Computer Science Faculty
Stephen Howard, Associate Professor, Chair
Cezar Câmpeanu, Associate Professor
Wayne Cutcliffe, Associate Professor
David LeBlanc, Associate Professor
Qiang Ye, Associate Professor
Yingwei Wang, Assistant Professor

Departmental Website
Computer Science Major
Computer Science Honours
Computer Science Cooperative Education
Computer Science Minor
Specializations (Video Game Programming)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Video Game Programming
Computer Science Courses
Information Technology Courses

DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science and honours in Computer Science. An optional co-operative education stream and a video game programming specialization are available for computer science majors.

ADMISSION TO PROGRAMS
Students intending to take a major in Computer Science must make their intent known to the Department as soon as possible so that the Department will be able to give early and continued advice for course selection and further study or employment after graduation. Such prospective majors should make their intent known to the Department during their Second Year but should do so no later than Third Year. Students wishing to pursue the computer science co-operative education stream should signify their intention during the first semester of their Second Year.

SELECTION OF COURSES
Students majoring in Computer Science are permitted to take courses with the Information Technology, IT, designation for degree credit only as general electives, except where otherwise noted. Courses with the IT designation can not count towards a Minor in Computer Science.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
The program requires a total of 120 semester hours of course credit. A total of 48 semester hours of Computer Science is required:  42 semester hours of core courses, plus  6 semester hours of electives above the 100 level. The core consists of Computer Science 151-152, 241, 252, 261, 282, 332, 342, 352, 361, 371, 421, 481, and  482.  To receive credit towards a Major in Computer Science, all core computer courses listed require 60% as a minimum grade. All core courses have three semester hours of credit.  The required Mathematics courses are: Mathematics 151-152, 221, 242, 261.

Also required are 6 semester hours of credit from Biology, Chemistry or Physics; 9 semester hours of credit from the Faculty of Arts;  Global Issues 151 and 1 other Writing Intensive course, and 3 semester hours of credit from the School of Business Administration. An additional 9 semester hours of credit must be selected from either the Faculty of Science (other than Computer Science and Information Technology) or the School of Business Administration. Students are strongly encouraged to complete some of the Science and Business courses early in their program.
Note:  Students majoring in Computer Science with a specialization should consult their specific requirements which differ from the normal requirements listed above.

The following sequence of courses is suggested:

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REQUIREMENTS FOR HONOURS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Honours program in Computer Science is designed to provide research experience at the undergraduate level. It is intended for students who are planning to pursue postgraduate studies in Computer Science or a related discipline, or who are planning a career where research experience would be an asset.

The program requires a total of 126 semester hours of course credit. A total of 60 semester hours of Computer Science is required: 42 semester hours of core courses, a 6 semester hour Honours project (CS 490), plus 12 semester hours of electives above the 100 level, at least 3 semester hours of which must be at the 400 level. The core consists of Computer Science 151-152, 241, 252, 261, 282, 332, 342, 352, 361, 371, 411, 421, and 481. All core courses have three semester hours of credit. The required Mathematics courses are: Mathematics 151-152, 221, 242, 251, 261. Also required are 6 semester hours of credit from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, 9 semester hours of credit from the Faculty of Arts;  Global Issues 151 and 1 other Writing Intensive course, and 3 semester hours of credit from the School of Business Administration. An additional 9 semester hours of credit must be selected from either the Faculty of Science (other than Computer Science and Information Technology) or the School of Business Administration. Students are strongly encouraged to complete some of the Science and Business courses early in their program.

To graduate with the Honours in Computer Science, students must achieve a minimum average of 75% in all Computer Science courses combined, and must achieve a minimum overall average of 70% in all courses submitted for the degree.

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Entrance Requirements
Permission of the Department is required for admission to the program. Students must normally have a minimum average of 70% in all previous courses. The Department expects first-class or high second-class standing in all previous Computer Science courses. Admission is contingent upon the student finding a project advisor. Students interested in doing Honours are strongly encouraged to consult with the Department Chair as soon as possible, and no later than January 31 of the student’s third year. Students admitted to the program need acceptance by the Department of a topic for the Honours project by March 31 of their third year.

COMPUTER SCIENCE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Computer Science Co-operative Education Program is an optional five-year program that complements the Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science with a minimum of four (4) terms of supervised work experience divided between at least two placements. A placement is the continuous period a student spends with one employer. Each placement can be one work term or two work terms in duration and must start at the beginning of January, May or September. A work term is 14 to 16 weeks in duration but in exceptional circumstances a shorter duration work period may be permitted. Normally, the first work placement commences after the student has completed two years of the BSc degree program. 

Students should note that the Co-operative Education Program is not a summer work program. At least one work term will be taken during a regular academic term. A limited number of placements will be available in a given year. Eligibility for a placement will be decided by the Co-op Coordinator and Program Director while hiring decisions for Co-op students are made by the employers.

Students who successfully complete all requirements of the program will have a notation entered on their transcript and their degree parchment.

Admission Requirements
Applications to join the Computer Science Co-operative Education Program are made at the end of the first or second academic terms to the Computer Science Co-op Program Director. A student must be a full time student majoring in Computer Science at the time of application. In addition to their interest, motivation, and abilities assessed through an interview, students must complete the requirements for the first year of their undergraduate BSc program in Computer Science with a cumulative average of 70% or higher and a Computer Science average of 70% or higher to be admitted to the program. Requirements for a first work term normally include the completion of 60 credit hours towards the BSc Degree at the time of the placement including CS 151, CS 152, CS 241, CS 252, CS 261, and CS 282. Students not admitted may reapply upon completion of their next academic semester.

Continuance Requirements
To remain in the Co-op program, the student must continue to satisfy all the requirements of the BSc Program, and maintain cumulative and Computer Science averages of 70%, in addition to achieving satisfactory performance on previous work terms. Students must register for a Co-operative education work term before each work term. They must also attend the seminars and workshops organized to provide the required employment orientation and professional development. They may also be required to give talks to their peers introducing skills and methodology learned on the job. 

Program Requirements
In addition to satisfying the requirements for the BSc Program in Computer Science, Co-operative education students must fulfill the following work term requirements:

1. The completion of a minimum of four terms of work experience in approved, academically relevant, employment situations of 14 to 16 weeks duration each.

2.  A satisfactory employer evaluation for each co-op work term.

3.  The satisfactory completion of a written report as required for each work term. 

4.  Fulfillment of any other requirements specified by the Department, such as the participation in seminars and workshops. 

Withdrawal Conditions
Students may be required to withdraw from the Co-op Program if:

1.  They are dismissed from, discontinue, or fail an appropriate and approved Co-op work term due to a fault on their part;

2.  They fail to submit or successfully complete a work term report;

3.  They do not satisfy the continuance requirements including the required course grade average necessary for continuance in Cooperative Education; 

Students have the right of appeal under Academic Regulation 12 .

Work Term Registration
Students are required to register for all work terms according to normal course registration procedures. A work term course grade is placed on a students' academic transcript following completion of each work term and graded on a pass/fail basis.

Fees
Students pay for their academic courses as they are taken. Students accepted to the Cooperative Education Program are required to pay regular student fees and a Co-operative Education Program Fee ( (seeCalendar section on fees).
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Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science
Students may obtain a minor in Computer Science by completing at least 21 semester hours of courses in Computer Science defined as follows:

SPECIALIZATIONS
The department offers specializations in core areas of computer science and departmental expertise. Specializations provide the student with a suggested course of study concentrating in a particular field of computer science.

VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING
To achieve a specialization in Video Game Programming, the student must complete the following courses in addition to the normal requirements for a major in computer science: IT 132, CS 212, CS 311, CS 312, CS 323, CS 362, CS 435 and CS 436. In addition, students must take CS 483 instead of CS 482.  

Students wishing to pursue a specialization in Video Game Programming must apply for admission to the specialization at the end of their second year. Students must have an overall average of 75% and cannot have a mark less than 70% in any of the courses CS 152, CS 261 and CS 212.

Students pursuing the specialization must maintain an overall average of 75% in subsequent terms. Furthermore, students in the specialization cannot receive a mark of less than 70% in the courses CS 311, CS 435 and CS 436.

The above requirements may be waived in exceptional cases by a decision of the department.  

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Video Game Programming is intended for students who already possess an undergraduate degree in computer science from an accepted recognized university. Students are required to take a total of 11 courses, all related to video game development. These courses include 2 background undergraduate level courses and 9 ‘500-level’ courses, all but 2 of which are cross-listed with advanced undergraduate level courses, but require an additional portfolio-building project. Upon completion of program, students will possess an in-depth knowledge of video game programming techniques and fundamental tools, development experience in a real-world environment, and a portfolio demonstrating programming proficiency as applied to video game development.

Program Requirements
To achieve a Post-Graduate Certificate in Video Game Programming, students must complete the following courses with a minimum mark of 60% in each course and an overall average at the end of each semester of 75%: IT 132, CS 212, CS 501, CS 511, CS 512, CS 523, CS 535, CS 536, CS 562, CS 581, and either CS 584 or CS 585. If a student can demonstrate to the department that they have already received credit (with a minimum mark of 75%) for one or more of these courses, the student may be allowed (solely at the discretion of the department) to complete the requirements of the course by completing a significant portfolio-building project.

Admission Requirements
To be considered for acceptance, applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, or equivalent from an accepted recognized university with an overall average of 75% in all computer science (or equivalent) courses. Applicants meeting this requirement will be considered according to the Application Process described below.

Admission Process
The application deadline is February 1 (must be received by this date). If seats are still available after the applicants meeting the deadline have been considered, the department may review late applications.

Applicants must submit:

• a completed copy of the university’s Undergraduate Application Form  (including a statement of English Proficiency),
• the relevant application processing fee for an “advanced standing” student (detailed on the Undergraduate Application Form),
• a full transcript of their relevant undergraduate degree (or transcript to date if degree is incomplete),
• three letters of reference.

Letters of reference should address the applicant’s academic performance, work ethic and suitability for professional employment. Have each reference submitted directly to the UPEI Registrar's Office, or have your reference given back to you in a sealed envelope with the reference's signature over the seal and submit with your application. 

Applications will be ranked according to undergraduate academic performance and provided references. Leading applicants will then be interviewed (via telecommunications technology) by a committee made up of members of the department until the committee is satisfied it has identified a sufficient number of potential students. Acceptance letters, conditional offers, letters indicating that the applicant is on the waiting list, or letters indicating that the application will not be considered at this time, will be issued by the Registrar’s Office.

The successful applicant who receives either an unconditional or conditional offer must confirm his/her acceptance in writing and include a deposit of the program fee. This deposit is only refundable in exceptionable circumstances and solely at the discretion of the department. This confirmation must be received by the Registrar’s Office (for transmittal to the Accounting Office) by the date specified in the letter.

Final official transcripts for students who have either received conditional offers or have been placed on the waiting list must be received by the Registrar’s Office by June 15.  

Questions about this program should be directed to the Department of Computer Science & Information Technology: csit@upei.ca

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES

151 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I
This course is the first of a two-course sequence designed to introduce the fundamentals of Computer Science and prepare students for further studies in this or related fields.  Emphasis is on problem solving and software development in a high level object-oriented language such as Java. Topics include computer fundamentals; the programming process; language syntax and semantics; simple data types, classes, methods, expressions, control structures, input/output, arrays, and graphical user interfaces.
PREREQUISITE: Grade XII academic Mathematics.
Three lecture hours and 1.5 hour of  laboratory session a week. 
NOTE: CS 151 and Engineering 132 cannot be double credited 

152 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE II
This course continues the development of object-oriented programming topics introduced in CS 151. Topics include elementary searching and sorting, inheritance, polymorphism, recursion, exception handling, graphical user interfaces, introduction to data structures (lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs), threads, network programming. 
PREREQUISITE: CS 151 with a minimum grade of 60%
Three lecture hours and 1.5 hour of laboratory session a week.  

