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Prospective Students > Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs from New Students
1
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There are several first courses involving computers, how do I choose the best one for me?
There are several first year courses and pairs of courses. The descriptions below describe the content and purpose of the courses. None of these courses require any computer science from high school, but they assume that a casual familiarity with the use of computers, including Web browsing, email and instant messaging, and other non-technical applications. Please see the official course descriptions for more information.
- CMPT 100.3
This course is a survey of the field of Computer Science, intended primarily for students in the College of Arts and Science. As such, it touches on a number of topics. The emphasis is not on programming, although some programming is done related to the development of html web pages.
- CMPT 102.3
This course is only offered in the online interactive format. CMPT 102 is similar to CMPT 100, although CMPT 102 does somewhat less surveying, and a little more on programming. However, this course does not do much on programming. Note that since this course offered online and only has high school prerequisites, it is available to students still in high school.
- CMPT 105.3 and CMPT 106.3
These classes are for students who want to focus on design of interactive systems, or students who want a more gradual introduction to programming, or students who are not majoring in Computer Science but want some computing in their program. These courses do more programming than CMPT 100, 102, or 175, but the emphasis is on human-computer interaction rather than programming. CMPT 106 introduces the basics of computer games, and emphasizes human-computer interaction in the gaming context.
- CMPT 111.3 and CMPT 115.3
These two courses cover the basics of programming, and hence are the start towards a computer science major. As such, CMPT 111 is an introduction to programming in a high-level language. CMPT 115 deals with how to organize data so that it can be stored and retrieved efficiently. Both courses discuss topics related to the application of Computer Science to practical problems.
- CMPT 113.3
This course is in essence equivalent to CMPT 111 or 116. Primarily intended for students in the College of Engineering (CHE, CE, ABE, ENVE, GEOE students), this course teaches programming in VBA for Microsoft Excel. Students intending to take CMPT 117 are advised to take CMPT 116; however, CMPT 113 can be used as a pre-requisite. Students considering taking CMPT 117 after CMPT 113 should consult an advisor in Computer Science.
- CMPT 116.3 and CMPT 117.3
These two courses are similar to CMPT 111 and 115, except that 116 and 117 were designed for students in the College of Engineering and also Physics students. CMPT 116 is an introduction to programming in a high-level language (C++). CMPT 117 deals with how to organize data so that it can be stored and retrieved efficiently. Engineering applications of computers are discussed in these courses.
- CMPT 120.3
This course is intended for students interested in how to effectively use modern computer software, and in learning how computers work. It provides an overview of: computer and software components; networking; computer security; basic and advanced document preparation; spreadsheets; and data presentation. This course does not lead directly into a computer science major. Students wishing to major in computer science are advised to take CMPT 111.
- CMPT 175.3
This course is in essence equivalent to CMPT 100.3, primarily intended for students in the Edwards School of Business. Like CMPT 100, it consists of a survey of the field of Computer Science. The emphasis is not on programming, although some programming is done working with VBA in Microsoft Excel.
2
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There are so many confusing restrictions on first year courses! What courses can I take, really?
The restrictions on our courses are intended to make sure that courses are not taken out of order. Some courses, such as CMPT 111, contain substantial technical content, whereas other courses are intended to be less technical. The restrictions ensure that a student cannot get credit for a less technical course after obtaining credit for a more technical course. The specific restrictions are given below.
- CMPT 100.3
- Students can receive credit for at most one of CMPT 100, 102, 120, 175.
- CMPT 100 cannot be taken after any of CMPT 105, CMPT 115, or 117.
- CMPT 100 cannot be taken concurrently with CMPT 115 or 117.
- Students majoring in Computer Science may not use CMPT 100 as a course in their major, but may count it as a junior elective.
- CMPT 102.3
- This course is only offered in the online interactive format.
- Students can receive credit for at most one of CMPT 100, 102, 120, 175.
- CMPT 102 cannot be taken after CMPT 105, 111, 116.
- Students intending to complete a program in Computer Science may count CMPT 102 as part of their degree, but only as a general elective.
- CMPT 105.3
- Students majoring in a science program cannot use CMPT 105 as a science credit.
