Information for New Students

If you're just starting university, or if you are wondering what Computer Science programs you might like, you are on the right page.

If you want detailed program information, here is the link to follow.

Academic Programs of Study

The Department of Computer Science is home to several different degree programs, listed alphabetically:

  • Bioinformatics
    An interdisciplinary program combining courses in Biology, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science for analyzing and understanding the biochemical processes of life. If you are good at problem solving about biological processes such as understanding genetics, DNA, and biomedical information, this might be for you.  This program has two associated degrees: the Four Year B.Sc., and the Honours B.Sc.
  • Computer Science
    A traditional program providing the foundations for careers in software development, information technology, as well as graduate studies and research.  If you enjoy problem solving and creative use of analytical skills, to create practical and innovative software, this program may be for you. This program has 5 associated degrees: the B.Sc. Four Year;  the B.Sc. Honours, the B.Sc. Honours -- Software Engineering Option; the B.Sc. Three Year; and the Minor. 
  • Computing
    A variation of the Computer Science program that is more flexible in the sense of having fewer restrictions on the courses you choose to take.  If you enjoy problem solving and creative use of analytical skills, and would like to have more control over the courses you take, this program may be for you.  Be aware that the Computer Science programs give you most of the same choices; you'd typically only follow this program ifthe courses you want to take don't fit the Computer Science program. This program has one degree, the B.Sc. Four Year.
  • Interactive Systems Design
    A modern interdisciplinary program combining courses in Art and Art History, Psychology, and Computer Science to provide knowledge and skills in the principles of visual communication, human perception, memory and cognition, and the design and evaluation of interactive systems. This program has less technical and analytical focus than the other degrees listed above.  If you think you would enjoy designing the way software systems interact with people, based on training in graphical design and human psychology, this program might be for you.   The degree associated with this program is a B.A.&Sc. Four Year degree.

Choosing a program

If you are interested in any of the programs in our department, but are not sure which one you'd prefer, you may contact the department to arrange to speak to an advisor. The following information may also be useful.

  • The Computing and Computer Science programs are very similar in their first 2 years.  The main differences between them (in the first 2 years) has to do with the choice of mathematics courses.  So you don't have to choose between these two programs before you choose your first year courses.
  • The Bioinformatics programs require most of the same 100- and 200-level CMPT courses required by the Computer Science and Computing degrees.  Specialized BINFO courses start at the 200-level.  Again, if you are not sure, you can choose first year courses that can be used for Bioinformatics or for Computer Science and Computing programs.
  • The Interactive Systems Design program includes several of the courses that are required by our other programs, but not all.  It is possible to move from this program to one of the others, but it will require you to catch up on one or two courses. It is also possible to move from one of our other programs into the Interactive Systems Design program.