Amber Wagner

Associate Professor of Applied Computer Science

Amber Wagner Office:

Olin 208

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-3038
E-mail: [email protected]

Brief Career Background:

2004-2007 Computer Science Teacher, Alabama School of Fine Arts
2007-2010 Assistant Director of Information Technology, Kennesaw State University
2015-2017 Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
2017-2022 Assistant Professor of Applied Computer Science, Birmingham-Southern College
2022-present Associate Professor of Applied Computer Science, Birmingham-Southern College

Educational Background:

2003 B.S. in Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
2008 M.S. in Information Systems, Kennesaw State University
2015 Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Alabama

Areas of Academic Interest:

Accessible Computing
Software Engineering
Computer Science Education

Courses Taught:

CAC 150 Global Impact of Innovative Technology (1)
An evaluation of how companies have utilized technology, the effect technology had on a given industry, the ethics surrounding various technologies, and forward-thinking innovations.

CAC 170 Computer Science Principles (1)
An introduction to the foundations of computing. Topics will include ethics, correlations between computing and other fields, networking and security, and programming and logical thinking.

CAC 180 Programming in Python (1)
An introduction to textual programming using Python. The course will cover data types, decisions, loops, functions, basic data structures, and classes. Prerequisite: CAC 170 or instructor consent.

CAC 210 Data Structures and Media Computation (1)
A survey of advanced Java programming, including important data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs, in addition to searching and sorting algorithms. Manipulation of media (art and music) will be a major focus of the course. Prerequisite: CAC 180.

CAC 220 Storage and Analysis of Data (1)
An introduction to database development and big data. Topics will include sql databases, database programming, big data storage, and data analytics. Prerequisite: CAC 180.

CAC 410 Systems and Cybersecurity (1)
An examination of cybersecurity topics such as threat detection, secure design, and hacking techniques. The course will also include an overview of the Linux operating system. Prerequisite: CAC 310.

CAC 430 WR Human Computer Interaction and Software Engineering (1)
An exploration of ways to improve the user experience. Students will examine existing interfaces, write analyses, and design their own interfaces requiring the user of design documents. A Writing Reinforcement designated course. Prerequisite: CAC 310.

CAC 470 Senior Capstone (1)
A senior capstone experience in applied computer science. Working in a group, students will propose and implement a project by moving through each phase of the software development process. Prerequisite: CAC 430.