Computer Science (BSc.)
Programme Overview
The BSc in Computer Science is a three-year programme based on ACM/IEEE recommendations. It prepares students for the rapidly changing world of computing by giving them the skills and knowledge to readily adapt to those changes. Therefore our programme exposes students to the theoretical underpinnings of the subject, while still requiring them to be able to apply that knowledge in practical and tangible ways that solve real problems
Programme Objectives
• Provide students with the educational experiences to enable them to cope with the rapidly changing subject of Computer Science.
• Provide students with up-to-date training in the discipline so as to prepare them to take on entry level positions in the local Information Technology sector, (with the exception of hardware engineer and technician) and to grow into other positions after they have gained one or two years working experience.
• Provide students with a sufficiently broad range of courses to enable them to be successful in postgraduate programmes in the field.
• Employ a range of assessment methods and techniques and to enable students to demonstrate the depth of their understanding and their capacity for independent thought.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should possess 5 CXC subjects (grades 1-3, including English language and Mathematics) or their equivalent. Two (2) of those subjects should be at the advanced level CAPE (2units each at grades 1-5). One of these advanced level courses should be in a science subject. A teachers’ college diploma, an associate’s degree in mathematics, information technology or science or a pass in EC14C will be considered equivalent qualification for persons without CAPE passes.
Programme Structure
Students must do 10 core courses which provide in-depth coverage of specific aspects of the discipline: hardware design, algorithm analysis and object-oriented programming , discrete mathematics, software engineering, computer organisation, net-centric computing, object technology, operating systems, artificial intelligence, database management systems, capstone project). Students may then select from elective courses which cover specialized topics in areas such as web programming, theory of computation, (electives are: digital logic design, computer architecture and organisation, computer networking and communication, language processors, theory of computation, real-time embedded systems). Note that along with meeting the credit requirements for the computer science major, students are required to complete additional credits to complete the degree, allowing the creation of more rounded graduates.
Careers after Graduation
A Computer Science major from UWI will give you a deep coverage of the fundamental principles of computer science and show you how they are applied to solving diverse problems in computing. As a UWI graduate with a computer science major, you will have a wide range of careers. Some of the career paths that become accessible to you are:
Computer Programmer: Someone who writes the programs to solve applications (e.g. MS Word, Firefox browser) that make computers useful. Programmers also work on teams with other specialists to solve exciting problems in many areas.
Computer Analyst: Someone who examines specific problems in a company and determines what parts can be solved by computing technologies, and how best to do so.
Artificial Intelligence researcher: Someone who specializes in systems to mimic human intelligence and to decide if these systems can be integrated into existing deployments.
Embedded/Robotics/Automation developer: Someone who designs and develops computer controlled mechanical devices, ranging from toys to completely automated factory assembly lines.
OS/Device driver developer: Someone who specializes in implementing and testing new operating systems and device drivers.
Network Architect/Engineer: Someone who sets up, tests, and evaluates networks and other data communications systems.
Cyber Security Specialist: An expert in the standards that enable organizations to practice safe security techniques.