BS Computer Science ODL (5119 & 5120)

Introduction

The Department of Computer Science at Allama Iqbal Open University offers a four-year BSCS degree with specialization – ODL Program, aligned with the updated HEC guidelines. The program covers modern developments in hardware, software, and information and communication technologies, combining theoretical foundations with practical skills in computing and software engineering. It prepares students to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems, while also addressing emerging areas such as robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, and bioinformatics. The updated scheme of study is provided in accordance with HEC standards.

MISSION

To provide high-quality computer science education that combines strong theoretical foundations with practical skills. The program prepares ethical, innovative graduates for careers, higher education and leadership in emerging areas of the digital future.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEOs)

PEO 1: Technical & Industry Competence Graduates successfully contribute to the national and international computing industry by applying fundamental CS knowledge to design, develop, and analyze real-world software solutions.

PEO 2: Professional Growth & Leadership Graduates advance in their careers, work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, take on leadership roles, or establish entrepreneurial startups.

PEO 3: Social & Ethical Responsibility Graduates practice the computing profession with strong ethical standards, keeping in mind legal, environmental, and societal impacts.

PEO 4: Lifelong Learning Graduates adapt to rapid technological shifts (like emerging AI, cloud computing, and cyber security tracks) through continuous learning or higher academic pursuits.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (HEC/NCEAC COMPUTING PLOs)

PLO

Title

Outcome for BSCS

PLO-1

Academic Education

Complete the program in a way that prepares graduates as computing professionals.

PLO-2

Knowledge for Solving Computing Problems

Apply mathematics, computing fundamentals, algorithms and theory of computer science to solve computing problems.

PLO-3

Problem Analysis

Identify, analyze and formulate complex computing problems and requirements.

PLO-4

Design/Development of Solutions

Design and develop software and computing systems that meet specified needs, including in emerging areas such as intelligent systems, computer vision and robotics.

PLO-5

Modern Tool Usage

Select and apply modern tools and technologies to design, develop, test and maintain computing solutions.

PLO-6

Individual and Teamwork

Work effectively as an individual and as a member or leader of teams.

PLO-7

Communication

Communicate effectively through documentation, reports and presentations.

PLO-8

Computing Professionalism and Society

Understand the legal, social, cultural and safety responsibilities of computing practice.

PLO-9

Ethics

Apply professional ethics and responsible computing practice.

PLO-10

Life-long Learning

Engage in independent learning to adapt to new technologies.

OBJECTIVES

The BSCS program aims to enable students to:

  • Build a strong foundation in computing, covering hardware, software, and information and communication technologies, together with the underlying mathematics and theory.
  • Develop strong problem-solving and algorithmic skills for analyzing and solving computing problems.
  • Design, develop, test and maintain software systems using modern tools, techniques and engineering practices.
  • Gain exposure to emerging areas such as robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems and bioinformatics.
  • Practice computing with professionalism, integrity, and ethical and social responsibility.
  • Prepare for careers, higher education, research and entrepreneurship, supported by communication, teamwork and lifelong learning skills.

PROGRAM FEATURES

The updated BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program is a 130 credit hours program and may be completed in minimum four years (eight semesters).

Two semesters are offered in a year, Spring and Autumn.

The duration of each semester is 18 weeks.

The program is in-line with HEC.

MODE OF DELIVERY

Asynchronous Mode will be used. Equivalent programmed instruction materials in multiple media (visual or interactive learning materials), where one credit hour shall be equal to 16 hours of teaching and learning per semester with the following composition:

For theory courses

  • Pre-recorded video lectures providing 27 hours of self-study material.
  • 12 hours of online interactive workshops for discussion and clarification.
  • 6 hours allocated for student assessments, including quizzes, assignments, and exams.
  • 3 hours for additional self-paced learning resources (e.g., reading materials, discussion forums, and supplementary videos) to enhance understanding.

For lab courses (in addition to the above):

  • Pre-recorded lab sessions and e-labs covering 48 hours of self-performed practical work.