- CMPT 105 can be used as a science credit for non-science majors.
- CMPT 105 cannot be taken after CMPT 111, 116.
- CMPT 106.3
- Students can not take CMPT 106 for credit after CMPT 115.
- CMPT 111.3
- Students can only receive credit for one of CMPT 111, 113, 116.
- CMPT 115.3
- Students can only receive credit for one of CMPT 115, 117.
- CMPT 115 cannot be taken concurrent with CMPT 106.
- CMPT 113.3
- CMPT 113 cannot be taken after CMPT 106, 111, 116.
- CMPT 116.3
- CMPT 116 cannot be taken after CMPT 106, 111, 113.
- CMPT 117.3
- Students can only receive credit for one of CMPT 115, 117.
- CMPT 120.3
- CMPT 120 is a course in modern computer skills, but does not lead directly into a computer science major.
- Students can receive credit for only one of CMPT 100, 102, 120, 175.
- Students may not take CMPT 120 for credit after taking CMPT 105.
- Students may not take CMPT 120 for credit concurrent with or following CMPT 115 or CMPT 117.
- Students majoring in computer science may not use CMPT 120 as a course in the major, but may count it as a junior elective as long as CMPT 120 is taken before CMPT 115 or CMPT 117.
- CMPT 175.3
- Students cannot receive credit for more than one of CMPT 100, 102, 120, 175.
- CMPT 175 cannot be taken after any of CMPT 105, CMPT 115, or 117.
- CMPT 175 cannot be taken concurrently with CMPT 115 or 117.
- Students majoring in Computer Science may not use CMPT 175 as a course in their major, but may count it as a junior elective.
3
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I am just starting university and want to study Computer Science. What college should I enter?
All the Computer Science programs are offered through the College of Arts and Science, so that is the college in which to enroll to take Computer Science. However, a number of other colleges have programs that have computer science courses as requirements or electives; for example, Engineering, Eduction, Business. In addition, some students do two degrees; for example an Engineering degree and a B.Sc. in Computer Science.
4
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What is the difference between Computer Science and Computer Engineering? How do I pick the best one for me?
The quick answer is that Computer Science deals with software and high level computer applications dealing with information handling. Often the software systems are very complex, with a lot of code and a lot of information/knowledge. Computer Engineering deals with computers embedded in other objects. As such, Computer Engineering needs to deal with interfaces to the real world in real time, but generally does much simpler manipulation of data. The next step in this sequence is the Electrical Engineer who might design the hardware of a computer. Of course, the basics of computer hardware are part of a Computer Science program. For a more detailed answer, you should arrange an advising appointment with a faculty member.
5
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What are the high school prerequisites required to get into a program for a Computer Science major?
The College of Arts and Science Admission Requirements are listed here.
All Computer Science major programs require CMPT 111 and MATH 110.
The high school prerequisite for CMPT 111 are Mathematics B30 or Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30.
The
high school prerequisites for MATH 110 are Mathematics B30 and Mathematics C30; or Pre-Calculus 30.
It is helpful to have
Computer Science 20 and 30, but neither is required.
6
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I am just starting university, and I wish to study computer science. Which courses should I take in first year?
A student intending to complete a Computer Science degree or a Computing degree should take the following courses:
- Term 1: CMPT 111.3, MATH 110.3
- Term 2: CMPT 115.3 , MATH 112.3 or 116.3
In addition, most students take 6 credit units of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc), 6 credit units of English and 6 credit units of Social Science. For the social sciences, there are many possibilities, but ECON 111 and 114 also fulfill the Business Science requirement so they are often taken.
Note that neither MATH 112 nor 116 is required for most of the Computer Science degrees. Hence, a student who has difficulty with MATH 110 might choose to not take MATH 112 or 116. However, if neither Math 112 nor 116 is taken, other (non-calculus) mathematics courses must be taken.
A full load of courses is 5 courses per term. This number is required per term in order to complete a degree in the minimum number of terms. However, some students only take 4 courses per term in first year while they become accustom to university. For most official purposes, for example student loans, a student must take at least three courses a term to be classified as a full-time student. Some scholarships require that students take five classes per term.
7
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I have more questions. Where can I find answers to them?
