Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems. Computer science spans a wide range, from its theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge developments in robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, and other exciting areas. Computer science has many sub-fields, such as computer organization, software engineering, programming languages, operating systems, networking, information systems and databases, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and human/computer interaction. Theoretical components include computational methods, numerical analysis and theory of computing and also data structures, and algorithms.
Four-year program leads to a Bachelor of computer science (B.COSC.). Three-year programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Computer Science, alone or combined with Mathematics or another subject. The first two years of program introduce a high-level programming language, discrete mathematical structures, data structures, UNIX operating system, database programming, and assembly language. Upper-year courses cover Theory of Computing, Programming Languages, Computer Organization, Operating Systems, Digital Design, Systems Analysis, Computer Networks, Algorithm Design and Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Computer Graphics, Software Engineering, and Human-Computer-Interaction.
Co-op option (a total of 16 months of paid work) gives practical experience to students and prepares them for their careers.
Also available: Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Computer science (see E-Business Science)
Prospects: analyst, database and information system programmer and manager, education, graduate studies, internet programmer, network manager and analyst, programmer, software designer and developer, website programmer, and designer...
Offered in English, but some courses are available in French.
Admission requirements
Ontario secondary schools
- Advanced Functions
- 1 other grade 12 4U Mathematics course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)
- 1 grade 12 4U English
- 3 other grade 12 4U/M courses* (Computer Science recommended)
* must include 1 grade 12 4U science if enrolling in B.Sc. program
See Admissions for other requirements.
General information
See E-Business Science for information on the Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Computer Science.
The B.COSC is a 4-year program with a single specialization in Computer Science. A combined specialization in Computer Science and another subject is available through the 4-year B.A. program. Students should contact the department chair for more information.
The 3-year degree leads to either a B.A. or a B.Sc. degree. Students who have not decided whether they will take a 3- or 4-year program should choose electives to meet the requirements of the 3-year (general) degree. When choosing courses, students should pay attention to the prerequisites for courses they may wish to take in later years.
All upper-year students must have their program approved by the department prior to registration.
Students wishing to concentrate in Computer Science are not allowed credit for MATH 1911, MATH 1912, COSC 1701 unless given prior approval from the Chair of the Department.
Programs
Course descriptions