Program Advice

Choosing a Program

We host an information session each spring on Choosing a CS Program. In the meanwhile, here are a few key tips about choosing a program.

You don't have to choose a program until you have completed first year,and even once you do choose, it is easy to switch among the large number of CS programs that have the same admission requirements. Of course, if you make a switch late in your studies, you may need extra time to take the courses that you didn't expect you would need.

It's easy to compare most programs because they are described in terms of a Basic and a Core set of courses, plus some extras. So the differences between programs stand out. Take a look at those differences. If the courses in one program's extra set appeal to you strongly, that's a good sign that it may be the program for you. If you aren't sure which program to go into, a good choice is the "Computer Science Specialist"; it doesn't have one particular focus within computer science. Many students enjoy the fact that it leaves six half-credits in CS entirely up to you.

Whatever program you choose, focus first on the Basic and Core courses, which will serve you well even if you decide to switch programs later.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Programs

• What's Human-Computer Interaction?

  Human-Computer Interaction explores the relationship between the person and the computer. It includes topics such as designing novel forms of interaction,building prototypes of them, testing them on real people, and assessing their effectiveness. HCI appeals to students who enjoy diversity. It is creative and scientific, rigorous and highly practical.

• What's Artificial Intelligence?

  Artificial Intelligence is about creating computer systems that display some of the intelligent behaviour that we humans take for granted.Our AI program includes courses on four things that we'd like machines to do: understand language, understand visual input, represent knowledge about the world and use it to reason and, perhaps most importantly, learn on their own. AI not only asks fundamental questions about what it means tobe intelligent, but gets on with the practical and challenging task ofbuilding intelligent systems.

• What's Bioinformatics and Computational Biology?

  Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is an intense mix of Computer Science, Biochemistry, Botany and Zoology. This program is about creating methods to make biological information computable, and computational ways to advance our understanding of life.This program is a joint offering of the four departments, and is described in the calendar section for Biochemistry, which gives a very nice description of the field.

• Software Engineering vs Information Systems: What's the difference?

  The Software Engineering program focuses on the software developmentprocess, from requirements analysis through design, implementation, testingand maintenance. The Information Systems program places less emphasis on how software is developed, and more on the information that software is supposed to manage. It includes a course on information theory, and a second database course, for example. Students who plan to work in industry would be well-served by eitherprogram. If your interests lean more towards software development ortechnical management, the Software Engineering program may be the bestmatch. If you are interested in being a business analyst, or inmanagement more broadly, Information Systems may be right for you.

• What if I want to combine CS with something else?

  For several combinations that are particularly relevant, we have defined joint programs:

  • Computer Science & Economics,
  • Computer Science & Mathematics,
  • Computer Science & Physics, and
  • Computer Science & Statistics.

  If you are interested in a more novel combination, you can pursue a CS specialist or major along with one or more ofthe 300 other programs available in Arts and Science.

• How does the "Computer Science Specialist" fit in?

  We also have a specialist program simply called Computer Science.It doesn't have one particular focus within computer science.This program leaves the final six courses up to the student, allowing each individual to design a program that suits his or her interests.You can use this flexibility to study a broad range of CS courses,or to create a focus for which we have not defined a specific program.The flexible specialist is also a good choice for students who aren't yet sure which specific program they may choose. You can start here and then switch to another CS program later.

• Which program is the best preparation for grad school?

  All of our specialist programs are intended to be good preparation for graduate school. Some people feel that the Foundations program,with its emphasis on the rigorous, mathematical foundations of computerscience, is the ideal preparation. However, what's important here is notthe name of your program, but what material you have studied. If youare thinking of graduate school, consider taking more of the rigorous,mathematical and theoretical courses that are found in the Foundationsprogram, regardless of whether you are in that program. It is also highly recommended that you get to know your professors and seek opportunities to do research projects with them.

  For much more advice on graduate school, attend ourGrad School Information Session, usually held each September and March.Watch the CS Undergrad News for details.

• Which calendar's program requirements apply to you?

  Program requirements change from time to time, as we are continuallyupdating the curriculum.The requirements that apply to you are the onesthat were in place when you were admitted to a computer scienceSubject POSt. For example, if you were admitted into your programin the fall of 2007, you should follow the requirements published inthe 2007/08 calendar.Note that each new calendar comes into effect in the spring, so ifyou were admitted in the spring of 2007, you would also use the 2007/08calendar, not the 2006/07 one.

  If your program has changed since you enrolled in it, you have the option offollowing the most recent version. After all, we changed it because we thought it was an improvement on the old version. You do not, however, have the choice of following an older version.

• Questions?

  If you have any questions or problems with your program requirements,our Student Counsellors in the Undergraduate Office would be happy to help you.