Bachelor of Technology – Software Development

This course expands the student’s skillset in programming and introduces the student to programming language genealogy and design. Topics include: Imperative, functional, and object-oriented language paradigms; Context-free grammar and syntax trees; Data types, control structures, exception handling, data abstraction, information hiding, and non-determinism; Program representation, translation, and execution; Functional programming: advantages, constructs, closures, and higher-order operations and Parallel programming.

In this course, you will build on your previous object-oriented programming (OOP) experience, applying OOP best practices in a variety of hands-on applications. You’ll model relationships between classes using containers, inheritance hierarchies and polymorphism in an object-oriented programming language, and you’ll write object-oriented programs that execute on multiple threads. You will also explore additional scripting languages to design a program.

Pre-requisites:

• CPSY 3000

This course introduces computational problem-solving techniques, as well as fundamental concepts of data structures and the software design process. Widely used problem-solving techniques such as divide and conquer will be demonstrated, while other topics include dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, search and backtracking. Problems will come from various science disciplines. Programming concepts reviewed include data types, control structures, scope rules, functions and files. The mechanics of running, testing and debugging will also be revisited.

In this course, you will learn fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and theory. This will include learning the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence and applying basic search strategies such as uninformed search and heuristic search. You will also learn how to solve problems using searching algorithms, knowledge representation and reasoning, and artificial neural networks. By the end of this course, you will know how to apply machine learning algorithms and design deep neural networks to solve real-world problems.

Pre-requisites:

• MATH 3000

This course provides an introduction to logic gates, computer arithmetic, instruction-set architecture, assembly programming, as well as translation of high-level languages into assembly. Material will also address computer system organization, including datapath and control, pipelining, memory hierarchies, and I/O (Input/Output) systems. Measures of performance will also be discussed.

This course focuses on the fundamentals of algorithms and software optimization. Special attention will be paid to algorithm applicability and measures of complexity for time and space, as well as worst-case, average-case, and best-case analysis. You will also examine P and NP classes, NP-hardness, NP-completeness, and lower and upper bounds of algorithms, including using comparison trees, adversary arguments and reduction. You will also be introduced to parallel computational models and algorithms.

Pre-requisites:

• DATA 3000

This course introduces abstract data types, basic algorithm analysis, and fundamental data structures and their implementations . You’ll analyze the performance of an algorithm and apply searching and sorting algorithms. You’ll also implement ADTs list using an array and chain of linked nodes, and you’ll implement an ADT stack and queue using an array and a chain, explore the ADT dictionary. The course also explores the implementation of ADT binary trees, retain balance in binary trees, and ADT graphs.

Pre-requisites:

• CMPS 3000

User Interfaces are an essential part of any interactive software application. The students in this course will learn the design of user interfaces, principles of good interface design, human input, displaying complex data using graphics and virtual reality, modes and mode awareness problems. Additional topics include health issues, information overloads, special purpose graphics hardware, Interface design tools and online help systems.

This course outlines systems involving multiple variables with several linear equations by manipulating arrays of numbers using matrix algebra. Students will learn to perform matrix operations using determinants. Applications will be shown in geometry, vector spaces, linear transformations, natural science and data science.

Quantitative Methods will build analysis skills through the study of basic concepts in statistics, including: sampling; measurement of central tendency and variability; probability and probability distributions; random variables; estimation; hypothesis testing; small sample theory; analysis of variance; linear programming; and regression analysis.

Equivalents:

• STAT 220
• STAT 270

This course will examine intercultural communication and its relationship to personal, organizational and societal identity and influence. The ability to communicate with people from diverse cultures will promote increased understanding of cultural differences, challenge perceptions and develop tolerance for differences. Developing intercultural communication skills will enable you to work successfully and collaboratively in a global marketplace.

Equivalents:

• COMM 300

This course will expand students’ mathematical literacy into a variety of fields that support software development. Students will develop formal skills, including truth-functional logic (Boolean), proofs based on axiomatic systems and operations, and mathematical induction. The course explores set theory, discrete probability distributions and combinatoric counting principles for both finite and countably infinite sets. Additionally, students will create and interpret relations and graphical representations of data.

The philosophical study of morality - ethics - provides a foundation upon which laws and definitions of acceptable behaviour are built. Understanding the theory and application of ethical reasoning provides insight into the functioning and differences between societies. This comprehensive introduction to ethics will provide an overview of the major ethical schools of thought and their application to a diverse range of contemporary ethical questions.

This course will expand on the learner’s experience with critical thought and challenging of ideas and acquaint students to concepts of systems thinking. Emphasis will be on defining a systems perspective, solving problems with that perspective, describing and modeling a problem, and designing and improving upon system solutions.

Research Methodologies introduces you to the scientific method and its application in the research process. You will explore topics such as literature review, hypothesis formulation, research design, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, referencing, research report writing, and peer review. You will develop an ability to conduct research in an ethical and thorough manner using appropriate research strategies, and to critically assess the reliability and validity of common research tools.

From the smallest cell to the largest animal, this course examines the diversity and complexity of life as we know it on Earth. Using a phyletic classification system, you will learn about the similarities and differences that unite all life on this planet. You will trace the human lineage and learn about your shared heritage with the simplest of organisms. The relationships between taxonomic groups will be emphasized, and the characteristics that allow organisms to thrive in their ecosystems will also be explored using Darwinian evolution.

This course provides an introduction to the scientific process and the disciplines involved in understanding our global environment. The course will explore our human impacts on the earth’s atmosphere, water, soil and biotic systems. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to identify sustainable options to reduce our collective impact on the global environment. At the completion of the course students will be able to explain how human activities cause impacts to the environment and the changes required to move toward environmental sustainability.

In this course, you will examine the physiological and psychological aspects of health and wellness. Topics include physical fitness, musculoskeletal health and cardiorespiratory health; nutrition and weight management; mental health and stress management; infectious and chronic diseases; the effects of consumerism on health and health care; and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and healthy aging.

This course will give you a broad and first-hand experience of science. The goal is to explore the scientific method, the techniques through which it establishes its reliability, and current trends which suggest the shape that future science will take. In this course you will increase your awareness of science’s growing influence on how we understand the world, as well as how science’s history and underlying philosophical assumptions are essential to understanding why it is so successful.

The History of Architecture course introduces you to the chronological development of architecture from prehistory to Egyptian, Greek, Byzantine, Early Christian, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Industrial and Modern eras, highlighting the development of structural systems, materials, construction and other building systems. You will focus on developing an understanding of material use, styles of architecture and an appreciation of the unique architectural legacies of various cultures.

Critical Reading and Writing students explore a variety of literary and visual texts, and demonstrate an understanding of literature, primary and secondary material, and referencing techniques. Development and demonstration of skills in comprehension and critical analysis in written and oral assignments are required.

HUMN 2010 - Introduction to Humanities - offers insight into people and culture. We explore the artistic and philosophical legacies that have shaped our perspective as a contemporary society. We consider art, literature and music through an historical lens and interdisciplinary approach to understand how humanity has been molded. The emphasis will be on analysis and discussion of the concepts, critical reading of the texts, and persuasive writing and oral presentations of your ideas.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to fundamental skills in critical thinking. You will develop skills in identifying fallacies, evaluating formal arguments, and diagnosing the appropriate form of argumentation in a variety of areas, including science and morality. Your skills in argumentation will be honed both in evaluating others’ arguments and in making your own.

Equivalents:

• PHIL 241

Ethics in Technology provides an introduction to ethical theory as it applies to the assessment of current issues related to advancing information technology. Issues covered include intellectual property, network security and privacy focusing on ethical issues in both the fundamental problems and the approaches to mitigate or solve them.

Through readings, writing, discussion and analysis in this course, you will compare the thinking of some influential philosophers on topics such as knowledge, existence, the mind and morality with your own views. You will learn to formulate arguments and theories, examine them critically, and come to a better understanding of your own beliefs and their justification. You will also be better equipped to analyze and judge the theories of others, especially those of the philosophers studied in this course.

The focal point of Indigenous Studies is the wealth and diverse nature of Indigenous histories, languages and cultures, as well as contemporary challenges and opportunities. The course is intended to provide a conceptual framework that all learners can use to enhance their understanding of the Indigenous cultures in Canada.

Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings.

Equivalents:

• COMN 220
• COMM 1030

Introduction to Psychology introduces you to a variety of scientific approaches to the understanding of human behaviour. This course will challenge you to think critically about actions and decisions that involve assertions or underlying assumptions about human nature. The concepts studied in the course are applicable to both your personal life and to the workplace.

Introduction to Sociology will introduce learners to the study of society from a sociological perspective. Participants will consider social processes such as power and agency as well concepts of the individual, the family, and groups including community, culture, and work environments.

