Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information.

Areas of study within computer science include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, information security, database systems, human computer interaction, graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics and theory of computing.

Some specialty courses in computer science at the U of R include:

Building Interactive Gadgets

Building Interactive Gadgets is an introduction to building and controlling interactive devices for multimedia art and DIY projects. Build robots, new musical instruments, wearable computers and more. Learn about sensors and actuators: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS; hardware platforms such as the Arduino; and software platforms such as Processing and MaxMSP.

Web and Database Programming

Web and Database Programming shows how interactive database-driven web applications are designed and implemented. Appropriate protocols and languages for web and database programming are discussed, with a focus on client-server architectures, interface design, graphics and visualization, event-driven programming, information management, data modeling, and database systems.

Risk and Reward in the Information Society

Risk and Reward in the Information Society explores the social context of computing. Includes a case study of human-computer interfaces and their evaluation, along with methods and tools of analysis, professional and ethical responsibilities, and the risks and liabilities of computer-based systems. Other topics include intellectual property, privacy, and civil liberties, as well as professional communication, sustainability, and cybercrime.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence explores the foundations and main methods of Artificial Intelligence. Includes problem characteristics and spaces, and search and optimization techniques with a focus on uninformed and heuristic algorithms. Also includes two player games and constraint satisfaction, and modelling and simulation. Involves comparison of logic-based, fuzzy, and probabilistic reasoning and knowledge representation methodologies. Involves machine learning, including learning tasks, inductive learning, statistical-based learning, over-fitting, and accuracy.

Software Engineering Methodology

Software Engineering Methodology teaches the fundamental principles of designing programs and developing large software systems that meet specifications and that are safe, secure, reliable and maintainable. Includes software process models, software project management, requirements engineering, software design, software construction, software verification and validation, software tools and environments, software evolution, and software reliability.

Special Topics in Virtual Reality

Special Topics in Virtual Reality is an introduction to topics in virtual reality. Topics include environments, platforms, locomotion, physiology, and applications.