Computer Science – Data Science specialization

General information

Graduates of this program will obtain a solid foundation in the theory and application of the principles of computer science, as well as in the cognitive capabilities and skills relating to computer science. This program also provides the opportunity for the student to develop practical capabilities and skills, such as software design and implementation, information management, risk assessment, effective deployment of software tools and system evaluation. In addition, transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, self-management and professional development are emphasized in many courses.

The Computer Science program at UOIT was developed in collaboration with leading representative from both academia and industry and is designed to meet the increasing need for graduates with the knowledge and skills in this important field.

Specializations within this degree program include Data Science , Digital Media , as well as the general Computer Science degree (Comprehensive) .

Data Science specialization

The amount of data generated by, and available to, companies, governments, and individuals, is exploding. There is an urgent need for individuals who can grapple with massive amounts of data and extract key information. People with these skills (often called data scientists) are highly sought after in a variety of industries, including health care, finance, and business. The Data Science specialization helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and tools, and sets them up for success in this desirable job market. Students develop critical problem-solving, analytical, and computational skills that enable them to turn vast quantities of data into insight.

In addition to the regular program, a co-op program is also available. Students in Data Science interested in the co-op program , should contact the Faculty of Science Co-op Coordinator as early as the fall of their second year.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and one of Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Computer Science (ICS4U) or Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in prerequisite computer science, math and science courses is required. It is recommended that all three MCV4U, ICS4U and SPH4U be taken. All other applicants should refer to Admissions  for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Program details and degree requirements

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Notes:

No more than 42 credit hours may be taken at the first-year level.

*Electives and breadth requirements

Students must complete a total of 24 elective credit hours such that the following requirements are satisfied:

• 15 credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science, of which at least 3 credit hours must be in Computer Science electives.
• 9 credit hours must be in courses from outside the Faculty of Science, among which at least 3 credit hours must be in business electives⁺⁺, and at least 3 credit hours in communications electives.⁺⁺⁺

Computer Science electives for the Data Science specialization:

• CSCI 3050U – Computer Architecture II    
• CSCI 3220U – Digital Media Production  
• CSCI 4060U – Multicore and Many-core Programming    
• CSCI 4100U – Mobile Devices 
• CSCI 4110U – Advanced Computer Graphics     
• CSCI 4120U – Digital Evidence      
• CSCI 4620U – Human-Computer Interaction    
• CSCI 4630U – High Performance Computing    
• CSCI 4640U – Distributed Computing     
• CSCI 4650U – Elements of Theory of Computation    
• MATH 2015U – Calculus III    
• MATH 3030U – Introduction to Probability Theory ¹
• MATH 3050U – Mathematical Modelling ²
• STAT 3010U – Biostatistics    

¹ Students are required to take MATH 2015U  before they can take MATH 3030U .

² Students are required to take MATH 2015U  and one of MATH 2060U  or MATH 2860U    before they can take MATH 3050U   .

⁺⁺Business electives:

• BUSI 1020U – Business Communications     
• BUSI 1600U – Management of the Enterprise    
• BUSI 1700U – Introduction to Entrepreneurship    
• BUSI 2000U – Collaborative Leadership    

⁺⁺⁺Communication electives:

• COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication Studies    
• COMM 1050U – Technical Communications   
• COMM 1320U – Public Speaking    
• COMM 2311U – Writing and Publishing in the Digital Age    
• COMM 2620U – Interpersonal Communication     

**Thesis Project or Senior Computer Science elective courses

Students in clear academic standing who have completed 90 credit hours of their program and six third-year required courses may optionally apply to take a two course sequence consisting of  CSCI 4410U – Computer Science Thesis Project I  and CSCI 4420U – Computer Science Thesis Project II . Students not accepted to take the thesis courses must complete two additional computer science electives instead. A student meeting the above requirements who does not take CSCI 4410U  and CSCI 4420U  may optionally apply to take CSCI 4430U – Directed Studies in Computer Science  as one of the required computer science electives. Opportunities for the Thesis Project and Directed Studies courses are limited; students must apply through Science Advising by March 30 following completion of the first three years of the program.