Computer science is the study of processes involving the storage, transmission and transformation of information in the context of modern electronic technology. Both theoretical and applied areas of computer science are represented in the courses offered by the department. The introductory courses (two for majors, three for non-majors) are concerned largely with programming as the primary tool used for understanding and controlling computation. The higher-level courses deal with theoretical concerns, the practical design of hardware and software, and a variety of application areas.

For specific requirements of programs offered by this department, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section for bachelor and Honours programs.

Courses in Computer Science

A supplemental calendar detailing courses and topics to be offered in the next year is available from the department office in March.

For the purpose of satisfying departmental degree requirements, the number of computer science credits taken outside the Department of Computer Science and Engineering may not exceed six credits in core areas (here defined to be 1000- and 2000-level computer science courses, 3000-level computer science courses satisfying the breadth requirement and, for Specialized Honours students, any required 3000- and 4000-level computer science courses) and 12 credits in total.

Course numbering. Computer science courses with 5 as the second digit of the course number may be used to satisfy Faculty degree requirements but do not count as computer science major credits. 3000- and 4000-level computer science courses are divided by number into four areas as follows: theory and numerical computation (second digit is 1), systems (second digit is 2), software development (second digit is 3) and applications (second digit is 4).

Courses in computer science have three class hours a week for one term (three credits - course numbers end in 3.00), unless otherwise indicated.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering will not permit any student to take more than 12 computer science credits per term in the fall and winter terms and six computer science credits in the summer term. Students who work full-time are strongly advised to take no more than six credits in any term.

For prerequisite purposes, SC/MATH 1013 3.00 may be substituted in lieu of SC/MATH 1300 3.00; SC/MATH 1014 3.00 in lieu of SC/MATH 1310 3.00; SC/MATH 1021 3.00 or SC/MATH 2021 3.00 or SC/MATH 2221 3.00 in lieu of SC/MATH 1025 3.00.

General Prerequisites

All 2000-level computer science courses require the following general prerequisites:

• SC/CSE 1030 3.00 or SC/COSC 1030 3.00 with a grade of at least C+;
• non-majors may apply to the undergraduate director for special consideration.

Most 3000- and 4000-level computer science courses require the following general prerequisites, in addition to or including any specifically stated in the course outlines below:

• SC/CSE 2011 3.00 or SC/COSC 2011 3.00;
• a cumulative grade point average of 4.50 or better over all completed major computer science courses, including SC/CSE 1019 3.00.

Notes:

1. All computer science Honours programs, except the Honours Minor program, require the successful completion of at least 30 credits which are neither computer science nor mathematics courses.
2. To satisfy computer science degree requirements, SC/MATH 1013 3.00 may be taken instead of SC/MATH 1300 3.00; SC/MATH 1014 3.00 may be taken instead of SC/MATH 1310 3.00; SC/MATH 1021 3.00 or SC/MATH 2221 3.00 may be taken instead of SC/MATH 1025 3.00.

• Computer Science (BA), (iBA), (BSc) and (iBSc) degree requirements
• Rules and regulations in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Search for courses offered in Computer Science
• Other programs offered in the Faculty of Science and Engineering