// you’re reading...

Education

Computer Science at Ryerson University

Computer Science at Ontario Universities
Subscribe to series.
Previously covered: Brock, Carleton, Guelph, Lakehead, Ryerson, Toronto

Inside computing centre building at Ryerson University

Ryerson University is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, and is only a short walk away from the University of Toronto campus. This medium sized, 24,000 student University is very urban, and spots a new (2004) George Vari Centre for Computing and Engineering building — home to the Department of Computer Science and the Computer Science program: 4 year regular or 5 year co-op. Bachelor of Science.

You will develop in-demand programming skills, and study algorithms, data structures, software development, computer architecture and hardware, and discrete mathematics. You can specialize in operating systems, distributed systems, robotics, data communication networks, compiler design, computer graphics, web applications, database systems, AI, multimedia systems, software engineering, computer security, or the theory of computation. If you’re interested in a career in science or engineering management, you can also specialize in management science.

That’s quite a number of options to appeal to various interests. That is always good.

The first year is trivial — Calculus, Discrete Math, Physics, and obviously Computer Science. The introduction starts off with C in a UNIX environment, delaying the object-oriented paradigm until the second year. This could mean a lesser learning curve to students with little computer science background. Then the programming skills are further developed through introduction to Java, C++ and “other in-demand programming languages”. The program seems to be hands-on with practice, but it also diversifies with the choice of technology, which is important for career-minded graduates.

Computing centre building at Ryerson University

The latter half of the program allows for electives from the above mentioned specializations.

Getting into Computer Science at Ryerson University requires courses out of specific sets. English and Advanced Functions are required. As as well one more science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + one more Math (Calculus or Data Management). The admission average is not specified, though a minimum average of 70% is still in play. There is also a supplementary application form available (and required for students outside of Ontario).

Personally, I would be interested in some of their Web Applications courses — but that’s my niche. Hopefully a 2 year introduction to Computer Science at Ryerson will be enough to figure out one’s interests.

Read more



Discussion

  1. Posted by Pavlin | January 21, 2008, 9:48 am

    I dont really say much in response to the regular articles that Tony writes but i do appreciate them. Tony i think you are doing a great job. Your articles are not only very informative and packed with actually useful information but they are easy to read and appealing.

    Keep up the good work

    Reply to comment

  2. Posted by Ali Dada | April 23, 2008, 8:34 pm

    Object oriented is introduced in first year (2 courses) using Java. First year also introduces UNIX (shell scripted included), and C.

    C, C-plus-plus, UML, SmallTalk is taught for second year

    3/4th years teach a variety on languages depending on the courses you take. But almost all students have to take courses which teach Prolog and Ruby.

    Reply to comment

  3. Posted by Tony | April 26, 2008, 9:49 pm

    The diversity of languages wasn’t apparent when I was researching Ryerson University, but I’m quite impressed by the variety. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply to comment

  4. Posted by changturkey | June 30, 2008, 2:51 pm

    Really good series for those interested in CS, will there be more “reviews” in the future?

    Reply to comment

  5. Posted by Tony | July 3, 2008, 1:31 am

    Yes, the series will be completed, at the very least for Ontario, though it might take some time. Check back, or subscribe to the blog. There’s also more activity regarding Computer Science and Universities on the forums.

    Reply to comment

  6. Posted by Brandon | September 30, 2020, 8:20 am

Post a comment

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>