2003-2004 Undergraduate Calendar

The Department of Computer Science offers three- and four-year programs of study leading to single or combined BSc (Honours), single Computer Science Co-op BSc (Honours), combined Mathematics/Computer Science Co-op BSc (Honours), single BSc with a Major in Computer Science, combined BA (Honours) and a three year single BSc Pass degree program. There are two concentrations available as part of an Honours program: software engineering and intelligent systems. An Internship program is also available in the Honours program. There are cross-disciplinary programs in Computing and Business, Computing and Solid-State Device Technology and the Information Technology stream in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film.

See relevant calendar entries for a listing of program requirements.

Co-op Program

The Computer Science Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a four and one-half year period. Students spend one and one-half years in an academic setting studying the fundamentals of computer programming, algorithms, data-structures and object-oriented programming prior to their first work placement. Successful completion of courses in the core areas of Computer Science provides the necessary academic background for the work experience. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Co-op students are assessed an annual administration fee (see the Schedule of Fees).

Students admitted to the Computer Science Co-op program must follow an approved Co-op pattern. Failure to adhere to the pattern may result in the removal from the Computer Science Co-op program. Eligibility to continue is based on the student's major average and non-major average. Students will be required to maintain a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average in order to continue in the Co-op program. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be readmitted only if approved by the Computer Science Co-op Admissions Committee.

The Computer Science Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months Co-op work experience.

Internship Option

The Internship option combines academic and work experience in a five-year program. It is available in Computer Science Honours (single or combined), Computing and Business and Computing and Solid-State Device Technology programs. Students complete the normal four-year Honours program and an 8-16 month work placement after second or third year. In order to complete the Internship placement, students will be required to submit an acceptable placement report which will be graded by the Department. In addition to the usual fees for courses, a one-time administration fee will be levied during the work term (see the Schedule of Fees).

Students enrolled in the program may apply for admission to the Internship Option during the Fall Term of year 1 or year 2 (depending on whether they plan a work term after year 2 or 3, respectively). As this is a limited enrolment program admission is not guaranteed by attainment of the minimum requirement. Admission will be based on the achievement (as of January of the application year) and maintenance of a minimum 70 percent major average. Prior to the placement, the student must have completed at least 10, but preferably 15 credits, including COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90 and one or more of COSC 2P13, 2P50, 2P89. The Computer Science Internship Admissions Committee will make admission decisions.

Department Facilities

A campus-wide fibre optic network links all the University's academic computing facilities. The department's computers form an integral part of this resource. Most computers on campus can be accessed from microcomputers in any of the laboratories. In particular, the department maintains a laboratory of Silicon Graphics O2 UNIX work stations (J327) served by a 16 CPU Silicon Graphics Origin 2000 server. The department has three microcomputer laboratories: D205, J301 and J310 containing Pentium PCs. Students also have access to scanners, a CD-ROM recorder, video cards, digitizers, robot arms, a mobile robot, a robot vision system, transputers, computer graphics software (Bryce, Poser, SoftImage), and database software (ORACLE, Access).

Wireless Access

In order to accommodate students who own laptops, the Department has wireless Internet connection available. Suitable 802.llb wireless access cards need to be installed.

Printer Usage Fees

A non-refundable printer usage fee may be charged for all courses which use departmental or User Services laboratories. Additional printing beyond the initial quota will incur an additional fee.

Service Courses

COSC 1P93, 1P95 and 1P96 are intended for non-Computer Science majors who require an introduction to the use of computers. Students without previous computing experience are directed to COSC 1P95. COSC 1P93 is intended for students who require an introduction to programming. COSC 1P96 introduces the Internet and its resources and is open to all, but some previous computing experience is desirable. These courses may not be held for major credit by COSC (single or combined) majors, Computing and Business students or Computing and Solid-State Device Technology students.

Major Credits

In calculating the major average for a Computer Science major or co-major, all COSC courses (with the exception of the service courses COSC 1P93, 1P95 and 1P96), MATH 1P66, 1P67, 3F65 and 4P61 are included.

