it says otherwise, the university default applies: generative AI tools may be used for brainstorming, studying, and feedback on your own drafts, but not to produce work you submit for a grade.

Details: Student Handbook §5.7 and Student Handbook §5.8. See what each AI level allows.

Degree planning

Where CS 480 fits

What to take first, what this course opens up, and the requirements it can satisfy, from the Undergraduate Catalog.

Take first

Catalog wording: CS 250 and junior standing.

Leads to

All Computer Science courses →

No other catalog course lists CS 480 as a prerequisite.

Counts toward

All programs →

Every course also counts toward the 120 credits needed for a bachelor's degree. Confirm your plan with your advisor or the Academic Advising Center.

AP credit

AP equivalency table →

No AP exam awards credit for CS 480 (Undergraduate Catalog §3.11).

Registration

How to enroll in CS 480

  1. Check the prerequisites

    CS 250 and junior standing.

  2. Add it in AlkimiHub

    CS 480 is offered in the spring semester of odd-numbered years. Register through AlkimiHub self-service registration, which opens by credit standing. Until the add deadline, you don't need instructor permission as long as seats remain and you've met the prerequisites. Details: Student Handbook §3.3.

  3. If the section is full, join the waitlist

    When a seat opens, AlkimiHub offers it to the first student on the waitlist and emails you. You have 24 hours to claim it before it goes to the next student. Details: Student Handbook §3.10.

Spring 2027 registration opens

By credit standing, in AlkimiHub.

Spring 2027 add deadline

Last day to add a course or change sections (11:59 p.m.).

All dates: academic calendar. Registration help: Office of the Registrar.

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