For all modes: where lab/project/practical work is involved, for one credit, 48 hours of lab work or equivalent practical work shall be required in one semester.

Award of BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program (Minimum CGPA/Pass Percentage Requirement):

A minimum 2.0 CGPA on a scale of 4.0 or 50% passing marks is required for the award of a BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program.

At a minimum, 130 credit hours are required for the award of a BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program.

The minimum duration for completion of BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program is four years. The HEC allows a maximum period of six years to complete the BS degree requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum 50% marks in Intermediate/12 years schooling/A- Level (HSSC) or Equivalent with Mathematics are required for admission in BS(CS) with Specialization – ODL Program.

An equivalence certificate by IBCC will be required in case of education from some other country or system.

Students who have not studied Mathematics at intermediate level have to pass deficiency courses of Mathematics (non-credit) in the first two semesters.

Selection Process

Admission will be given to all candidates satisfying the eligibility and merit criteria, subject to a viable group of students.

MERIT/NON-MERIT

The BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program is a non-merit-based program.

Duration

4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

The BSCS with Specialization – ODL Program is offered in ODL Mode.

Total Credits Hours Required

130

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS3002

Computer Programming

Core

3

1

4
  1.  

CS3003

Applications of Information & Communication Technologies

GER

2

1

3
  1.  

MATH3005

Discrete Mathematics

GER

3

0

3
  1.  

ENGL3001

Functional English

GER

3

0

3
  1.  

MATH3004

Calculus-I (IDS I)

IDS

3

0

3
  1.  

MGT3003

Introduction to Management

GER

2

0

2
  1.  

MATH3001

Pre-Calculus-I

Def. Course

Non Credit

Total

16

2

18

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total

 1.

CS3004

Object Oriented Programming

Core

3

1

4

  2.

MATH3007

Linear Algebra (IDS II)

IDS

3

0

3

  3.

CS3007

Digital Logic Design

Core

3

1

4

  4.

MATH3006

Calculus-II

GER

3

0

3

  5.

MATH3003

Pre-Calculus-II

IDS

Non Credit

  6.

URD3001

Pakistani Adab-1

GER

2

     0

2

  7.

TFSR3002

 Fehm e Quran I

GER

1

0

1

  8.

PKST3003

 Pakistan Studies

GER

2

0

2

Total

17

2

19

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS4001

Data Structures and Algorithms

Core

3

1

4
  1.  

CS4003

Artificial Intelligence

Core

2

1

3
  1.  

CS4004

Computer Networks

Core

2

1

3
  1.  

CS4005

Software Engineering

Core

3

0

3
  1.  

SOC3002

Civics and Community Engagement

GER

2

0

2
  1.  

TFSR4001

Fehm e Quran II

GER

1

0

1
  1.  

ENVS4001

Basics of Environmental Science

GER

2

1

3

                                                                                                        Total

15

4

19

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS4010

 Computer Organization & Architecture

Core

3

1

4
  1.  

ITHC3010/

HADH3009

Islamic Studies/Ethics

GER

2

0

2
  1.  

CS5010

Theory of Automata 

Core

3

0

3
  1.  

PKST3004

Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan

GER

2

0

2
  1.  

ENGL3002

Expository Writing

GER

3

0

3
  1.  

MGT3004

Entrepreneurship

GER

2

0

2
  1.  

CS5001

Operating Systems 

Core

2

1

3

Total

 16

2

19

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS3005

Database Systems

Core

3

1

4
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 1

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

PHY4001

Applied Physics (IDS III)

IDS

2

1

3
  1.  

STAT4001

Statistics and Probability (IDS IV)

IDS

3

0

3
  1.  

CS6005

Internship/Field Experience

 

0

3

3

Total

13

3

16

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS4002

Information Security

Core

2

1

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 2

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 3

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 4

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

SERT3001

Seerat-e-Tayyaba

 

Non Credit

Total

 8

4

12

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS6008

Cloud Computing

Core

2

1

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 5

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 6 

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

CS6009

Mobile Application Development

Core

2

1

3
  1.  

