Table of Contents
- Academic Calendar 2023-2024 (September 2023)
- I. General Information and Admissions
- 1. Welcome to Mount Allison University
- 2. Glossary of Academic Terms and Calendar of Events
- 3. Admission
- 3.1. Contact Information
- 3.2. Admission to the University
- 3.3. Minimum General Admission Requirements
- 3.4. Additional Admission Requirements
- 3.5. Notes on Entry to First-Year Courses
- 3.6. Requirements for Non-Canadian Education Systems
- 3.7. English Requirements
- 3.8. Mature Students
- 3.9. Admission with Advanced Standing
- 3.10. Transfer Students
- 3.11. Challenge for Credit
- 3.12. Visiting Students
- 3.13. Exchange Students
- 3.14. Special Circumstances
- 3.15. Graduate Studies
- 4. Fees
- 4.1. Fees and Expenses
- 4.1.1. Full-time/Part-time Enrolment - Fall and Winter terms
- 4.1.2. Tuition Fees
- 4.1.3. Overload Fees for Full-Time Students
- 4.1.4. Auditing Fees
- 4.1.5. Mail Service, Fitness Centre, and Technology and Service Fee
- 4.1.6. Student Organization Fees
- 4.1.7. Other Fees
- 4.1.8. Fieldwork and Travel: Expenses and Liability
- 4.1.9. Instructional Supplies Fees
- 4.1.10. Study Abroad and Exchange Fee
- 4.1.11. Residence, Communications and Meal Plan Fees
- 4.2. Deposits for Full-Time Students
- 4.2.1. Registration Deposits for New Students
- 4.2.2. Residence Deposits for New Students
- 4.2.3. Refunds of Residence Deposits for New Students
- 4.2.4. Registration Deposits for Returning Students
- 4.2.5. Residence Deposits and Refunds for Returning Students
- 4.2.6. Registration Deposits for January Admissions (New and Former Students)
- 4.2.7. Residence Deposits for January Admissions (New and Former Students)
- 4.3. Payment of Fees
- 4.3.1. Payments and Charges
- 4.3.2. Fall and Winter Payments by Part-Time Students
- 4.3.3. Fall Payments by Full-time Students
- 4.3.4. Winter Payments by Full-time Students
- 4.3.5. Fall and Winter Payments for Students Participating in Exchange Programs
- 4.3.6. Method of Payment
- 4.3.7. Reducing the Amount of Payments
- 4.4. Late Fees and Interest Charges
- 4.5. Withdrawals and Student Accounts
- 4.1. Fees and Expenses
- 5. Financial Assistance
- 6. Co-Curricular Life
- 6.1. The Mount Allison Students' Union
- 6.2. The Argosy Weekly
- 6.3. CHMA FM
- 6.4. Motyer-Fancy Theatre
- 6.5. Residence Council
- 6.6. The Pond
- 6.7. Student Employment
- 6.8. Accommodation
- 6.9. Department of Athletics and Recreation
- 6.10. Spiritual Care on Campus
- 6.11. Student Life
- 6.12. Student Life Resources
- 6.12.1. Personal Counselling
- 6.12.2. Experiential Learning and Career Development
- 6.12.3. Employment
- 6.12.4. Health Services
- 6.12.5. Student Health Insurance
- 6.12.6. Dietary and Nutritional Concerns
- 6.12.7. Student Wellness
- 6.12.8. Landlord/Tenant Concerns
- 6.12.9. International Students
- 6.12.10. Student Conduct
- 6.13. Services for Students with Disabilities
- 7. General Information
- 8. Personnel
- 9. Lectureships, Trusts and Fellowships; Endowed Chairs; Faculty Awards
- 9.1. Lectureships, Trusts and Fellowships
- 9.2. Endowed Chairs
- 9.2.1. Clement Chandler Avard and Florence Sybil Avard Chair in French Language
- 9.2.2. The Walter B. Cowan Chair in Religious Studies
- 9.2.3. The Edgar and Dorothy Davidson Chair in Canadian Studies
- 9.2.4. Fred C. Manning Chair in Commerce
- 9.2.5. The Hart Almerrin Massey Chair in Philosophy
- 9.2.6. The Pickard-Bell Chair in Music
- 9.2.7. The Reverend William Purvis Chair in English Literature
- 9.2.8. The Obed Edmund Smith Chair in Physics
- 9.2.9. The Obed Edmund Smith Chair in Mathematics
- 9.2.10. The Stiles-Bennett Chair in History
- 9.2.11. The Josiah Wood Chair in Classics
- 9.2.12. The Charles and Joseph Allison Chair of English Language and Literature
- 9.3. Faculty Awards
- II. Academic Regulations
- 10. Academic Regulations
- 10.1. Communication
- 10.2. Courses of Instruction
- 10.3. Registration
- 10.3.1. Registration Procedures (Adding Courses)
- 10.3.2. Registration Deadline
- 10.3.3. Registration Deadline (Self-directed Distance Learning Courses)
- 10.3.4. Determining Year Level
- 10.3.5. Normal Course Loads and Overloads (Fall and Winter terms)
- 10.3.6. Normal Course Loads and Overloads (Spring/Summer term)
- 10.3.7. Repeating Courses
- 10.3.8. Auditing Courses
- 10.4. Changes in Registration and Withdrawal
- 10.5. Transfer Credits
- 10.6. Academic Integrity
- 10.7. Missed Coursework or Tests
- 10.8. Examination Regulations
- 10.8.1. Scheduled Tests and Final Examinations (Fall and Winter terms)
- 10.8.2. Scheduled Tests and Final Examinations (Spring/Summer term)
- 10.8.3. Viewing Examination Papers
- 10.8.4. Accommodations for Missed Final Examinations
- 10.8.5. Extended Deadlines for Completion of Course Work
- 10.8.6. Special Examinations
- 10.9. Evaluations of Student Performance
- 10.9.1. Grading Policies for Courses
- 10.9.2. Reporting of Grades
- 10.9.3. Letter Grades and their Meanings
- 10.9.4. Prerequisite Grade Requirements
- 10.9.5. Grades Excluded from GPA
- 10.9.6. Calculation of TGPA, SGPA and CGPA
- 10.9.7. Repeated Courses, SGPA and CGPA
- 10.9.8. Grade Changes
- 10.9.9. Re-evaluation of a Grade
- 10.9.10. Aegrotat Standing
- 10.9.11. Assessment of Academic Standing
- 10.9.12. Good Standing
- 10.9.13. Unsatisfactory Standing
- 10.9.14. Academic Performance Indicators
- 10.9.15. Academic Probation
- 10.9.16. Academic Suspension
- 10.9.17. Academic Dismissal
- 10.9.18. Procedures for Appeals and Re-admissions
- 10.9.19. Disciplinary Suspension or Dismissal
- 10.9.20. Dean's List
- 10.10. Degree Requirements
- 10.10.1. Academic Standing and Credits Required for a Degree
- 10.10.2. Academic Residency Requirements
- 10.10.3. Degree with Distinction Requirements
- 10.10.4. Honours GPA and Overall GPA Requirements
- 10.10.5. Submitting a Thesis
- 10.10.6. Falling Short of the Honours Requirements
- 10.10.7. Second Undergraduate Degree Requirements
- 10.10.8. Honours Certificate
- 10.11. Graduation and Convocation
- 10.12. Transcripts
- 10.13. Replacement/Duplicate Diplomas
- 10.14. Notification of Disclosure of Personal Information
- 10. Academic Regulations
- III. Academic Degrees, Programs and Courses
- 11. Academic Programs
- 11.1. General Regulations
- 11.2. Bachelor of Arts
- 11.2.1. Requirements for a B.A. Degree
- 11.2.2. Distribution Requirements
- 11.2.3. 3/4000 Level Courses
- 11.2.4. Credits Required for a Major and Minor
- 11.2.5. Additional Minor
- 11.2.6. Double Major
- 11.2.7. Joint Major
- 11.2.8. Bachelor of Arts - Aviation
- 11.2.9. Honours Degree
- 11.2.10. General Degree with Three Minors
- 11.2.11. The Major as Required for the B.A.
- 11.2.12. Disciplinary Major
- 11.2.13. Interdisciplinary Major
- 11.2.14. Joint Major
- 11.2.15. Specially Approved Major
- 11.2.16. Bachelor of Arts - Aviation offered in conjunction with MFC Training
- 11.2.17. Majors Available for the B.A.
- 11.2.18. Joint Majors Available for the B.A.
- 11.2.19. The Minor as Required for the B.A.
- 11.2.20. Disciplinary Minor
- 11.2.21. Interdisciplinary Minor
- 11.2.22. Specially Approved Minor
- 11.2.23. Minors Available for the B.A.
- 11.2.24. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Honours Programs
- 11.2.25. Honours Programs Available for the B.A.
