Computer Science – Computation Arts (BCompSc)

Stimulate the senses. Engage the mind. When you study Computation Arts, you become a digital artist, using algorithms and computational theory to create interactive multimedia that breaks new audio-visual ground. 

The degree gives students the flexibility to combine a traditional computer science degree with a non-traditional field. Our state-of-the-art labs for 3D graphics, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence will give you experience with the equipment you’ll use in the field. Through labs, lectures and projects, you’ll also:

• Investigate programming paradigms as they relate to digital art and design
• Learn the techniques and conceptual strategies central to 3D digital production
• Use computer systems to process, synthesize, and manipulate digitized representations of sound

A Bachelor of Computer Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background. 

The core provides a basic and broad study of theory, mathematical basics, programming methodology, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering.

Students in this program will also take half of their courses in the Computation Arts program offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts.

We offer an honours program to computer science students with high academic standing. You may apply to the honours program once you have completed 30 credits.

Courses

The Co-op program, available with the BCompSc, gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks.  As a Co-op student, you will assist in projects designed and implemented by professionals and may also:

• Analyze and develop computer solutions
• Design and create new software, and modify and test existing software used in a broad range of businesses and industries
• Plan and implement computer security systems for database access control

Co-op students have completed work terms for employers such as:

• Alcatel-Lucent
• Bell Canada
• Cogeco
• Ericsson

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements for admission

• Quebec CEGEP: 28 overall, 26 math
  • Admission is based on applicants’ overall Math CRC indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC: MATH 103 or 201-NYA and 203 or 201-NYB and 105 or 201-NYC
  • Students completing a three-year technical DEC in a related field may also be eligible for admission without the specified profile provided they achieve a minimum overall CRC as indicated above and preferably a minimum of 24 in math required for their CEGEP program. Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfer credits based on course equivalencies.
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: A- overall, B+ math
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
  • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
  • ACT or SAT is not required
  • AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 33 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math
  • One math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or SL)
• Baccalaureate français: 15 overall, 14 math
  • Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Students without a math A-level may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University transfers (internal): 3.0 overall, 3.0 in math, 2.3 in courses offered by GCS
  • 2.7 in COMP 218 or 248
  • At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
• University transfers (external): A- overall, B+ math
  • Courses in the disciplines of Calculus and Linear Algebra
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may still be considered for admission, provided they have completed the majority of the prerequisite courses. Transfer credits may be considered on a course-by-course basis.

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Portfolio required

Students must submit a portfolio with their application.

Computation Arts alumni have established careers in the advertising and entertainment industry as programmers and designers. Some graduates have been hired by:

• Ubisoft
• Moment Factory
• Sid Lee
• Electronic Arts
• Warner Brothers Interactive