Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Calendar 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CALENDAR]

Computer Science – Data Science specialization


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs (by degree)

General information


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 within the Computer Science program  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 (30 credit hours)


Year 3 and 4 (60 credit hours)


Note:


No more than 42 credit hours may be taken at the first-year level. Students are required to complete at least 12 credit hours in Computer Science courses at the 4000 level.

*Electives and breadth requirements


Students must complete a total of 33 credit hours such that the following requirements are satisfied:

  • 18 credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science, with no more than 6 credit hours being in Computer Science.
  • 12 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+++.
  • 3 credit hours in general electives (offered by the Faculty of Science or outside the Faculty of Science)

**Thesis Project or Senior Computer Science electives


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 Senior Computer Science electives instead. A Senior Computer Science Elective is defined as a 3000- or 4000-level Computer Science course. 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.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs (by degree)