Computer Science
The information economy demands well-trained systems analysts, microcomputer and software specialists, and programmers. Laurier computer science graduates succeed in this competitive environment. More than 90% of Laurier’s Computer Science graduates immediately enter the workforce while the remainder go to graduate studies in computer science.
Career examples:
- Account Manager, Desire2Learn, Waterloo
- Sales Consultant, Oracle Corporation, Toronto
- Development Analyst, IBM Canada, North York
- Systems Designer, Manulife, Waterloo
- Database Analyst, Celestica, Toronto
- Vice President Systems Integration & Development, MVP Network Consulting, New York
Computer Science gives students a solid understanding of the basic principles of computing. You will develop strong algorithm analysis and design skills in procedural, object-oriented and low level languages with the optional introduction to functional and logical paradigms. In addition to these essential concepts, students gain necessary experience in group work, project administration, and time management. Students can use the flexibility of the Computer Science program to design their own specializations to meet their particular interests.
Hands-on Experience
Hands-on experience is key to a student’s understanding of computing fundamentals. To this end, all of our first and second year required computing courses have a laboratory component where students apply concepts learned in the lectures.
Co-op Experience
All full-time honours students in Computer Science may apply for the Co-op option. Admission to this limited-enrolment option is competitive and is based on academic record, recent work and volunteer experience, extracurricular activities and interview performance. Computer Science students complete two work terms of at least 10 weeks each, usually in the summers following their second and third years.
Computer Science and Mathematics
The recently introduced Computer Science and Mathematics program combines the strength of both disciplines. The combination the two disciplines is especially powerful in scientific and financial computing to develop more realistic mathematical models in areas such as pharmaceutical design, image processing, financial analysis, and genomics.
Computer Science with Administration Option
In addition our Computer Science program can be taken in combination with a Business Administration Option to create a 'total package' graduate combining technical know-how, analytical skills, and business expertise. The Administration Option is a competitive entry program and students apply at the end of first year. The eight courses in the Administration Option would be included in the 40 courses required for the Computer Science degree. There is a strong market for the computing professional who combines strong technical skills with business competencies. Understanding the business needs, applications, economics, etc of your firm or your client’s firm is increasingly important for the computing professional. (This program is not the Computer Science and Business Administration double degree program.)
Sample Schedule: Computer Science with Professional Experience Option
|
September - December |
January - April |
May - August |
| Year 1 | Introduction to Programming |
Data Structures |
Summer Vacation |
| Year 2 | Intro to Object Oriented Programming |
Microprocessor I |
Summer Vacation |
| Year 3 | Algorithm Design and Analysis I |
Database I |
PEP Work Term
|
| Year 4 | PEP Work Term | PEP Work Term | PEP Work Term |
| Year 5 | Introduction to Scientific Computation |
Foundations of Computing |
|
Sample Schedule: Computer Science with Administration Option and two co-op work terms
| |
September - December |
January - April |
May - August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Intro to Business Organization Introduction to Programming Intro to Differential & Integral Calculus Introductory Linear Algebra Mechanics |
Functional Areas of the Organization Data Structures Digital Electronics Intro to Differential & Integral Calculus Thermodynamics & Waves |
Summer Vacation |
| Year 2 | Accounting Intro to Object-Oriented Programming Introduction to Mathematical Proofs Differential Equations I one elective course |
Fundamentals of Finance Microprocessor I Introduction to System Programming Discrete Mathematics one elective course |
Work Term 1 |
| Year 3 | Management Skills |
Marketing |
Work Term 2
|
| Year 4 | Operations Interpersonal Communications Introduction to Scientific Computing one computing elective course one elective course |
Foundations of Computing Ethics & Professional Practice in Computer Science two computing elective courses one elective course |
|
Sample Schedule: Computer Science and Mathematics with two co-op work terms
|
September - December |
January - April |
May - August |
| Year 1 | Introduction to Programming |
Data Structures |
Summer Vacation |
| Year 2 | Intro to Object Oriented Programming |
Microprocessor I |
Work Term 1 |
| Year 3 | Algorithm Design and Analysis I |
Database I |
Work Term 2
|
| Year 4 | Intro to Scientific Computation |
Foundations of Computing |
|