- 11.2.26. Complementary Courses and Prerequisites
- 11.3. Bachelor of Science
- 11.3.1. Requirements for a B.Sc. Degree
- 11.3.2. Distribution Requirements
- 11.3.3. Science Core
- 11.3.4. Minimum Number of Science Credits
- 11.3.5. 3/4000 Level Science Courses
- 11.3.6. Credits Required for a Major and Minor
- 11.3.7. Additional Minor
- 11.3.8. Double Major
- 11.3.9. Joint Major
- 11.3.10. Honours Degree
- 11.3.11. General Degree with Three Minors
- 11.3.12. Courses which Qualify as Science Credits
- 11.3.13. The Major As Required for the B.Sc.
- 11.3.14. Disciplinary Major
- 11.3.15. Interdisciplinary Major
- 11.3.16. Joint Major
- 11.3.17. Specially Approved Major
- 11.3.18. Majors available for the B.Sc.
- 11.3.19. Joint Majors available for the B.Sc.
- 11.3.20. The Minor as Required for the B.Sc.
- 11.3.21. Disciplinary Minor
- 11.3.22. Interdisciplinary Minor
- 11.3.23. Specially Approved Minor
- 11.3.24. Minors Available for the B.Sc.
- 11.3.25. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Honours Programs
- 11.3.26. Honours Programs Available for the B.Sc.
- 11.4. Master of Science
- 11.5. Bachelor of Commerce
- 11.5.1. Primary Objective
- 11.5.2. Requirements for a Bachelor of Commerce Degree
- 11.5.3. Distribution Requirements
- 11.5.4. 3/4000 Level Courses
- 11.5.5. Commerce Degree Core Requirements
- 11.5.6. Commerce Electives on the Bachelor of Commerce Degree
- 11.5.7. The Minor as Required for the Bachelor of Commerce
- 11.5.8. Elective Credits
- 11.5.9. Honours Programs Available for the Bachelor of Commerce
- 11.5.10. Commerce with Honours
- 11.5.11. Commerce with Honours in Economics
- 11.5.12. Commerce - Aviation offered in conjunction with MFC Training
- 11.5.13. Major from Other Disciplines
- 11.5.14. Transferring to Commerce
- 11.6. Bachelor of Music
- 11.7. Bachelor of Fine Arts
- 11.8. Bachelor of Arts and Science
- 11.9. Certificate of Bilingualism/ Certificat De Bilinguisme
- 11.10. Undergraduate Certificates
- 11.11. Pre-Professional Requirements
- 11.12. International Programs
- 11.13. Academic Credit for Independent Experiential Learning
- 11.14. University Special Topics Courses
- 12. Programs and Courses of Instruction
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Arts
- Art History
- Aviation
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biopsychology
- Canadian Public Policy
- Canadian Studies
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Cognitive Science
- Commerce/Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies
- Community Engaged Learning
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Drama Studies
- Economics
- English Literatures
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Experiential Learning
- Fine Arts/Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts
- French Studies
- Geography
- Geography and Environment
- German Studies
- Greek
- Health Studies
- Hispanic Studies
- History
- Indigenous Studies
- International Economics and Business
- International Relations
- Japanese Studies
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages and Literatures
- Museum and Curatorial Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics/Frank McKenna School of PPE
- Physics
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Science
- Screen Studies
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies
- University Special Topic Courses
- Visual and Material Culture
- Women's and Gender Studies
- Certificate Programs
- Certificate in Arts Administration
- Certificate in Biopsychology
- Certificate in Canadian Arts and Culture
- Certificate in Community Engaged Learning
- Certificates in Data Science
- Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Certificate in Foundations of Health
- Certificate in Mi'kmaw Studies
- Certificate in Music Education
- Certificate in Social Research Methodologies
- Certificate in Studies of Indigenous History
- Certificate in Theatre Arts
- Certificate in Visual Literacy and Culture
- 11. Academic Programs
- Index
- I. General Information and Admissions
The field of computing ranges from hands-on applications to pure theory, and includes the analysis of algorithms, software design, and the study of computer architecture, operating systems, networks, and databases. Our goal is to introduce students to all facets of the discipline, and to give them an appreciation of the historical, ethical, and social context of computing, and the responsibility of the computer professional and casual computer user in a modern society.
The Department offers a broad variety of courses and programs in Computer Science. Introductory courses may teach programming and theories of computing or offer a general overview of the use and application of popular software; more advanced courses deal with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the role of computers in society to the design and implementation of advanced hardware or software systems. All courses in the computing curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical application, with many of the offerings having a significant project component in which students are given the opportunity to apply the classroom material to real-world problems. Courses are designed to address the needs of a wide variety of users, from the casual to the professional. Some students may enrol in a course to familiarize themselves with computer systems and application software, while others may choose to pursue a minor or a major in Computer Science. Students may choose to select Computer Science in combination with areas such as Mathematics, Geography, GIS, Economics, Music or Physics. Mount Allison has been quite successful in placing its students in graduate programs in Computer Science, while many others have found employment after graduation in one of the many computer-related fields.
12 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2611, 2711 |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
3 | from COMP 2211, 2931 |
6 | from Computer Science at the 3/4000 level |
18 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931 |
12 | from COMP 3611, 3911, 4721, 4911 |
3 | from COMP 3361, 3971 |
9 | from Computer Science at the 3/4000 level |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
3 | from MATH 2221 |
3 | from MATH 1121, 1311 |
9 | from complementary courses in Arts and Letters, Humanities and Social Sciences chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor |
18 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931 |
12 | from COMP 3611, 3911, 4721, 4911 |
3 | from COMP 3361, 3971 |
9 | from Computer Science at the 3/4000 level |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
3 | from MATH 2221 |
6 | from MATH 1121, 1311 |
6 | from CHEM 1001, PHYS 1051, 1551 |
3 | from BIOL 1001, BIOL 1501, BIOC 1001, GENS 1401, PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1011 |
60 | Credits as in the B.A. Major, plus |
3 | from Computer Science at the 3/4000 level |
6 | from Computer Science or Mathematics at the 3/4000 level |
6 | from COMP 4990 |
63 | Credits as in the B.Sc. Major, plus |
3 | from Computer Science at the 3/4000 level |
6 | from Computer Science or Mathematics at the 3/4000 level |
6 | from COMP 4990 |
18 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931 |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
12 | from MATH 1121, 2111, 2121, 2221 |
9 | from MATH 3111, 3211, 3311 |
3 | from MATH 3221, 3231, 3251, 4011, 4221 |
3 | from Mathematics at the 3/4000 levels |
3 | from COMP 3361, 3971 |
12 | from COMP 3411, 3611, 3911, 4721 |
12 | from Computer Science or Mathematics at the 3/4000 level, which may include COMP 4990 |
9 | from CHEM 1001, 1021; PHYS 1051, 1551 (only for B.Sc.) |
3 | from BIOL 1001, BIOL 1501, BIOC 1001, GENS 1401, PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1011 (only for B. Sc.) |
6 | from COMP 1631, 1731 |
3 | from GENS 1401, GENV 1201 |
3 | from GENS 2431, BIOL 2701, MATH 1311 |
6 | from GENS 2441, GENS 4721 |
3 | from COMP at the 2/3/4000 level |
3 | from GENS or GENV at the 3/4000 level |
18 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931 |
9 | from COMP 3611, 3811, 3851 |
6 | from COMP at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the CS Program Advisor |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
6 | from MATH 1121, 2221 |
21 | from ECON 1001, 1011, 2001, 2011, 2101, 2111, 2701 |
3 | from ECON 1701, MATH 1311, 2311 |
6 | from ECON 4711, 4721 |
9 | from Economics at the 3/4000 level |
Note: COMM 3411, 3501, 4501, 4521, and 4541 may be designated as Economics electives for students taking a Joint Major in Computer Science and Economics, a Major, Minor or Honours in Economics or the Major or Honours in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Note: Students in the BA Joint Major in Computer Science and Economics are required to integrate knowledge in both Economics and Computer Science in the research project component of ECON 4721.
9 | from MATH 1151, 1121, 2221 |
27 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931, 3361, 3611, 3811 |
6 | from COMP 3711, 3831, 3911, 3971 |
3 | from PHYS 1401 |
30 | from MUSC 1101, 1201, 1221, 1703, 2141, 2151, 2171, 3141, 3151, 3171 |
9 | from MUSC 1111, 1211, 1991*, 2021, 2101, 2111, 2121, 2201, 2211, 2703, 2991*, 3001, 3121, 3161, 3991*, 4991* |
3 | from MUSC 1619-4619, 1629-4629, 1639-4639, 1649-4649, 1659-4659, 1669-4669, 1689-4689, 1699-4699 |
3 | from MUSC 4951 |
Note: * indicates that the Department may approve the course for inclusion when the topic is relevant to the program.
Note: MUSC 4951 will take the form of an independent capstone project co-supervised by faculty in Computer Science and Music.
