The Computer Science program gives students a thorough exposure to basic areas like computer architecture, programming languages and methodology, algorithms and data structures, systems programming, operating systems and networking, knowledge-based and database systems, software engineering, and theory. The student will develop the advanced practical computing and problem-solving skills required for professional work in modern industry, based on a strong conceptual foundation and on insights into the nature of this rapidly changing field. Each student will use advanced development tools, and will be encouraged to approach problem-solving from a multidisciplinary point of view. The program emphasizes direct co-operation with industry. Website: http://www.unbc.ca/computerscience

Major in Computer Science

A major in Computer Science requires at least 20 Computer Science courses and at least 61 credit hours in Computer Science, at least 27 credit hours of which must be upper-division courses, and of those upper-division credits, at least 12 must be taken at the 400 level. MATH 335-3 and MATH 371-3 can count towards this requirement.

The following courses may not be used for credit towards a Computer Science major or joint major:

The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science is 120 credit hours.

Program Requirements

*Note:  Unless otherwise specified, students enrolling in any Computer Science or Mathematics course with prerequisites are required to have completed all prerequisite courses for that course with a C- or better, or have permission to enrol from the Program Chair.

Lower Division Requirement

100 Level

*Note:  MATH 101-3 Calculus II is strongly recommended.

200 Level

General Science Requirement

Students must take two courses from the following list of science courses. It is recommended that computer science majors take PHYS 110-4 and PHYS 111-4. However, students may take any two courses from the following list, according to their interests, to fulfill the general science requirement:

*Note:  In some special cases other science courses approved by the Chair of Computer Science may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Upper Division Requirement

Computer Science Breadth

*Note:  MATH 371-3 Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers is strongly recommended.

400 Level

At least 12 credit hours of Computer Science courses must be taken at the 400 level, and at least nine of these credit hours must be outside the seminar, project course (other than CPSC 400-3), research course, or special topics course category.

Alternate courses may be substituted for the above with the written permission of the Program Chair and Dean of the College.

Subject Requirement

Six additional credit hours chosen from the following:

Elective  and Academic Breadth Requirement

Elective credit hours as necessary to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including any additional credits necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation 15). A total of 45 credit hours in upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses from any discipline are required for graduation.

BSc Honours - Computer Science
(Effective September 2013)

Entry to the Computer Science Honours Program takes place after completion of 60 credit hours and requires a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33 over the previous 30 credit hours, and the permission of the Department Chair. Candidates are required to consult with their Student Advisor prior to entry to the program. Attaining the minimum requirement does not guarantee entry to the Honours Program, which is at the discretion of the Department and depends on the availability of a supervisor. Faculty members are under no obligation to supervise Honours students. To remain in the Honours Program requires the maintenance of a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33.

Joint Major in Chemistry/Computer Science

See Calendar entry under Chemistry.

Joint Major in Computer Science/Mathematics

The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Science with a Joint Major in Computer Science and Mathematics is 123 credit hours.

MATH 342-3 (Biostatistics) may not be used for credit towards any Mathematics or Computer Science major, minor, or joint major.

MATH 150-3 (Finite Mathematics for Business and Economics) may not be used for credit towards any Mathematics or Computer Science major or joint major.

Program Requirements

Literacy Requirement

One of:

Lower Division Requirement

General Science Requirement

Two of:

*Note:  PHYS 110-4 (Introductory Physics I: Mechanics) and PHYS 111-4 (Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity) are strongly recommended for all majors.

Upper Division Requirement

**Six credit hours of 300- or 400-level Computer Science.
Six credit hours of 400-level Computer Science (excluding seminar, project, and special topics courses).

**Three credit hours of 300- or 400-level Mathematics.
Six credit hours of 400-level Mathematics.

PHYS 307-3 (Selected Topics in Environmental Physics) may not be used as Physics credit toward any Physics major, minor, or joint major.

Program Requirements

Literacy Requirement

One of:

Lower Division Requirement

Upper Division Requirement

*Six credit hours of 300- or 400-level Computer Science.
Six credit hours of 400-level Computer Science (excluding seminar, project, and special topics courses).

*Three credit hours of 300- or 400-level Physics.
Six credit hours of 400-level Physics (excluding seminar, project, and special topics courses).
*Three of these nine credit hours must be at the 400 level so that a minimum of 15 credit hours of 400-level Computer Science and Physics are completed.

Elective and Academic Breadth Requirement

Elective credit hours as necessary to ensure completion of a minimum of 127 credit hour, including any additional credits necessary to meet the Academic Breadth requirement of the University (see Academic Regulation 15).

The Minor in Computing requires the following 29 credit hours of courses: