Computer Science – Computation Arts (BCompSc, BFA)

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 Computer option 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.

Program option

The Computer Applications option (90 credit program) gives the full flexibility for students to combine a solid grounding of hardware and software with another field of study outside the Gina Cody School of  Engineering and Computer Science. Students are free to declare a Major or Minor in another discipline or to take a minimum of 24 credits in another field of study.

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

Core courses

• Computer Science core and Complementary core
• Computation Arts core
• other required courses

Course sequences

The Co-op program 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

• Quebec CEGEP: 28 overall, 26 math
• High School: B+ overall, B+ math
• University Transfers (internal/external): B+ overall, B+ math
• Bacc. français: 14 overall, 14 math
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 31 overall, 4 math  

Course requirements for admission

CEGEP students Admission is based on applicants’ overall Math and Physics (if applicable) CRC indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC.

• For all BCompSc programs:
  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 and physics course(s) required for their CEGEP program. Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfer credits based on course equivalencies.

IB applicants
Math HL preferred but SL is acceptable. SL grade requirement may vary. Science HL or SL acceptable.

University transfers and mature students
Applicants who 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.

Prerequisites for university transfer applicants
The following courses are required in addition to the program and may be completed at another post-secondary institution prior to admission or at Concordia.

• For all BCompSc programs:
  Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra

Honours option available in all Computer Science programs. Students may apply to the Honours program once they have completed 30 credits and have maintained a GPA of 3.00

Physics is not required for entry to Computer Science Programs, except for Computer Systems.

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

Computer Applications with Computation Arts
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