Mathematics in Computer Science

Mathematics is fundamental to the study of Computer Science and thus MATH credits are required in each year of the Honours and Pass degrees. In order to be more competitive in the workplace and if considering graduate studies, students are strongly encouraged to take as many MATH courses as possible.

Computer Hardware

Students interested in computer hardware are advised to elect PHYS 2P31, 2P92 and 3P92 within their Computer Science program. Students may also wish to consider the Computing and Solid-state Device Technology program. (See separate calendar entry.)

Program Notes

1.	Prior computer programming experience is not required for entry to the COSC programs. Students with considerable prior programming experience in a high-level language such as Pascal, Java, C or Ada may be granted exemption from COSC 1P02 at the discretion of the Chair.
2.	In choosing electives, students should consider: MGMT 1P91, 1P92, WRIT 2P15 and, if considering graduate school, additional MATH courses. Students are advised to take special care in selecting elective credits (both COSC and general), especially in year three, to ensure access to subsequent courses required to complete the 20-credit programs. Students without high school calculus should consider electing MATH 1P97 as a preliminary to later taking MATH 1P01 and 1P02.
3.	MATH 1P01 and 1P02 for Chemistry; MATH 1P97 and 1P98 for Earth Sciences.
4.	PHYS 1P21 and 1P22 or PHYS 1P91 and 1P92 for Chemistry; PHYS 1P91 and 1P93 for Earth Sciences.
5.	PHYS 2P20, 2P50 and 2P51 are prerequisites for year 3 PHYS courses.
6.	One elective credit if the required course in year 1 in the other discipline is a Social Science context credit or Humanities context credit for the combined degree with Social Science context credit or Humanities context credit, respectively.
7.	Students may take MATH 1P01 and 1P02 in place of MATH 1P97 and 1P98 in year 1. MATH 1P98 would then be taken in year 2 in place of a one-half credit elective.
8.	For students with a special interest in geographic information systems, the following courses are strongly recommended as GEOG and COSC elective credits: GEOG 3P04, 3P05, 3P07, COSC 3P98.
9.	In all 20 credit degree programs, at least 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, six of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and of these, three must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above. In all 15 credit degree programs, at least seven credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, three of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above.

Honours Programs

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Science context credit
	one-half elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 2

	COSC 2P03, 2P13, 2P32, 2P50 and 2P90
	MATH 1P01, 1P02 and 1P12
	one Social Science context credit.

Year 3

	COSC 2P91 or 2P93
	COSC 3F00
	one of COSC 3P01, 3P71, 3P92
	one COSC credit (see program note 9)
	MATH 3F65
	one elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 4

	Three COSC credits (see program note 9)
	MATH 1P98 and 4P61
	one elective credit (see program notes 2 and 9)

Computer Science Co-op (Honours only)

Students admitted to the Computer Science program must follow an approved program pattern. The most common pattern is listed below. For other approved patterns, consult the Co-op Office. Failure to adhere to an approved pattern may result in removal from the program.

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Science context credit
	one-half elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 2

Fall Term:

	COSC 2P03, 2P13 and 2P90
	MATH 1P01 and 1P12
	SCIE 0N90

Winter Term:

COSC 0N01

Spring/Summer Sessions:

	COSC 2P32 and 2P50
	MATH 1P98
	one elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 3

	COSC 2P91 or 2P93
	COSC 3F00
	one of COSC 3P01, 3P71, 3P92
	one-half COSC credit (see program note 9)
	MATH 1P02 and 3F65
	one Social Science context credit

Spring/Summer Sessions:

COSC 0N02

Year 4

Fall Term:

COSC 0N03

Winter Term:

	one and one-half COSC credits (see program note 9)
	one elective credit (see program notes 2 and 9)

Spring/Summer Sessions:

COSC 0N04 (optional)

Year 5

Fall Term:

	Two COSC credits (see program note 9)
	MATH 4P61

Concurrent BSc/BEd

The Department of Computer Science and the Faculty of Education co-operate in offering a Concurrent BSc (Honours)/BEd program. The Computer Science BSc (Honours)/BEd combines the BSc Honours program with the teacher education program for students interested in teaching at the Intermediate/Senior level (grades 7-12.) Refer to the Education - Concurrent BSc (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) program listing for further information.

BSc with a Major Program

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Science context credit
	one-half elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 2

	COSC 2P03, 2P13, 2P32, 2P50 and 2P90
	MATH 1P01 and 1P02 or MATH 1P97 and one-half elective credit
	MATH 1P12
	one Social Science context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P91 or 2P93
	COSC 3F00
	one and one-half COSC credits (see program note 9)
	MATH 3F65
	one elective credit (see program notes 2 and 9)

Year 4

	Three COSC credits (see program note 9)
	MATH 1P98
	one of MATH 2P71, 2P72, 3P60, 4P61, 4P71, 4P72
	one elective credit (see program notes 2 and 9)

Pass Program

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Science context credit
	one-half elective credit (see program note 2)

Year 2

	COSC 2P03, 2P13, 2P32, 2P50 and 2P90
	MATH 1P01 and 1P02 or MATH 1P97 and one-half elective credit
	MATH 1P12 or 1P98
	one Social Science context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P91 or 2P93
	COSC 3F00
	one and one-half COSC credits (see program note 9)
	MATH 1P12 or 1P98 (not taken in year 2)
	one of MATH 2P71, 2P72, 3P60, 4P61, 4P71, 4P72, and one-half elective credit, or MATH 3F65
	one-half elective credit (see program notes 2 and 9)

Computer Science as a Second Degree Program

A student holding an Honours or Pass degree in another discipline may obtain a BSc (Honours) in Computer Science, a BSc with a Major in Computer Science or a BSc (Pass) degree. Students should refer to the University regulations concerning "Requirements for a Second or Subsequent Degree" section for further information. Previous or transfer credits may be used to satisfy some of the following requirements.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English. Prior to admission, an applicant holding a degree from a non-Canadian university will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency as demonstrated through one of the means outlined in the "Proof of Proficiency in English" section.

The additional courses taken for a second degree in Computer Science must include a minimum of five (for a subsequent 20 credit degree) or four (for a second 15 credit degree) Brock COSC credits. All elective credits should be at the 2(alpha)00 level or above.

A second degree program is often taken as part-time study since the normal prerequisite structure requires a minimum of four (for 20 credit) or three (for 15 credit) years of study. A student wishing to pursue full-time study can usually complete the program in three (for 20 credit) or two (for 15 credit) years by following the pattern of study below. Permission to take COSC 3F00 concurrent with COSC 2P32 must be sought from the Chair to complete this pattern.

Honours

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12
	MATH 1P12, 1P66, 1P67 and 1P97

Spring/Summer Sessions:

COSC 2P03

Year 2

	COSC 2P13, 2P32, 2P50, 2P90 and 3F00
	COSC 2P91 or 2P93
	one of COSC 3P01, 3P71, 3P92

Year 3

	Two and one-half COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	MATH 3F65 and 4P61

BSc with a Major

Year 1

	COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12
	MATH 1P12 or 1P98
	MATH 1P66, 1P67 and 1P97

Spring Term:

COSC 2P03

Year 2

	COSC 2P13, 2P32, 2P50, 2P90 and 3F00
	one-half COSC credit
	one-half COSC credit numbered 2(alpha)90 level or above

Year 3

Three COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above

Pass

Satisfactory completion of the first two years of the above BSc with a Major program entitles the student to apply for a Pass degree.

Combined Major Programs

The COSC requirements for combined major programs with all other disciplines are outlined below. For specific co-major requirements, consult the co-major Department.

BSc (Honours) Computer Science and another Science

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one MATH credit (see program note 3)
	one credit in the co-major discipline
	one Social Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12 and 2P03
	one Science credit (see program note 4)
	two credits in the co-major discipline
	one Humanities context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P32, 2P50 and 2P90
	MATH 1P12
	two credits in co-major discipline
	one-half elective credit

Year 4

	COSC 3F00
	two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	two credits in the co-major discipline numbered 3(alpha)90 or above

BSc (Honours) Computer Science and Mathematics

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P01, 1P02, 1P66 and 1P67
	one Science context credit
	one Social Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90
	MATH 1P12, 1P40, 2P03 and 2P81
	one Humanities context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P50 and 3F00
	MATH 2F40, 2P82 and 3F65
	one-half elective credit

Year 4

	Two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	MATH 3P60 and 4P61
	one MATH credit (see program note 9)
	one elective credit

BSc Computer Science and Mathematics Co-op (Honours only)

Consult the Mathematics entry for a listing of program requirements.

BSc (Honours) Computer Science and Physics

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	PHYS 1P21 or 1P91 (recommended)
	one of PHYS 1P22, 1P23, 1P92 (recommended), 1P93
	MATH 1P01, 1P02, 1P66 and 1P67
	one Social Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12 and 2P03
	MATH 2F05
	PHYS 2P20, 2P31, 2P50 and 2P51 (see program note 5)
	one Humanities context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P32, 2P50 and 2P90
	MATH 1P12
	two credits from MATH 3P08, 3P09, PHYS 3P20, 3P35, 3P36, 3P41, 3P70
	one-half elective credit

Year 4

	COSC 3F00
	two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	two credits from PHYS 4F50, 4F90, 4P41, 4P70

BA (Honours) or BSc (Honours)

Computer Science and a Humanities or a Social Science

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one credit in the co-major discipline
	one Science context credit
	one Social Science context credit (see program note 6)

Year 2

	COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90
	two credits in the co-major discipline
	one Humanities context credit (see program note 6)

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P50 and 3F00
	MATH 1P97 and 1P98
	two credits in the co-major discipline

Year 4

	Two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	two credits in the co-major discipline numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	one elective credit

BA (Honours) or BSc (Honours)

Computer Science and Economics

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	ECON 1P91 and 1P92
	MATH 1P66, 1P67, 1P97 and 1P98 (see program note 7)
	one Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90
	ECON 2P21, 2P22, 2P31 and 2P32
	one Humanities context credit

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P50 and 3F00
	ECON 2P90
	one and one-half ECON credits numbered 2(alpha)90 or above
	one elective credit

Year 4

	Two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above
	ECON 3P90, 3P91, 4P13 and 4P14
	one elective credit

BA (Honours) Computer Science and Geography

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	GEOG 1F90
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90
	GEOG 2P07 and 2P10
	one credit from GEOG 2P02, 2P03, 2P06
	MATH 1P97 and 1P98

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P50 and 3F00
	GEOG 3P57
	one and one-half GEOG credits numbered 2(alpha)90 to 3(alpha)99 from group A or C (see Geography entry) (see program note 8)
	one elective credit

Year 4

	Two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above (see program note 8)
	GEOG 4F99
	one GEOG credit numbered 3(alpha)90 or above from group A or C (see Geography entry)
	one elective credit

BSc (Honours) Computer Science and Geography

Year 1

	COSC 1P02 and 1P03 (see program note 1)
	GEOG 1F91
	MATH 1P66 and 1P67
	one Humanities context credit
	one Social Science context credit

Year 2

	COSC 1P12, 2P03, 2P32 and 2P90
	GEOG 2P07 and 2P11
	one credit from GEOG 2P04, 2P05, 2P09
	MATH 1P97 and 1P98

Year 3

	COSC 2P13, 2P50 and 3F00
	GEOG 3P56
	one and one-half GEOG credits numbered 2(alpha)90 to 3(alpha)99 from group B or C (see Geography entry) (see program note 8)
	one elective credit

Year 4

	Two COSC credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above (see program note 8)
	GEOG 4F99
	one GEOG credit numbered 3(alpha)90 or above from group B or C (see Geography entry)
	one elective credit

Concentration Programs

Concentration in Software Engineering

This concentration does not lead to a professional engineering degree.

Students can earn a Concentration in Software Engineering by successfully completing the courses listed below as part of their academic work leading to an Honours BSc in Computer Science degree:

	COSC 2P03, 2P13, 2P90, 2P91, 3F00 and 3P01
	MATH 3F65 and 4P61
	one credit from COSC 3P92, 3P94, 4F90, 4P03, 4P13, 4P14, 4P75

Upon completion of the sequence, the designation "Concentration in Software Engineering" will be added to the student's transcript and diploma.

Concentration in Intelligent Systems

Students can earn a Concentration in Intelligent Systems by successfully completing the courses listed below as part of their academic work leading to an Honours BSc in Computer Science degree:

	COSC 2P03, 2P32, 2P90, 2P93, 3F00 and 3P71
	MATH 3F65 and 4P61
	one credit from COSC 4F90, 4P76, 4P77, 4P78, 4P79

Upon completion of the sequence, the designation "Concentration in Intelligent Systems" will be added to the student's transcript and diploma.

Brock-Sheridan College Articulation Agreement

This agreement allows Brock to admit students from the Sheridan College Computer Science Technology Diploma Program who have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to the Computer Science BSc(Pass), BSc with a Major in Computer Science or Bsc (Honours) programs. Students who have a grade of B in all transferred courses will be awarded 10 credits towards any of these three degrees, and can complete the requirements for the Pass degree within one year and the major and honors degrees within two years. The schedule of transferable courses is available from the Admissions Office.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable term timetable for details.

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

COSC 1P02

Introduction to Computer Science

Computers and computer programming in a high-level language (normally Java). Topics include computer fundamentals, problem solving and software development, programming language syntax and semantics, methods, input/output, control structures and data types.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Note: students with considerable prior programming experience in a high-level language such as Pascal, Java, C or Ada may be granted exemption from this course at the discretion of the Chair.

COSC 1P03

Data Structures and Abstraction

Programming and problem solving in a high-level programming language (normally Java). Data structures including arrays, strings and linked-lists. Modularity, abstraction and abstract data types including stacks, queues and lists. Introduction to searching and sorting, algorithm analysis and object-orientation.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 1P02 or permission of the Chair.

COSC 1P12

Computer Organization and Assembly Language

Basic computer organization including functional units, instruction cycle, control, buses and memory. Assembly-level programming including machine representation, instruction sets and addressing modes. Role of assemblers, linkers and loaders.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 1P03.

Note: COSC 1P03 may be taken concurrently.

COSC 1P93

Introduction to Computer Programming

Modern software techniques: problem solving and design of effective algorithms; structured program design methodology; subprogram library usage; documentation; correctness; floating-point arithmetic; error analysis. Programming assignments are implemented in a high-level language (such as C or FORTRAN).

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB or CAST majors.

Prerequisite: OAC mathematics credit.

COSC 1P95

Computers and Application Software

Introduction to computers and contemporary application software; overview of applications used in industry, science, education, and research. Topics include computer architecture fundamentals; spreadsheets; macro programming; databases; presentation graphics; and integration between different applications. Practical experience using various application packages.

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 2 hours per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB or CAST majors.

Note: some prior computer experience is preferred.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 1P90 and 1P98.

COSC 1P96

Internet Programming and Applications

Advanced introduction to the Internet and its use. Topics include the history and composition of the Internet; fundamental communication concepts and applications; the development of web-based applications, including HTML and web programming using JavaScript.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB or CAST majors.

Note: some prior computer experience is preferred.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 1P99.

COSC 2P03

Advanced Data Structures

Implementation and usage of data structures. Topics include trees, graphs, advanced list structures, sorting and searching, analysis of algorithms, program proofs.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Restriction: open to COSC (single or combined), BCB and CAST majors.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent); MATH 1P66 and 1P67.

COSC 2P13

Introduction to Operating Systems

Operating systems from a user's viewpoint emphasizing the functionality of operating systems rather than their implementation. Topics include file, processor, I/O and memory management; concurrent processes; mainframe and microcomputer operating systems; UNIX.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent) and 1P12 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 2P32

File and Database Systems

File organizations and access methods, fundamental data base concepts: specification and design of databases and applications; various database models including the relational model; processing with SQL; database administration; security. Practical database experience (normally ORACLE).

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 2P50

The Computing Professional

Professional issues in computing including historic and social perspectives; legal issues, licensing and copyright; social and ethical issues; professional conduct; technical writing and presentations.

Lectures, 3 hours per week, seminar, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: this course involves seminars and considerable written work. A good command of written and spoken English is required.

COSC 2P89

Advanced Internet and Intranet

Concepts and techniques required for building and maintaining advanced interactive Web sites. Topics include XML and SGML, database connectivity and forms handling, basic animation, graphics optimization for the Web, scripting, advanced searching, Web design for accessibility.

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 2P90

Programming Languages and Object-Orientation

Fundamental concepts of programming languages including syntax, semantics, control, data types and abstraction. Programming paradigms including imperative, applicative, logic and object-oriented. Object-orientation including inheritance and polymorphism. Introduction to object modeling.

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent).

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 2P91 and 2P92 taken prior to 2001-2002.

COSC 2P91

Procedural Programming

Programming in procedural languages including procedures and functions, data representation, control structures and program organization. Procedural languages such as Ada, C and COBOL

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent), 1P12 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P03 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 2P93

Logic Programming

Predicate logic, symbolic and declarative programming, resolution theorem proving, applications. Introduction to logic languages such as Prolog.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 3F00

Software Engineering

Scientific principles and managerial skills required for the construction of reliable software. Attributes of large complex software systems and software process models for managing the phases of software development; software requirements: analysis, tools and document preparation; software specification methods, software design concepts and alternate methodologies such as prototyping and object-oriented paradigms; several software testing, verification and validation methods.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P32 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: this course requires considerable written work and presentations. A good command of written and spoken English is required. Completion of COSC 2P50 and concurrent registration in COSC 2P91 is recommended for this course. Major group project is required.

COSC 3P01

Introduction to Computer Networking

Overview of computer network services and principles of operation using the Internet as an example. Topics include layering of services and protocols; functionality of application layer services: world wide web, file transfer and electronic mail; addressing and naming in wide and local area networks; principles of operation of communication-oriented layers: transport, network and data link layers; physical media of interconnection.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent), 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and MATH 1P67; MATH 1P01 or 1P97.

COSC 3P40

Advanced Object-Oriented Programming

Advanced programming techniques such as graphical user interfaces, networking, parallelism, database connectivity, multi-tiered systems, client-server and e-commerce. Introduction to advanced Java APIs such as swing, net, threads, JDBC, CORBA and JSP.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P90 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 3P71

Artificial Intelligence

Topics include heuristic programming, analysis of solution space, searching, pattern recognition, machine learning, game playing, genetic algorithms and problem solving.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: completion of COSC 2P93 is recommended before taking this course.

COSC 3P92

Computer Architecture

Topics include buses, internal and external memory, I/O and interfacing, computer arithmetic, instruction sets, RISCs, microprogrammed control, parallel organization.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P13 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 3P93

Parallel Computing

Origins of parallelism, classification of designs, characterization of performance. Pipelined computers: selection and comparison, case studies. Processor arrays: switching networks, case studies. Parallel languages: general principles, parallel constructs, vectorizing compilers, issues of portability. Practical exposure to a parallel programming language and parallel computing hardware. Parallel algorithms: general principles, recurrences, parallel approach to data structures and computational structures. Future trends: technology, design limitations, future supercomputers.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P13 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 3P94

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

Human factors in the design and support of computing systems. Design methodologies such as GOMS, TAGs and Task Analysis. Design principles relating to various interaction paradigms.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P50 (minimum 60 percent).

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 3P04.

COSC 3P98

Computer Graphics

Topics include 2-D and 3-D graphics, curve and surface fitting, light and colour models, real time interfaces, animation and hardware issues (Knowledge of C assumed.).

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and MATH 1P12.

Note: completion of COSC 2P91 is recommended before taking this course.

COSC 3P99

Computing Project

Half-year development project or directed reading essay under faculty supervision.

Seminar, 2 hours per week.

Restriction: open to COSC (single or combined), BCB and CAST majors and permission of project Co-ordinator.

Prerequisite: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: students may propose their own projects for departmental approval or may apply for a project proposed by a faculty member. Further information (including project guidelines and project list) is available on the department Web pages.

COSC 3V90-3V99

Computing Topics I

Selected topics in computer science.

Restriction: open to COSC (single or combined), BCB and CAST majors.