Note: Students in the BA Joint Major in Computer Science and Music are required to integrate knowledge in both Computer Science and Music in their independent capstone project (MUSC 4951).
6 | from COMP 1631, 1731 |
6 | from CHEM 1001, 1021 |
3 | from BIOL 1001, 1501, BIOC 1001, GENS 1401, PSYC 1001, 1011 |
3 | from MATH 1111 or 1151 |
12 | from MATH 1121, 2111, 2121, 2221 |
12 | from PHYS 1051, 1551, 2251, 2801 |
18 | from COMP 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931, 3811, 3851 |
3 | from COMP/MATH/PHYS 3411 |
3 | from COMP/PHYS 3361 |
15 | from PHYS 3101, 3451, 3701, 3811, 4411 |
6 | from PHYS 4990 |
Note: The topic of the Honours project or thesis, PHYS 4990, must be chosen in consultation with both departments
Note: Students in the BSc Joint Honours in Computer Science and Physics are required to integrate knowledge in both Physics and Computer Science in their Honours project or thesis (PHYS 4990).
18 | from COMP 1631, 1731, 2211, 2611, 2711, 2931 |
9 | from COMP 3611, 3811, 3851 |
6 | from COMP at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the CS Program Advisor |
3 | from MATH 1111, 1151 |
6 | from MATH 1121, 2221 |
6 | from GENV 1201, GENS 1401 |
6 | from GENV 2001, 2101, 3201 |
9 | from GENS 2431, 2441, 4721 |
3 | from GENS 3401, GENV 3701 |
18 | from GENV or GENS, of which at least nine credits must be at the 3/4000 level (GENV 3211 recommended) |
3 | from GENS 4951, with topic chosen in consultation with the CS and GENS Program Advisors |
Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.
Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
Introduction to Computer Science
This course provides an introduction to computer science and the fundamentals of computer programming. Topics include: designing a computational solution to a problem using algorithms; converting an algorithm effectively into a program; ensuring program correctness; and the proper use of variables, loops, conditionals, modularity, and simple data structures in formulating problem solutions. [Note 1: University preparatory level course in Mathematics is required.] (Format Integrated Lab/Lecture 4 Hours) (Exclusion: COMP 1611; COMP 1711; any COMP course at the 2000 level or higher)
Programming Techniques and Algorithms
Prereq: COMP 1631; or permission of the Department
This course introduces program design techniques and algorithmic thinking using a high-level computer programming language. Topics include: fundamental control structures, elementary data structures, code reuse, basic algorithms, and debugging and testing. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
Special Topic in Computer Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
Discrete Structures
Prereq: 3 credits from MATH 1111, 1151; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the terminology and concepts of discrete mathematics. Topics may include: logical arguments, proofs and algorithm verification, sets, relations, functions and cardinality of sets, induction and recursion, enumeration, and algorithms and complexity. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with MATH 2211 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Data Structures and Algorithms
Prereq: COMP 1731; or permission of the Department
This course introduces effective methods of data organization, focussing on data structures and their algorithms via abstract data types with the use of recursive procedures. It explores the design of flexible file structures and related methods such as indexes, system file structures, and hashed access, and it emphasizes object-oriented programming techniques.(Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of COMP 2611 previously offered with a different title)
Object-Oriented Design and Methodology
Prereq: COMP 2611; or permission of the Department
This course further explores the object-oriented paradigm with emphasis on inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. Topics include: design principles, such as abstraction, decomposition, and generalization, and an introduction to graphical design notation and object-oriented design patterns. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) (Exclusion: COMP 3721)
Introduction to Systems Programming
Prereq: COMP 1731; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to programming at the systems level. Topics include: basic machine organization, assembly language, the UNIX environment, shell scripting, and C/C++ programming. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
Special Topic in Computer Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
Digital Signal Processing and Electronics
Prereq: COMP 1631; PHYS 1551; or permission of the department
This course introduces students to digital electronic circuits and digital signal processing, with a focus of understanding current applications and concepts. Topics include: transistors, digital logic gates, Boolean algebra, logic circuit design, latches and flip-flops, counting circuits, adder circuits, digital logic families, digital sampling, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, Fourier Transforms, correlation and convolution, noise, digital filtering, and digital image processing. Students will gain hands-on experience working with integrated circuits and micro-controllers. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with PHYS 3361 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
Numerical Analysis
Prereq: MATH 1121; 3 credits from MATH 2221, MATH/PHYS 3451; 3 credits from COMP or PHYS; or permission of the Department
This course introduces numerical methods for solving a variety of problems in the sciences. Topics include numerical errors and precision, root finding, model fitting, integration and solution of differential equations, solution of linear and nonlinear systems of equations, and matrix factorization. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as PHYS 3411 and MATH 3411 and may therefore count as three credits in any of the three disciplines.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Simulation and Modeling
Prereq: 3 credits from MATH 1111, 1151; 3 credits from MATH 1311, MATH 2311, MATH-3311 PSYC 2001, PSYC 2011; 3 credits from COMP; or permission of the Department.
