UofC

* There are many options for graduate studies leading to MSc and PhD degrees in the area of Computer Science. Details of graduate specializations can be found in the graduate section of this calendar.

** All degrees in the Faculty of Science, except Environmental Science, can be combined with eligible BA and BSc programs from the Faculty of Arts. Please refer to Section 3.4 for information on combined degrees, double majors with programs within the Faculty of Science as well as combined degrees with programs from other Faculties. Students interested in pursuing these degrees are encouraged to speak with an advisor in the Undergraduate Science Program to develop a degree completion plan.

¹ The BA program in Computer Science is undergoing review. Students interested in this program should seek advice from a program advisor in the Undergraduate Science Centre. Many options for diversifying a BSc in Computer Science are available to students.

²Combined degree with the Haskayne School of Business. 

Programs Offered

BSc and BSc Honours in Computer Science

BA and BA Honours in Computer Science

BSc and BSc Honours in Computer Science Internship

Minor in Computer Science

Programs in the Department of Computer Science are governed by a combination of general Faculty of Science regulations and the additional program specific regulations listed below.

It is essential for students to be familiar with both sets of regulations. It is helpful to read the Faculty Regulations in Section 3 first.

Students should consult the Degree Navigator periodically to ensure that requirements are being met. Also, students are strongly urged to consult the Department at all stages of their program.

Department Head: C. Williamson

Department Office: Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) 602

Telephone: 403.220.6015

Undergraduate Advisor: Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) 602

Fax: 403.284.4707

Website: http://www.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/

Email: cpsc@cpsc.ucalgary.ca

Effective 2001, the BSc and BSc Honours degree programs have been accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council (CSAC) for Computer Science programs. Effective 2001, the BSc degree program with Software Engineering Concentration and effective 2006 the BSc Honours with Software Engineering Concentration have been accredited by the CSAC for Software Engineering programs.

The CSAC is sponsored by the Canadian Information Processing Society (http://www.cips.ca/). Its mandate is to ensure that accredited programs meet standards for education in Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Students who graduate from an accredited degree program are eligible for the Information Systems Professional (I.S.P.) designation after two years of professional experience. The I.S.P. designation is recognized as a professional designation under provincial law in most Canadian Provinces, including Alberta.

The Department of Computer Science offers the following courses for students who are interested in an introduction to the discipline of computer science or who wish to use computers more effectively. Each of Computer Science 217, 231 and 235 is intended primarily for a group of students (with differing academic objectives) who are interested in an introduction to computer science that includes an introduction to programming and that is available for credit in computer science programs. The pace at which programming concepts are introduced also differs in each course.

• Computer Science 217 is recommended for students wishing to combine studies in computer science with studies in other disciplines, or who are in programs other than computer science and who are interested in a course that includes an introduction to programming. Material related to computer science will be introduced at a pace that is appropriate for students who are unfamiliar with programming or scripting. On completion of Computer Science 217, students who are interested in computer science programs would continue by taking Computer Science 219. The latter course includes additional lectures in order to ensure that students in this course sequence are adequately prepared for senior courses in computer science.
• Computer Science 231 is recommended for computer science majors. Material related to computer science will be introduced at a somewhat faster pace than in Computer Science 217. On completion of Computer Science 231, students who are interested in computer science programs would continue by taking Computer Science 233.
• Computer Science 235 is a challenging course intended for exceptional students. This also includes an introduction to programming and it can be used in place of either Computer Science 217 and 219 or Computer Science 231 and 233 in requirements for computer science programs. Students completing Computer Science 235 will have additional flexibility when choosing options in computer science and may be able to complete courses that are required for computer science programs more rapidly than would otherwise be possible.
• Computer Science 203 is recommended for students who are not in computer science programs and who are interested in a course that introduces computer system fundamentals and tools, including spreadsheets, and database applications. This course generally does not include an extensive introduction to programming and it is not available for credit for computer science majors or minors.

Students in International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs may be eligible for advanced credit in Computer Science courses, including Computer Science 217 and 219 or 231 and 233. See the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Calendar (A.19 Alternatives to Regular Course Credit) for additional details.

Other students with backgrounds in Computer Science equivalent to Computer Science 231 or 231 and 233 may request advanced placement in Computer Science in order to have prerequisite requirements for these courses waived, after successful completion of an advanced placement examination. Interested students should see the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Calendar (A.19 Alternatives to Regular Course Credit) for additional details, and contact the Department of Computer Science to apply.