COSC 3V95

2003-2004: Embedded Software

Issues in embedded software, including real-time execution, concurrency, network and device control. Topics include requirements posed by embedded software; real-time programming languages and operating systems; development of embedded applications. (Knowledge of C assumed).

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P13 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: completion of PHYS 1P91, 1P92 (1F90) and COSC 2P91 is recommended before taking this course.

COSC 4F90

Computing Project

Full-year project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Seminar, 2 hours per week.

Restriction: open to COSC (single or combined), BCB and CAST majors with a minimum 75 percent major average and permission of project Co-ordinator.

Prerequisite: COSC 3F00 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: students may propose their own projects for departmental approval or may apply for a project proposed by a faculty member. This course is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school. Students must consult with faculty at the end of year 3 regarding supervision of projects. Further information (including project guidelines and project list) is available on the department Web pages.

COSC 4P03

Advanced Algorithms

Classical and evolving problems and algorithms in Computer Science. Topics include classical design and analysis techniques, cryptography, combinatorics.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and MATH 3F65.

Note: MATH 3F65 may be taken concurrently.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 4V92.

COSC 4P13

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation

Design and implementation of UNIX and other operating systems. Topics include process and thread management, interprocess communication, synchronization and scheduling, multiprocessing, device drivers, kernel memory management, distributed and advanced file systems and STREAMS (Knowledge of C assumed.).

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent), 2P13 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P91 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 4P14

Computer Networks

Advanced topics in computer networking, including computer network security, wireless and high-speed networking, computer network managementand performance evaluation.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P13 (minimum 60 percent) and 3P01 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 4P75

Compiler Construction

Topics include lexical, syntactic and semantic analysis of high-level languages; symbol table organization; code generation and optimization.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent), 2P03 (minimum 60 percent) and 2P90 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 4P76

Machine Learning

Fundamental machine learning techniques emphasizing using these techniques to design and implement small practical learning systems. Topics include learning as a search, inductive bias, concept learning, computational learning, explanation-based learning and reinforcement learning.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 3P71 (minimum 60 percent).

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 4V91.

COSC 4P77

Evolutionary Computation

Topics include genetic algorithms, genetic programming, evolution strategies, comparison of natural and artificial evolution and applications in problem solving, engineering and design. A variety of applications will be developed.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 3P71 (minimum 60 percent).

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in COSC 4V93.

COSC 4P78

Robotics

Computer control aspects of robots focusing on behaviour-based robot control architectures. Topics include robot components and subsystems, sensors and perception, object location and manipulation, mobile robot navigation, task planning, control architectures, adaptive and social behaviour.

Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 1 hour per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 1P12 (minimum 60 percent), 2P90 (minimum 60 percent), 3P71 (minimum 60 percent) and MATH 1P12.

Note: completion of PHYS 1P91 and 1P92 (1F90) is recommended before taking this course.

COSC 4P79

Expert Systems

Development of expert systems. Topics include recognition of problems solvable by an expert system; knowledge engineering; languages for expert systems development. Students will experiment with expert system development using an expert system shell and expert system building tool.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites: COSC 2P93 (minimum 60 percent) and 3P71 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 4V90-4V99

Computing Topics II

Selected topics in computer science.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to COSC (single or combined), BCB and CAST majors.

COSC 4V97

2003-2004: Foundations of Reasoning under Uncertainty

Uncertain reasoning, and deductive and inductive methods. Exploration of formal foundations of both methods, formal systems including propositional modal logics and grammars, models of probability, Bayesian reasoning, fuzzy sets, rough sets, concept lattices and knowledge structures.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 3P71 (minimum 60 percent).

COSC 4V98

2003-2004: Topics in Computer Graphics and Digital Audio

Contemporary topics in computer graphics and audio. Topics include ray tracing, fractals, spline and curve fitting, digital audio fundamentals, MIDI, computer composition, music, sound processing, use of C, OpenGL, and Csound.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite: COSC 3P98 (minimum 60 percent).

CO-OP COURSES

COSC 0N01

Co-op Work Placement I

First co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.

Restriction: open to COSC and BCB Co-op students.

COSC 0N02

Co-op Work Placement II

Second co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.

Restriction: open to COSC and BCB Co-op students.

COSC 0N03