CS6001

Final Year Project – I

 

0

2

2

Total

 8

6

14

S#

Code

Course Title

Domain

Theory

Lab

Total
  1.  

CS6006

Final Year Project – II

 

0

4

4
  1.  

CS5004

Analysis and Design of Algorithm

Core

3

0

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 7

Elective

-

-

3
  1.  

-

Domain Elective 8

Elective

-

-

3

Total

 7

6

13

Elective/Major Courses/Specializations:

Specializations

  1. Software Engineering

Sr. No.

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours
  1.  

CS5012

Software Requirement Engineering

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5013

Software Construction and Development

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5014

Software Re-Engineering

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5015

Software Quality and Testing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5016

DevOps Principles and Practices

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5017

Software Project Management

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5018

Software Design and Architecture

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6010

Formal Methods and Design

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6011

Parallel and Distributed Computing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6012

Advanced Topics in Software Engineering

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6013

Human Computer Interaction

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5008

Machine Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6014

Internet of Things and Its Applications

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6015

Green Software Engineering

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6016

Cross-platform Application Development

3(3+0)
  1. Data Science

Sr. No.

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours
  1.  

CS4007

Introduction to Data Science

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5019

Computational Statistics

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS5020

Data Engineering

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS5005

Big Data Analytics

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5002

Data Mining

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5021

Information Retrieval

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5003

Data Visualization

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5022

Business Intelligence

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS5008

Machine Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6017

Tools & Techniques in Data Science

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6018

Deep Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6019

Generative AI

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6020

Natural Language Processing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6021

Computer Vision

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6022

Data Ethics & Security

3(2+1)
  1. Artificial Intelligence

Sr. No.

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours
  1.  

CS5023

Programming for AI

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5024

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5008

Machine Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5002

Data Mining

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6018

Deep Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5026

Reinforcement Learning

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6021

Computer Vision

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6020

Natural Language Processing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6019

Generative AI

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS5027

Agentic AI

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6023

Optimization Techniques

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6024

Stochastic Processes

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6025

Machine Learning Operations (MLOps)

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6026

Speech Processing

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6027

Evolutionary Computing & Swarm Intelligence

3(3+0)
  1. Cyber Security

Sr. No.

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours
  1.  

CS5028

Information Assurance

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5029

Network Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5030

Ethics in Cyber Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5031

Secure Software Design and Development

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5032

Cloud Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5033

Embedded Systems Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5034

Applied Cryptography

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5035

Quantum Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5036

Blockchain and Web 3 Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5037

Cyber Threat Intelligence

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6028

Open-Source Intelligence Techniques

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6029

Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6030

Digital Forensics and Incident Response

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6031

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6032

Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6033

IoT Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6034

Wireless and Mobile Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6035

Security Orchestration, Automation and Response

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6036

Security Analytics and DevSecOps

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6037

Cyber Security Policy and Governance

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6038

Usable Security and Privacy

3(2+1)
  1. Information Technology

Sr. No.

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours
  1.  

CS5038

Data Communication

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5039

Wireless and Mobile Networks

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5040

Cyber Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5029

Network Security

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5041

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS5042

Security Policies and Compliance

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS5043

System & Network Administration

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6039

Email Systems and Server Management

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6040

Information Technology Infrastructure

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6041

Cloud Infrastructure and Services

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6042

Database Administration & Management

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6043

Web Technologies

3(2+1)
  1.  

CS6044

Technology Lifecycle Planning

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6045

IT Project Management

3(3+0)
  1.  

CS6046

Systems Analysis and Design

3(3+0)

2

3

4

5

6

Semesters

08

Assessment Weightage

For Theory Courses:

Pass percentage is 50%

Final

(Pass percentage is 50%)

Assignment

Quiz

20%

30%

50%

For Lab Courses:

Pass percentage is 50%

Final

(Pass percentage is 50%)

Assignment

Quiz

Lab Practical

20%

15%

15%

50%

 

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).

About

The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in May, 1974, with the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. During all these past years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise.