間眅埶AV

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Software Engineering Specialist Major

Bachelor of Science

The school offers a specialist major program in software engineering leading to a BSc degree. This program is not a professional engineering degree because it is not certified by professional engineering societies. It is instead an area of study recognized by computing science.

間眅埶AV Requirements

Entry into computing science programs is possible via

  • direct admission from high school
  • direct transfer from a recognized post-secondary institution, or combined transfer units from more than one post-secondary institution
  • internal transfer from within 間眅埶AV

間眅埶AV is competitive. A separate admission average for each entry route is established each term, depending on spaces available and subject to the approval of the dean of Applied Sciences. 間眅埶AV averages are calculated over a set of courses satisfying particular breadth constraints.

Internal Transfer

Internal transfer allows students to transfer, within 間眅埶AV, from one faculty to another. Once students have completed the three qualifying courses (see below) they can apply for internal transfer into the School of Computing Science. 間眅埶AV students applying for School of Computing Science admission are selected on the basis of an admission computing related grade point average (CRGPA). The CRGPA is calculated over the best three courses chosen as follows.

  • one mathematics course chosen from MACM 101, 201, MATH 150 (or 151), 152 and 240 (or 232)
  • one computing course chosen from CMPT 125 (or 126,128,130 or 135), 150, (or ENSC 150), 225, 250 (or ENSC 250) and 275 (or 276).
  • one additional mathematics or computing science course chosen from the above lists

No course may be included in the average if it is a duplicate of any previous course completed at 間眅埶AV or elsewhere. All three courses must be completed prior to application. For complete information, contact an Applied Sciences Advisor.

Continuation Requirements

Students who do not maintain at least a 2.40 CGPA, will be placed on the school's probation. Courses available to probationary students may be limited.

Each term, these students must consult an advisor prior to enrolment and must achieve either a term 2.40 term GPA or an improved CGPA. Reinstatement from probationary standing occurs when the CGPA improves to 2.40 or better and is maintained.

Graduation Requirements

A GPA of 2.00 must be obtained for upper division courses used to fulfill the program requirements.

Prerequisite Grade Requirement

Computing science course entry requires a grade of C- or better in each prerequisite course. A minimum 2.40 CGPA is required for 200, 300 and 400 division computing courses. For complete information, contact an Applied Sciences Advisor.

Program Requirements

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all lower division requirements for the computing science major as shown below.

Students complete either

CMPT 126 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming (3) *

A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have substantial programming background. This course provides a condensed version of the two-course sequence of CMPT 120/125, with the primary focus on computing science and object oriented programming. Topics include: fundamental algorithms and problem solving; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 (or equivalent, or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, or 157). Students with credit for CMPT 120, 125, 128, 130, 135 or higher may not take CMPT 126 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

or both of

CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3) *

An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language and be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode, data types and control structures, fundamental algorithms, computability and complexity, computer architecture, and history of computing science. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Students should consult with the self-evaluation on the School of Computing Science website to decide whether they should follow the CMPT 120/125 course sequence or enrol in CMPT 126. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 125, 126, 128 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CMPT 125 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming II (3) *

A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have some backgrounds in computing science and programming. Intended for students who will major in computing science or a related program. Topics include: fundamental algorithms; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 (or equivalent, or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, or 157) and CMPT 120. Students with credit for CMPT 126, 128, 135 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take for further credit. Quantitative.

and all of

CMPT 150 - Introduction to Computer Design (3)

Digital design concepts are presented in such a way that students will learn how basic logic blocks of a simple computer are designed. Topics covered include: basic Von Neumann computer architecture; an introduction to assembly language programming; combinational logic design; and sequential logic design. Prerequisite: Strongly recommended: MACM 101 and either CMPT 120 or equivalent programming. Students with credit for ENSC 150 or CMPT 290 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CMPT 225 - Data Structures and Programming (3)

Introduction to a variety of practical and important data structures and methods for implementation and for experimental and analytical evaluation. Topics include: stacks, queues and lists; search trees; hash tables and algorithms; efficient sorting; object-oriented programming; time and space efficiency analysis; and experimental evaluation. Prerequisite: MACM 101 and one of CMPT 125, 126 or 128; or CMPT 128 and approval as a Biomedical Engineering Major. Students with credit for CMPT 201 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CMPT 250 - Introduction to Computer Architecture (3)

This course deals with the main concepts embodied in computer hardware architecture. In particular, the organization, design and limitations of the major building blocks in modern computers is covered in detail. Topics will include: processor organization; control logic design; memory systems; and architectural support for operating systems and programming languages. A hardware description language will be used as a tool to express and work with design concepts. Prerequisite: CMPT/ENSC 150. Students with credit for ENSC 250 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CMPT 275 - Software Engineering I (4)

Introduction to software engineering techniques used in analysis/design and in software project management. The course centres on a team project involving requirements gathering, object analysis and simple data normalization, use-case-driven user documentation and design followed by implementation and testing. Additionally, there is an introduction to project planning, metrics, quality assurance, configuration management, and people issues. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, MACM 101, MATH 151 (or MATH 150), one W course. MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B+ may be substituted for MATH 151 (or MATH 150). Students with credit for CMPT 275 may not take this course for further credit.

MACM 101 - Discrete Mathematics I (3)

Introduction to counting, induction, automata theory, formal reasoning, modular arithmetic. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 (or equivalent, or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, 157. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

MACM 201 - Discrete Mathematics II (3)

A continuation of MACM 101. Topics covered include graph theory, trees, inclusion-exclusion, generating functions, recurrence relations, and optimization and matching. Prerequisite: MACM 101. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 154 - Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3) **

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 157 - Calculus I for the Social Sciences (3) **

Designed for students specializing in business or the social sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; logarithmic exponential and trigonometric functions and their application to business, economics, optimization and approximation methods; functions of several variables. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 154 may not take MATH 157 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3) **

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 158 - Calculus II for the Social Sciences (3) **

Theory of integration and its applications; introduction to multivariable calculus with emphasis on partial derivatives and their applications; introduction to differential equations with emphasis on some special first-order equations and their applications to economics and social sciences; continuous probability models; sequences and series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 155 may not take MATH 158 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 232 - Applied Linear Algebra (3)

Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MACM 101; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 240 make not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 240 - Algebra I: Linear Algebra (3)

Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Real and abstract vector spaces, subspaces and linear transformations; basis and change of basis. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. Applications. Subject is presented with an abstract emphais and includes proofs of the basic theorems. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MACM 101; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 232 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative. Prerequisite: COREQ-MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Equivalent Courses: STAT102 STAT103 STAT201 STAT203 STAT301. Quantitative.

BUEC 232 - Data and Decisions I (4)

An introduction to business statistics with a heavy emphasis on applications and the use of EXCEL. Students will be required to use statistical applications to solve business problems. STAT 270, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, will be accepted in lieu of BUEC 232. Prerequisite: MATH 157 and 15 units. MATH 157 may be taken concurrently with BUEC 232. Students with credit for STAT 270 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

* to aid your choice, prior to enrolment, consult an Applied Sciences Advisor.

** with a grade of at least B+, and with school permission

Upper Division Requirements

Students must consult an Applied Sciences Advisor before commencing upper division requirements.

Students complete all eight of

CMPT 300 - Operating Systems I (3)

This course aims to give the student an understanding of what a modern operating system is, and the services it provides. It also discusses some basic issues in operating systems and provides solutions. Topics include multiprogramming, process management, memory management, and file systems. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 and MACM 101.

CMPT 307 - Data Structures and Algorithms (3)

Analysis and design of data structures for lists, sets, trees, dictionaries, and priority queues. A selection of topics chosen from sorting, memory management, graphs and graph algorithms. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, MACM 201, MATH 151 (or MATH 150), and MATH 232 or 240.

CMPT 320 - Social Implications - Computerized Society (3)

An examination of social processes that are being automated and implications for good and evil, that may be entailed in the automation of procedures by which goods and services are allocated. Examination of what are dehumanizing and humanizing parts of systems and how systems can be designed to have a humanizing effect. Prerequisite: A CMPT course and 45 units. Breadth-Science.

CMPT 354 - Database Systems I (3)

Logical representations of data records. Data models. Studies of some popular file and database systems. Document retrieval. Other related issues such as database administration, data dictionary and security. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, MACM 101.

CMPT 363 - User Interface Design (3)

This course provides a comprehensive study of user interface design. Topics include: goals and principles of UI design (systems engineering and human factors), historical perspective, current paradigms (widget-based, mental model, graphic design, ergonomics, metaphor, constructivist/iterative approach, and visual languages) and their evaluation, existing tools and packages (dialogue models, event-based systems, prototyping), future paradigms, and the social impact of UI. Prerequisite: CMPT 225.

CMPT 371 - Data Communications and Networking (3)

Data communication fundamentals (data types, rates, and transmission media). Network architectures for local and wide areas. Communications protocols suitable for various architectures. ISO protocols and internetworking. Performance analysis under various loadings and channel error rates. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, CMPT/ENSC 150 and MATH 151 (MATH 150). MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B+ may be substituted for MATH 151 (MATH 150).

CMPT 475 - Software Engineering II (3)

Students will study in-depth the techniques, tools and standards needed in the management of software development. Topics will include software process and quality standards, life cycle models, requirements specification issues, project estimation, planning and tracking, project management tools, team dynamics and management, configuration and change management techniques and tools, metrics, quality assurance and test techniques, professional and legal issues. Prerequisite: CMPT 275 or 276 and 15 units of upper division courses. Recommended: co-op experience. Students with credit for CMPT 373 may not take this course for further credit.

MACM 316 - Numerical Analysis I (3)

A presentation of the problems commonly arising in numerical analysis and scientific computing and the basic methods for their solutions. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, and computing experience. Quantitative.

Elective Courses

Students complete five courses chosen from the following list, at least three of which must be at the 400 division.

CMPT 301 - Information Systems Management (3)

Topics include strategic planning and use of information systems, current ad future technologies, technology assimilation, organizational learning, end-user computing, managing projects and people, managing production operations and networks, evaluating performance and benefits, crisis management and disaster recovery, security and control, financial accountability, and proactive management techniques for a changing environment. Prerequisite: CMPT 225.

CMPT 370 - Information System Design (3)

This course focuses on the computer-related problems of information system design and procedures of design implementation. Well-established design methodologies will be discussed, and case studies will be used to illustrate various techniques of system design. Prerequisite: CMPT 275 or 276; CMPT 354.

CMPT 375 - Mathematical Foundations of Software Technology (3)

Abstraction principles and formalization techniques for modelling software systems in early design phases. Design is a creative activity calling for abstract models that facilitate reasoning about the key system attributes to ensure that these attributes are properly established prior to actually building a system. The focus is on specification and validation techniques rather than on formal verification. Prerequisite: MACM 101, 201. Recommended: CMPT 275.

CMPT 379 - Principles of Compiler Design (3)

This course covers the key components of a compiler for a high level programming language. Topics include lexical analysis, parsing, type checking, code generation and optimization. Students will work in teams to design and implement an actual compiler making use of tools such as lex and yacc. Prerequisite: MACM 201, (CMPT 150 or ENSC 215) and CMPT 225.

CMPT 383 - Comparative Programming Languages (3)

Various concepts and principles underlying the design and use of modern programming languages are considered in the context of procedural, object-oriented, functional and logic programming languages. Topics include data and control structuring constructs, facilities for modularity and data abstraction, polymorphism, syntax, and formal semantics. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, MACM 101.

CMPT 454 - Database Systems II (3)

An advanced course on database systems which covers crash recovery, concurrency control, transaction processing, distributed database systems as the core material and a set of selected topics based on the new developments and research interests, such as object-oriented data models and systems, extended relational systems, deductive database systems, and security and integrity. Prerequisite: CMPT 300 and 354.

CMPT 459 - Special Topics in Database Systems (3)

Current topics in database and information systems depending on faculty and student interest. Prerequisite: CMPT 354.

CMPT 470 - Web-based Information Systems (3)

This course examines: two-tier/multi-tier client/server architectures; the architecture of a Web-based information system; web servers/browser; programming/scripting tools for clients and servers; database access; transport of programming objects; messaging systems; security; and applications (such as e-commerce and on-line learning). Prerequisite: CMPT 354.

CMPT 471 - Networking II (3)

This course covers the fundamentals of higher level network functionality such as remote procedure/object calls, name/address resolution, network file systems, network security and high speed connectivity/bridging/switching. Prerequisite: CMPT 300 and 371.

CMPT 477 - Introduction to Formal Verification (3)

Introduces, at an accessible level, a formal framework for symbolic model checking, one of the most important verification methods. The techniques are illustrated with examples of verification of reactive systems and communication protocols. Students learn to work with a model checking tool. Prerequisite: CMPT 275 or 276.

CMPT 489 - Special Topics in Programming Language (3)

Current topics in programming languages depending on faculty and student interest. Prerequisite: CMPT 383.

ENSC 351 - Real Time and Embedded Systems (4)

This course concentrates on the problems encountered when attempting to use computers in real time (RT) and embedded applications where the computer system must discern the state of the real world and react to it within stringent response time constraints. Both design methodology and practical implementation techniques for RT systems are presented. Although some hardware will be involved, it should be noted that this course concentrates on real time software. Prerequisite: CMPT 128, and either CMPT 250 or ENSC 250, and a minimum of 60 units. ENSC 215 is highly recommended. Students with credit for ENSC 451 cannot take this course for further credit.

Students must complete two additional upper division CMPT courses to bring the total CMPT units to 45 or more (ENSC 351 is treated as CMPT credit for this purpose).

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an Applied Sciences Advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 units as upper division work.

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through 間眅埶AV study
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through 間眅埶AV study
  • At least two thirds of the upper division units in the courses of a school offering (or joint offering) must be earned through that school at 間眅埶AV

For information regarding transfer, consult an Applied Sciences Advisor.

Co-operative Education and Work Experience

All computing science students are strongly encouraged to explore the opportunities that Work Integrated Learning (WIL) can offer them. Please contact a computing Science co-op advisor during your first year of studies to ensure that you have all of the necessary courses and information to help plan for a successful co-op experience.

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