This course introduces the simulation technique for studying mathematical models. Topics include: systems theory and system models, continuous system simulation, discrete system simulation, Monte Carlo methods, random number generators, and simulation languages. It emphasizes computer implementation of the methods studied. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with MATH 3531 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Algorithm Analysis
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP/MATH 2211; or permission of the Department
This course applies analysis and design techniques to non-numeric algorithms that act on data structures. The design of efficient algorithms leads to in-depth investigations of computational complexity such as NP-hard problems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Advanced Data Structures
Prereq: COMP 2711; or permission of the Department
This course introduces advanced structures for data organization, with an emphasis on associated algorithms and their complexity. Topics include: binary and text file structures, compression balanced trees, and advanced graph algorithms. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) (Exclusion: COMP 2631)
Artificial Intelligence
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP/MATH 2211; or permission of the Department
This course introduces general problem solving methods associated with automated reasoning and simulated intelligence. Topics include: state space heuristic search theory, mechanical theorem proving, game playing, natural language processing, propositional logic, learning and cognitive models and expert systems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Principles of Programming Languages
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP 2931; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the principles of design and implementation of programming languages. Topics include: language syntax and processors, and semantic models of data and control structures. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Database Systems
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP/MATH 2211; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the major types of database systems and provides experience with at least one database model. It emphasizes the theoretical and practical aspects of the relational model, including database query systems and database design. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Computer Graphics
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP 2931; MATH 2221; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the principles and tools of interactive computer graphics: implementation of device drivers, 3D transformations, clipping, perspective views, input routines, user interface design, data structures, hidden lines, surface removal, colour shading and ray tracing. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Computers and Society
Prereq: Third-year standing; 3 credits from COMP; 3 credits from Science; or permission of the Department
This course examines the externalities arising from the introduction of technical innovations into society. The social context is central to understanding not only the effects of a technology but also informs the computing profession of the appropriate technical content of the innovation. An emphasis on the philosophical basis for computing ethics, including ethical issues faced by and brought about by computing professions, is the starting point for topics such as security, privacy, intellectual property, reliability and liability. [Note 1: Counts as a Commerce elective for students taking a Bachelor of Commerce or a Major or Minor in Commerce.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Operating Systems
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP 2931; or permission of the Department
This course examines the major concepts underlying the design of operating systems such as process management, scheduling, memory management, device management, security, and network structures. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Computer Organization and Architecture
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP 2931; or permission of the Department
This course introduces modern computer design and its relation to system architecture and program function. Topics include system bus design, memory organization, I/O device access, instruction set design, instruction pipelining, leading to an investigation of how these tools are used to support multi-processor systems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Special Topic in Computer Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
Theory of Computation
Prereq: COMP 1731; COMP/MATH 2211; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to theoretical aspects of Computer Science such as formal language and automata theory and complexity theory. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with MATH 4631 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Cryptography
Prereq: COMP 1731; COMP/MATH 2211; MATH 2221; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to cryptographic algorithms and to the cryptanalysis of these algorithms, with an emphasis on the fundamental principles of information security. Topics include: classical cryptosystems, modern block and stream ciphers, public-key ciphers, digital signatures, hash functions, key distribution and agreement. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with MATH 4651 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Software Design
Prereq: Third-year standing; COMP 2711; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on software design culminating in a major project. It studies life cycle models and their phases: planning, requirements, specifications, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 2 Hours)
Computer Networks
Prereq: COMP 2711; COMP 2931; or permission of the Department
This course introduces computer network applications and design. Topics include: layered models, data transmission protocols, network topology, and security. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
Independent Study in Computer Science
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
Independent Study in Computer Science
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
Honours Thesis
This course comprises independent research and study under the direction of a member of the Department; for students in Computer Science or Computer Science and Mathematics Honours program. [Note 1: Consent of supervising staff member and permission of the Department required.] (Format: Independent Study/Thesis)
Special Topic in Computer Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for COMP 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)