206 ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMMING
(see Information Technology 206)

282 INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEM PROGRAMMING
This course introduces the student to development in the Unix/Linux environment, including C programming from the perspective of a second language. Topics include development tools, shell programming,  common utility programs, processes and file/directory management. 
PREREQUISITE: CS 152 or permission of the instructor (based on completion of CSC 151 with first class standing)
Three lecture hours a week  

332 THEORY OF COMPUTING
This course introduces automata theory, formal languages and computability. Topics include: finite automata; regular expressions; regular, context-free, and context-sensitive languages; computability models; algorithmic decidable and undecideable problems.
Cross-listed with Mathematics (cf. Mathematics 332)
PREREQUISITE: CS 261 and Math 242.
Three lecture hours a week.

342 COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS
This course introduces the basic principles of modern computer communication: protocols, architectures and standards. Topics include layered architectures, data transmission, error and flow control, medium access, routing, congestion control and common internet application protocols.
PREREQUISITE: CS 252 and CS 282
Three lecture hours a week. 

352 OPERATING SYSTEMS
This course introduces the student to the major concepts of modern operating systems. Topics covered include: process management, memory management, file systems, device management and security. 
PREREQUISITE: CS 252, CS 261 and CS 282 
Three lecture hours a week. 

361 ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF ALGORITHMS
This course, which introduces the study of algorithm design and measures of efficiency, is a continuation of Computer Science 261. Topics include algorithm complexity and analysis; techniques such as divide and conquer, greedy and dynamic programming; searching and sorting algorithms; graph algorithms; text processing; efficient algorithms for several common computer science problems and NP-completeness.
PREREQUISITE: CS 261, Math 242.
Three lecture hours a week.
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362 OBJECT-ORIENTED DESIGN
This course examines the principles of object-oriented design and their implications for software design, through the use of object-oriented languages such as C++ and Java. Topics include unified modeling language, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, software reuse, object interactions, and principles of design patterns.
PREREQUISITE: CS 261 
Three lecture hours a week. 

371 DATABASE SYSTEMS
This course introduces the fundamental concepts necessary for the design, use and implementation of database systems. Topics discussed include: logical and physical organization of data, database models, design theory, data definition and manipulation languages, constraints, views, and embedding database languages in general programming languages. 
PREREQUISITE: CS 261
Three lecture hours a week.  

482 SOFTWARE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
In this course students propose, complete and present a significant software project in a group setting using the system development skills learned in CS 481. The course applies object-oriented design principles through the use of UML. Students are encouraged to select (with the consent of the instructor) a project with a real-world client.
PREREQUISITE: CS 481 (May be taken concurrently in exceptional circumstances). 
Three semester hours: One and a half lecture hours a week plus project time 

483 VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING PROJECT
In this course students work as a group to develop a single design into a fully functioning video game. This course applies the project management skills learned in CS 481 to the development of a professional quality video game based upon a single design and prototype emerging from CS 311.
PREREQUISITE: CS 311, CS 481 and enrollment in the video game programming specialization.
Six semester hours: One and a half lecture hours a week plus significant project time

485 CO-OP WORK TERM IV
This course is available to computer science co-op students only.  It is an integration of the fourth work term experience with professional development seminars designed to foster professionalism. Students may choose between submitting a work term report or giving a public presentation on a technical issue related to their work experience. In addition, students must participate in a reflective seminar based upon their overall co-op experiences. Students are assessed on a pass/fail basis. 
PREREQUISITE: CS 385
Hours of credit: 1

486 CO-OP WORK TERM V 
This optional work term is available to computer science co-op students only, electing for a fifth work term. The goal is to add further value for the student, integrating classroom theory with professional skills acquired during the work term. Students are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
PREREQUISITE:  CS 485
Hours of credit: 0

490 HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECT
This course is intended to give research experience to students planning to pursue graduate studies in computer science or a related area, or planning a career where research experience would be an asset. It provides students with the opportunity to do an independent research project on a computer science topic, under the supervision of a faculty member. Typically, some of the work will be conducted during the summer months.
PREREQUISITE: Acceptance to the Honours program and approval by the Department of the project topic (see Calendar listing for entrance requirements).
Six semester hours of credit.

321 HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACE DESIGN
(See Computer Science 321)