Proposed calendar changes: CMPT Lower-Division simplification

Greg Baker, Director of Undergraduate Programs, School of Computing Science

May 17, 2007

Summary of Changes

This proposal removes the "writing" and "diversity" requirements from the CMPT lower-division.

Rationale

The spirit of the CMPT diversity requirements is now satisfied by the University-wide WQB requirements. The WQB requirements are not identical to the CMPT requirements being removed, but they are quite close. This will eliminate confusion among students as to what the "breadth" requirements are.

Revised Wording

[Changes highlighted]

Changes to CMPT Lower Division (p. 111, 2006/7)
CurrentProposed

Lower Division Requirements

Students who plan a major or honors in computing science must complete the courses listed below. It is suggested that students complete a recommended schedule of courses within the first two years.*

Courses

one of**
CMPT 125-3 Introduction to Computing Science and Programming II
CMPT 126-3 Introduction to Computing Science and Programming

and all of
CMPT 150-3 Introduction to Computer Design
CMPT 225-3 Data Structures and Programming
CMPT 250-3 Introduction to Computer Architecture
CMPT 275-4 Software Engineering I
MACM 101-3 Discrete Mathematics I
MACM 201-3 Discrete Mathematics II
MATH 151-3 Calculus I ***
MATH 152-3 Calculus II ***
MATH 240-3 Elementary Linear Algebra

one writing course

four external breadth courses (see www.cs.sfu.ca/ undergrad/Advising/ExternalBreadthList.html)

and one of
STAT 270-3 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I
BUEC 232-4 Data and Decisions I (with permission of an advisor)

49-53 credit hours

*see www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/programs_majors.html for recommended schedule

**to aid your choice, prior to registration, complete the self-evaluation test at www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/120-126/

***MATH 154/155 or MATH 157/158 with a grade of at least B+ may be substituted with permission of the School.

Lower Division Requirements

Students who plan a major or honors in computing science must complete the courses listed below. It is suggested that students complete a recommended schedule of courses within the first two years.*

Courses

one of**
CMPT 125-3 Introduction to Computing Science and Programming II
CMPT 126-3 Introduction to Computing Science and Programming

and all of
CMPT 150-3 Introduction to Computer Design
CMPT 225-3 Data Structures and Programming
CMPT 250-3 Introduction to Computer Architecture
CMPT 275-4 Software Engineering I
MACM 101-3 Discrete Mathematics I
MACM 201-3 Discrete Mathematics II
MATH 151-3 Calculus I ***
MATH 152-3 Calculus II ***
MATH 240-3 Elementary Linear Algebra

and one of
STAT 270-3 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I
BUEC 232-4 Data and Decisions I (with permission of an advisor)

34-38 credit hours

*see www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/programs_majors.html for recommended schedule

**to aid your choice, prior to registration, complete the self-evaluation test at www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/120-126/

***MATH 154/155 or MATH 157/158 with a grade of at least B+ may be substituted with permission of the School.

Writing Requirement

Students must complete one of

PHIL 100-3 Knowledge and Reality
PHIL 120-3 Introduction to Moral Philosophy
TECH 101-3 Fundamentals of Teamwork and Communication II
or any 100 division ENGL course

Diversity Requirements

Diversity requirements are met by selecting one course from the physical sciences list, one course from the social sciences list, and two from the liberal arts course list.

Physical Sciences

Students choose one of

BISC 100-4 Introduction to Biology
BISC 102-4 General Biology
CHEM 120-3 General Chemistry I
CHEM 121-4 General Chemistry and Laboratory I
CHEM 122-2 General Chemistry II
EASC 101-3 Physical Geology
GEOG 111-3 Physical Geography
KIN 142-3 Introduction to Kinesiology
PHYS 101-3 General Physics I
PHYS 102-3 General Physics II
PHYS 120-3 Modern Physics and Mechanics
PHYS 121-3 Optics, Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 125-3 Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYS 126-3 Electricity, Magnetism and Light

Social Sciences

Students choose one of

ARCH 105-3 The Evolution of Technology
CMNS 110-3 Introduction to Communication Studies
CMNS 130-3 Explorations in Mass Communication
CNS 160-3 The Social Background of Canada
COGS 100-3 Introduction to Cognitive Science
CRIM 101-3 Introduction to Criminology
ECON 103-3 Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 105-3 Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 100-3 Human Geography
HIST 106-3 Western Civilization from the Reformation Era to the 20th Century
POL 100-3 Introduction to Politics and Government
PSYC 100-3 Introduction to Psychology I
REM 100-3 Global Change
SA 101-4 Introduction to Anthropology (A)
SA 150-4 Introduction to Sociology (S)
TECH 114-3 History and Theory of Technology and Culture
WS 101-3 Introduction to Women's Issues in Canada

Liberal Arts

Two Liberal Arts courses must be selected from the list published at: www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/ExternalBreadthList.html

Students are encouraged to meet the SFU Undergraduate Degree Requirements (p. 7) for writing, quantitative, and breadth courses as early as possible in their degree.