qmcs

Attention: The Quantitative Methods and Computer Science department is adopting the new name of "Computer and Information Sciences". Please visit the new Majors & Minors page at http://www.stthomas.edu/cisc/majors/default.html

Testing Out of QMCS 200 Introduction to Information Processing (QMCS 200) is a requirement for some majors, although not for the QMCS major. If students have sufficient background in the material covered in QMCS 200, they can take an exam to demonstrate this proficiency. If they pass the exam, the QMCS110 requirement will be waived. They do not get a grade or course credit, simply a waiver of the requirement. It costs nothing to take the exam.

There is no penalty if the student fails the exam, but the exam cannot be retaken. They simply have to successfully complete the QMCS 200 course to in order to fulfill their major requirement. The exam has four parts, each of which contributes 25% to the final score. The student must have a total final score of at least 80% in order to pass the exam. The four parts are: Fundamental Concepts, Excel, database and system software, and programming. The Fundamental Concepts section tests knowledge of computer hardware and includes questions on the CPU, memory, storage, and instruction processing. The Excel section contains questions about creating formulas, charts, and references using Excel. A thourough understanding of Excel is necessary. The database and system software section tests on relational database theory, file organization, operating systems, and data processing concepts. There are no Access specific questions. In the programming section, the student will be given a problem and required to write a program (in the language of student's choice) that implements the solution to the problem.

Students interested in taking the test-out exam, should contact Dr. Steve Hansen by email (SCHANSEN). The exams are given several times a year, usually within the first week of class. If there is sufficient demand, exams will be scheduled at other times as well.

Test Out Schedule
The QMCS 200 test out is generally given at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. The exam is written, takes approximately 1.5 hours, and is closed book. If you need to take the exam other than at the scheduled times, contact Dr. Hansen by email (SCHANSEN)