Using a multi-disciplinary approach, students will explore and examine popular culture as one of the most significant cultural and social agents in contemporary society. Learners will study the emergence of pop culture research and a range of diverse theoretical approaches including critical studies of gender, sexuality and race. Students will consider a variety of mediums such as music, video games, social media, art, film/television, fashion and celebrity. Finally, learners will study and reflect on the role of popular culture in the development of individual identity and group/community identity and action.

Cryptography refers to methods of secure communication in the presence of adversaries. In this course, you will review the history of cryptography and learn about classical, substitution, and permutation ciphers. You will be introduced to symmetric and asymmetric (public and private-key) encryption protocols, message authentications and digital signatures, and learn about their properties. The course concludes with an examination of security flaws and vulnerabilities of various cryptographical schemes.

Pre-requisites:

• CMPS 3000

The modern world deploys its software applications on the web, because of the web’s scale, reach, and ease of use. This course teaches students to design and create advanced web applications and services using widely used and powerful tools and frameworks. The major topic themes of this course include a study of the web as a programming platform, server and client programming techniques, multi-tier architectures, an introduction to data storage schemes, and an introduction to security.

Pre-requisites:

• CMPP 3020

This course will introduce students to the advanced principles of relational database design and database programming. The course also covers NoSQL database design and implementation for schema-less data store. Students will create a NoSQL database and apply operations to access and modify its content.

Pre-requisites:

• CMPP 3020

Entering the work force and succeeding in the workplace is strongly influenced by one’s ability to present information verbally, whether the intention is to inform, persuade, or influence. Building on communication concepts and skills learned earlier in the program, in this course you will continue to hone your presentation skills and develop your personal style to ensure you can meet the expectations of employers, clients, and other stakeholders in a variety of business contexts.

Pre-requisites:

• One of:
  • COMN 220
  • COMM 1070

Participants in this course will explore types of creative nonfiction (CNF), examining its history and development while recognizing its role in improving understanding of individual and cultural experiences. Students will also discuss using storytelling in the workplace and writing creative nonfiction as a means of empowerment.

Through critical reading, written responses, class discussion, and academic research of literary texts, you will develop an awareness of the form and content of short stories and novels from various world regions. You will also develop an appreciation of world literature and the historical, social, and cultural context in which the texts were created.

Pre-requisites:

• One of:
  • COMN 220
  • COMM 1070

In the 21st century, creative and innovative thought are essential skills. Creativity isn’t an innate ability that only artists are born with. Creativity and innovation are skills that can be learned and developed. In this course, participants will form an appreciation and understanding of creativity as a genre worthy of academic study. We will think about generative thought and the expression of emotion as part of the creative process. We will discuss the importance of taking risks and making mistakes as vital to innovative thought. We will consider the behaviors, techniques, and practical tools that students can use to nurture creativity and innovation. Learners from all disciplines will gain an understanding of how to integrate the processes of creativity and innovation into their professional and personal lives.

This course is a philosophical exploration of the nature and role of money in shaping our lives, our understanding of the world, and our lived experiences. After examining the history of money from its early forms as commodities to modern incarnations like cryptocurrency, we will look at how it is used and how it affects how people understand both the world around them and their own identity. We take up a philosophical lens to identify the metaphysical and ethical implications of what we do with money, and a monetary lens to look at philosophy and expand our understanding of what it means to exist and how our interactions using money shape our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the things that we value.

Pre-requisites:

• One of:
  • PHIL 241
  • PHIL 1011

The advancement of science and technology depends in a large part on the priorities and ambitions of society. By the same token scientific discoveries and the introduction of new technologies can have an impact on social structures and values. The complex interrelationship between these two forces will be explored in detail providing learners with the context to understand and evaluate our technologically-based society and the directions it might take.

In this course, you will examine the history of the Canadian workplace as well as contemporary issues that involve job satisfaction and alienation. You will study both Canadian and global employment trends. Business and political influences on the workforce, including technology use, labour laws, trade unions, and employment equity will also be explored.

Pre-requisites:

• One of:
  • SOCI 2010
  • SOCI 2020

Do you consider yourself a conformist or a deviant? Is one better than the other? Why? The circumstances in which you adhere to or ignore standards of socially-acceptable behaviour are complex and dynamic. In this course, you will investigate these situations by focusing on the workplace. You will examine the effects, both positive and negative, of conforming and divergent behaviour; learn how marginalizing factors such as gender, ethnicity, and disability relate to these behaviours; and analyze when and why it is important to comply with or challenge established norms.

Pre-requisites:

• One of:
  • SOCI 2010
  • SOCI 2020

This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional.

Pre-requisites:

• Completion of 30 credits