There are many definitions of Computer Science. However, there is a consensus in Computer Science that the central concept is of an algorithm. An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions that can be performed by a computer to solve some problem. Computer Science can then be defined as the science of:
Thus, Computer Science involves carefully analysing the problems that organisations or individuals face in order to arrive at an algorithmic solution to the problem. This solution then has to be linguistically realised, i.e., turned into a program, which can then be executed on a computer system. Clearly, this also means that the design of computer systems to execute programs is an important sub-area of Computer Science.
Finally, many problems allow for more than one algorithmic solution and the final important aspect of Computer Science concern techniques for comparing different algorithms. These techniques include both theoretical tools, and require a good understanding of some Mathematics, as well as empirical comparisons between different algorithms for the same task.
The Computer Science undergraduate programme aims to:
The undergraduate programme in the Faculty of Science and Technology is divided into two parts each having 2 levels of courses. These are shown in the table below along with the Computer Science course codes for each level.
Part | Course Type | Course Level | CS Course Codes |
---|---|---|---|
I | Preliminary | 0 | Computing has no preliminary courses |
Introductory | I | COMP1* | |
II | Advanced | II | COMP2* |
Advanced | III | COMP3* |
Students will not be allowed to proceed to Part II of the programme unless they have passed COMP1126, COMP1127, COMP1161, COMP1210, and COMP1220.
The B.Sc. in Computer Science is a full-time programme which normally takes three (3) years. There are no part-time programmes in the department. Most classes are being offered during the regular hours of 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. However, first-year courses are being offered in the evenings between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Some labs may also be offered on Saturdays.
For students who began the programme on or after Semester I 2011, a major in Computer Science requires thirty-nine (39) credits from Level 2 and 3 Computer Science courses. These must include the following:
Level | Code | Credits | Title |
---|---|---|---|
I | COMP1126 | 3 | Introduction to Computing I |
COMP1127 | 3 | Introduction to Computing II | |
COMP1161 | 3 | Object-Oriented Programming | |
COMP1210 | 3 | Mathematics for Computing | |
COMP1220 | 3 | Computing and Society | |
A major in Computer Science requires a minimum of thirty-nine (39) credits from Computing courses at Levels 2 and 3 and must include: | |||
II | COMP2140 | 3 | Software Engineering |
COMP2171 | 3 | Object Oriented Design and Implementation | |
COMP2190 | 3 | Net-Centric Computing | |
COMP2201 | 3 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science | |
COMP2211 | 3 | Analysis of Algorithms | |
COMP2340 | 3 | Computer Systems Organization | |
III | COMP3101 | 3 | Operating Systems |
COMP3161 | 3 | Database Management Systems | |
COMP3220 | 3 | Principles of Artificial Intelligence | |
COMP3901 | 3 | Capstone Project | |
AND nine (9) credits from Level 2 or 3 courses offered by the Department of Computing. |
For students who began the Computer Science programme between 2008 and 2010, please click here for degree requirements.
A minor in Computer Science requires fifteen (15) credits from Level 2 and 3 Computer Science courses.
The intended learning outcomes can be divided into two classes, namely intended learning of any undergraduate programme in a science subject, and intended learning outcomes specific to Computer Science. The general intended learning outcomes are that students will:
Specific learning outcomes are that students will: