Computer Science Canada

Computer Science and McMaster University

Author:  Superskull85 [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Computer Science and McMaster University

A user on these forums PM'd me asking how the Computer Science program at McMaster University (he read in the forums that I attended McMaster). So in response to him, and to any grade 12 student and/or any other post-secondary student wishing to transfer to Computer Science and are considering McMaster, I would like to share my opinion about the program available at McMaster. Now I, myself, just entered first year in September so I won't be to share my thoughts about the complete program, but I can update as I go along.

I won't quote to many facts as they can be found by reading through McMaster's website (http://www.mcmaster.ca). However, I will share my opinions from a students perspective. If there is any other questions you may have about McMaster, I can try my best to answer them, or share my thoughts about.

Student Life

Like most universities, McMaster offers on-campus residence. I think there about 11 or 12 residence buildings in total. They are mostly in the same location so travel between residence buildings shouldn't take that long. I believe you would be able to choose from a person bedroom to I think a 4 or 5 person bedroom. There is also a female-only residence building (I don't know about male-only) if any female wants to live on-campus in a more closed environment.

The rooms in my residence building (McKay) are for both male and female students, and are mostly two person bedrooms (with the exception of I think just the Community Advisors). For a two person bedroom they are of a fair size, but of course they will not give you the flexibility of an actual apartment/house. On each floor of McKay there is a common room (where students can go to socialize, watch TV, study, etc.) and one kitchen. We are allowed to have a small fridge in our rooms, so if you need a place to store any kind of food/drink than you will be able to do that.

You are required to purchase a meal plan if you decide to live in residence. My meal plan was about $2900 (which is about $20-$25 a day) However, there are smaller and larger plans you can pick from, and you can add more to it if you wish latter on.

As for on campus food, there are many small cafe's within a lot of study buildings so if you need a quick meal, or coffee, you can visit one of them on your way to class and get what you need to "survive" your lectures/tutorials. For more complete meals there is the Commons Marketplace that serves a wider variety of food including: fast food, pizza and pasta, sandwiches, Asian-style, vegetarian, etc. Commons Marketplace is pretty close to most residence buildings, so if you need to get a meal quickly during study periods you should be able to. On the other hand, if you want more fancy dinning experience, or need a place to party, you can find those on campus too.

McMaster has about 3 libraries on campus that you can use to study, or get information. Some students (like me) like to study in their rooms, or in the common room, but if you need a more quiet place to study you can go to one of McMaster's libraries. If you need a more open, but still not entirely quiet, you can go to McMaster's Student Center (MUSC) where you can find some lounges on the second floor.

So far I haven't had to travel to far away from McKay to get to my classes (about 5-10 minutes or so). However, there are some buildings that may take you 10-15 minutes to get to from residence depending on how fast you walk, and how close your residence building is to University Avenue (the street within the McMaster campus that most buildings are around).

My tuition was about $7000 excluding my meal plan and any extra costs.

Classes

The Computer Science program is a direct-entry program listed under the Engineering facility. The program itself counts for 30 units, 15 of which is required (4 courses) and 15 available for electives.

As Computer Science is apart of the Engineering facility you are required to take an engineering safety (ENGINEER 1A00) course before you graduate, and you will need to take Engineering Mathematics 1 (MATH 1Z04) and Engineering Mathematics 2 (MATH 1ZZ5) as two of your required courses. The Engineering Safety course does not count towards the total number of units you need to take, and is a pass/fail course. The other required courses are Introduction to Programming (COMP SCI 1MD3) and Mathematics for Computing (COMP SCI 1FC3). You can pick your electives from this list: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/CALENDAR/current/pg103.html.

So far the only required courses I have been taking are Engineering Mathematics 1 (MATH 1Z04) and Introduction to Programming (COMP SCI 1MD3).

COMP SCI 1MD3 should be fairly easy for anyone that has taken Computer Science courses in high school. My instructor for this course was Professor F. Franek and uses Java as the language of choice. Professor Franek is a pretty good instructor, but his tests and exams can be tricky if you have not studied the material properly (ei. not just memorizing everything). His tests and exams are partly multiple choice, and partly programming (written), questions. He likes to provide multiple choice questions that force you to actually think of an answer (which is of course good for learning).

The course overall is really not that bad so far. It focuses on the theory of Computer Science (programming) and Professor Franek demonstrates that using Java. The course goes over when variables are, what statements are (if statements, loops, assignment, etc.), what methods are, what objects and classes are and ends with more complex topics such as searching and sorting. Professor Franek uses the ACM framework to help demonstrate these concepts. It is a very easy-to-use, simple and elegant environment to work with.

Class sizes for this course are pretty small. I would say about 80 or so students are in my section (not really sure if there are multiple sections).

Engineering Mathematics 1 is the more challenging course if you have taken Computer Science courses in high school. My instructor for this course was Professor K. Schulze; which again a pretty good instructor in my opinion. If you took Calculus and Vectors in grade 12 you may find that some of the material in the beginning is easier than you may have suspected. However, depending on how you were taught Calculus you may find it hard dealing with limits a lot in the beginning (my Calculus teacher did not focus too much on limits after derivatives came into play; this course emphasis' the importance of limits a lot more).

You will find some overlapping topics compare to Calculus and Vectors in high school which including limits, derivatives and curve sketching, but (at least for me) you will also find some unique topics including hyperbolic functions (cosh, sinh, tanh, etc.), implicit differentiation, differential equations and our most recent topic, sigma notation. Tests for this course are also multiple choice, so you won't have to show a full solution/proof, but because of this you really need to know how to solve a variety of problems. However, you are given a bunch of suggested problems and if you need help there are a lot of resources you can take advantage of. So far, there have been no questions on our tests that involve solving a problem, but that doesn't mean you should skip problem solving all together as it useful for Computer Science in general.

The class size for this course is about 900 students, so it is quite big.

I don't want to scare anyone away just because of the math portion, but if you do struggle in math you will most likely have to study that a lot more. However, if you are good at Computer Science than you may have more time to do so. Smile

I haven't taken COMP SCI 1FC3 or MATH 1ZZ5 yet, but from the course descriptions:

COMP SCI 1FC3:

"Introduction to logic and proof techniques; functions, relations, and sets; counting; trees and graphs; concepts are illustrated using computational tools."

MATH 1ZZ5:

"The definite integral, techniques of integration, parametrized curves, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, complex numbers, vector spaces, systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, applications."

I will share my thoughts about those courses when I take them.

There are some other non-required Computer Science courses that you can take. These include: Computer Based Problem Solving (COMP SCI 1MA3) and Elementary Computer Use (COMP SCI 1TA3). From the course outlines:

COMP SCI 1MA3:

"A first course in computer science, focusing on the practice of problem solving, in the context of interesting software applications. Problem formulation, problem decomposition, procedural formulation of problem solution."

COMP SCI 1TA3:

"Organization of microcomputers (hardware and operating systems) and overview of computer communications; introduction to information exchange using word processing/presentation software, the Internet and Web pages; problem solving using electronic spreadsheets and database applications."

I was unable to take COMP SCI 1MA3 as it was full, but I would recommend taking all four Computer Science courses as they will get you better prepared for what McMaster (and probably other universities) offer in future years. I haven't take COMP SCI 1TA3 yet, but I will make an update when I do (second term).

Other than that you are free to select any course from this list http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/CALENDAR/current/pg103.html as one of your electives. If you want some fun, relaxed or helpful classes I would recommend taking GREEK 1Z03 and PSYCH 1X03. Dr. D. McLean teaches GREEK 1Z03 and by far he connects with the students a lot more, and tries to make his classes fun for the students. However, GREEK 1Z03 focuses on Ancient Greek, as opposed to Modern Greek, so you will probably not be able to use your knowledge to communicate too well to Greek speaking citizens. The class size for this course is pretty small; about 60 students in total.

PSYCH 1X03 is an online Psychology course that has helped me get prepared for research papers (I don't think you will have to do this in first Computer Science, but it helps for the future) and at the same time allows for flexibility. As the lectures are online you are not required to come to any class. However, you do have to come to once a week tutorial, and there are biweekly quizes (6 questions) that you have to take. Overall it has been a good course to take. There are a lot of students registered currently in this course (I think about 3200) so you will most likely be able to find other students to study with (which can make it easier to handle).

You do have the option to take part in a co-op program if you want hands-on experience.

Conclusion

Overall McMaster is a good university to study at. I am not able to compare McMaster to other universities, but I can say that McMaster had more to offer than I thought it did.

If anyone has any other questions about McMatser, please feel free to ask them. Smile

Author:  changturkey [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

So the math is doable, it's just that if you weren't the strongest in high school, you may struggle?

Author:  Superskull85 [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Yes. If you are able to enter the course with at least a good understanding of the basic concepts you can focus more on how to use those concepts to solve problems, and come up with the right answer. Depending on your other courses you may find it hard to do this effectively, while also keeping up with your other courses.

What I think makes the course harder is that tests are all multiple choice. You will not get part marks for solutions, so you really need to know the material, and how to effectively apply it.

As long as you know how to solve problems without memorizing the solution (you should know how to take the derivative of function, how to calculate limits, etc. but not the entire solution) I think you will do well.

My opinion of the course is based on my transition from high school to university. So my evaluation of the course includes the change in workload. However, if you already know how to deal with university workloads, than you may find the course easier to handle. Smile

Author:  changturkey [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

How did you do in Calc and Functions in H.S? Also, are there any labs?

Author:  Superskull85 [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

I wasn't the best at Calculus in high school, but I understood enough of the concepts, and was able to apply my knowledge to most problems I had to solve. Coming to university though, I have found that the course deals with a lot of functions involving exponentials, which I find challenging compared to the polynomials I had to deal with in high school.

There are labs, but they are not scheduled on your timetable. Instead, they are more like an assignment that you can do at any time during the assessment period. Maple 11 is used for the labs, and, so far, the labs have showed us how to use Maple to solve Calculus related problems. For example, finding the derivative of complex functions, calculating intersections; points of inflection; turning points; etc. and being able to graph these functions using Maple.

There are no scheduled tutorials either. Instead, my professor uses the Friday of every week as a problem session where he will go over any questions the students might have.

Author:  tommyboy_14 [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

If you wouldn't mind, could you possibly post your gr 12 marks, or just give a general sense of the admission averages? Also, how does Mcmaster look at extra curriculars? Thanks

Author:  Superskull85 [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:58 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Admission averages:

http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/forms/canad.php

I think the average rose about 3% from last year. As for me my overall average was in the lower 80's. I don't believe McMaster weighs admission based on any particular mark, just as long as you meet the admission average (don't quote me on this).

Also it seems Calculus and Vectors is now a required course for Computer Science now, which is good as it will help for Engineering Mathematics 1.

When I applied I did not have to prove that I had any extra curriculars, so I don't think McMaster looks at extra curriculars that much (if at all). I don't know for sure so don't take my word for it.

By the way here are some additional links regarding Computer Science at McMatser:

Author:  HARMonizer [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

If anyone is curious about 1MA3, there are a few things to consider. This course is not something that is particularly difficult in general, but it does require on-the-spot problem solving skills. The tests are not very difficult, and are actually quite short (between 3 and 5 questions to be done in 50 minutes), but you must apply a great amount of problem solving, as suggests the course's title. The majority of the class is spent on the creation and application of algorithms, and you learn Python coding language along the way, which is sort of a no-brainer.

Now, I will mention that the course started off with a little over 100 students. After we started moving on from number base conversions (which is also extremely easy) to algorithms, quite a few students dropped the course and we went to about 95 students. The first midterm's average grade was a failing grade, but I believe that it was mostly due to the fact that the students didn't really know what to expect. The second midterm covered almost the exact same material, yet the average was a 75%. I'm assuming this is because 49 students dropped the course... Meaning that only the determined ones were left.

Don't let this intimidate you, though. Honestly, not much material is covered throughout the term and there should only be one or two somewhat easy assignments along the way. You just have to make sure you can quickly solve problems and be able to create solutions in a step-by-step manner. Also, there's a lab and tutorial each week for the class, and they are usually worth going to. You cover most of the Python material in those classes, and may learn a thing or two about longer problem solving, but you can definitely skip them every once in a while. Razz

Aside from base conversions and algorithmic study, a bit of computer architecture (basic stuff, i.e. how computer components work, but at the most basic level) is covered as well. Dr. Sekerinski usually teaches this course, and he is a very knowledgeable professor. Taking this course really does help with 1MD3 in the sense that any problem solving you do in 1MA3 will sometimes even directly help in the assignments from 1MD3.

If I were to say anything about McMaster's computer science program in general, I would have to say that it seems very applicable and quite easy. In saying that, it is quite slow to start. I did not take any computer science courses in high school and I am able to stay very far ahead in the classes. 1MD3 uses Java as an example language, and you could probably cover all of the material in one day without a problem (all of the notes are on Dr. Franek's website at the beginning of the term). My only complaint is that the first year surely does not seem to prepare you for a co-op placement in the first summer term. I am not completely sure about that, but I feel as if I have to do a lot of learning on my own in the beginning to ensure that I can do the placement this summer, though a first-year co-op is not really necessary seeing that you only need 12 months of co-op to graduate (i.e. 3 summer terms).

Overall, great course and great program. I recommend highly to anyone pursuing the field.

Author:  Superskull85 [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Doesn't 1FC3 also cover numbers in different bases? I remember talking to a student that took that course, and said it covers hexadecimal numbers. I haven't taken the course yet (next term I will be though) so I am not quite sure if the course covers numbers in different bases or not.

I would definately say that first year Computer Science courses are pretty easy, but I think that may be because McMaster is trying to make sure students have enough knowledge to continue with the program.

Regarding coop I do not think any first year student would be properly prepared to take a junior level job, and employers excepting coop students should know this. Depending on your course load you should be able to extend your knowledge of computers on your own using resources you can find on the Internet. If you want some programming books I saw some at Titles (the bookstore at McMaster) that may be able to help you out. I think there were about 4 "programming for dummies" books (no offence implied).

I personally like the easy going of first year, as it gives me the ability to think about my future, get up to speed with how the university works, get a feel about how I should approach university, etc. Of course ones choice in universities greatly depends on their personal needs.

Author:  changturkey [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

I have a friend in Engineering I at Mac, and he's not having the greatest time with the Eng. Math I. He was probably one of the better math students at my school (better than myself anyways). Should I be discouraged? (and yeah, I know one of my above posts is very similar to this.)

Author:  Superskull85 [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

I think that if you are willing to work hard, and are able to cope with writing multiple choice tests than you should gives the program a shot. As long as you know how to solve the problems, and are able to explain why the solution to a problem is correct, than you should do fine.

Like I said all the tests are multiple choice, so if you make one mistake in your calculations it could mean the difference between the right answer, and a wrong answer that appears in your list of answers.

I don't want to say that you should be discouraged, but at the same time I would exercise caution if you were not that great at math.

As long as you are able to understand, and apply, the theory to most problems you should be okay. You should not be memorizing the solutions to problems too much. For example knowing that the derivative of x^2 is 2x is great, but unless you know why the solution is correct you would probably not be able to differentiate more complicated expressions.

If this were high school I would say give it a shot, and if you had trouble with the course than you could just not pursue that specific topic. However, I know that university costs money, and if you do struggle in a course you could end up wasting money.

I would try to get in contact with other Engineering students at McMaster (if possible) or try contacting some of the professors teaching Eng. Math 1 (I don't which professors are teaching Eng. Math 2) and see if they have any other opinions about the course(s).

Here's a link to the course outline for Eng. Math 1: http://www.math.mcmaster.ca/childsa/1z04/outline.html

You will find the e-mail addresses of each professor teaching the course, and also find out more information about how the tests that we wrote so far (find the link for suggested problems 1-4, and look at the sample tests).

Hopefully you can find out more about the course, and its difficulty. Smile

Author:  changturkey [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

Last question; do they restrict you from moving on to Level II if you don't meet certain requirements?

Author:  HARMonizer [ Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

Yes, 1FC3 does cover a lot of the math-related material that is covered in 1MA3, such as number base conversion and logic theory (though the latter is not very complicated in 1MA3, and after looking at some of the previous 1FC3 course material, it doesn't seem very complicated or thorough in there either). 1MA3 just mostly stresses the algorithmic nature of programming, and covers a little bit of everything aside from that.

And yes, there are restrictions that disallow you from continuing into a Level II program, though they aren't very harsh. You basically just have to pass 1MD3, 1FC3, and the two math courses, 1Z04 and 1ZZ5. Even if you only pass each with a 50%, I believe you can still continue on into Level II. Apparently you only need a CA of 4.0 to pass into Level II, so yes, just a pass in all courses (including your electives) should suffice. Also, it depends on whether you're wanting to continue into Honours Computer Science or Business Informatics. If you are trying for the business portion, there are an additional two requisite courses you must pass, I believe.

Personally, I'm just very excited to go into second year. I mean, the easygoing nature of Level I Comp Sci is nice, but I'd like to be able to go beyond what I'm easily able to find on the internet. But since it is easygoing, I can take a good portion of time learning languages on my own. Currently, I'm trying to learn C++ and Java, which are, thankfully, quite similar. EA Games co-op requires both those languages... Hopefully it all works out.

Author:  Kam [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

I was just reading this thread and you guys make McMaster sound really interesting to be in. I'm in grade 12 right now and I was considering McMaster for my third university choice, but before I make a final decision, could you lighten me up by answering a few questions?

I've read from somewhere that you need to take some kind of english course (or test?)... not that it really bothers me, but is it true?

another question: for the engineering courses you must have credits on before graduating, the engineering safety course you were taking about... for anyone that has took this course... what was the main focus of this course ? For the engineering math, is it all mathematics (ie. calculus) or does it involve the sciences as well? Do you like that course in terms of workload and actual understanding and applications of the things you learn in there?

I've been wanting to apply to the computer science programs in McMaster, but the fact that you need to take engineering courses makes me feel uncomfortable.

Author:  Superskull85 [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

I did not have to take a special English course (aside from the usual grade 12 English course), or any test to get into the program. However, if you are referring to the test during faculty day, it is really just a "scare you, not important at all" kind of test. The minute you start writing the test you realize that it is not real as students are constantly interrupting the test, and the supervisors are acting strange. Anyways, it is nothing to worry bout, and, unless it was changed for this year, there is no special course or test you have to take.

The Engineering Safety course is a non-credit course that you have to take before graduate. I have not taken the course as it shows up on my timetable as "to be announced." The only other Engineering course you take in first year are Engineering Mathematics 1 and 2, which really just focus on applying mathematics to more technical fields as opposed to science or more mathematical fields. Overall I would say that Engineering Mathematics 1 applied the mathematics similar to any regular math class except it gives you some applications towards more technical aspects. For example, thinking of functions as machines (you give the machine some input, and it does something with that input; just like a mathematical function).

First year Computer Science at McMaster is really an introductory program. McMaster assumes that any student entering the program has not taken any Computer Science related courses, and knows very little about how computers work. For this reason, the courses you take in first year can be pretty slow. Therefore, if you have taken Computer Science courses before, or know a thing or two about programming and computers, than you may find the workload pretty easy to deal with.

Because first year focuses on introducing Computer Science you would use the knowledge gained in first year to progress through the rest of the program. I would not expect any first year Computer Science at McMaster to know how to apply their knowledge properly, because first year students are assumed to know nothing about Computer Science.

If you have taken Computer Science courses before you probably already know one or two major applications of Computer Science. However, if you have not taken any Computer Science courses than I would suggest that if you do apply to McMaster and decide to attend the university, that you focus on learning the foundations and worry about the applications latter on.

The only similarities you have in common with first year engineers are the two math courses, and the safety course (for Business Informatics I think you may have one two courses in common with some first year engineers). Most of your first year timetable will be filled with electives. So you get to choose a lot of the courses you take in first year. I would suggest using your electives to check out possible minors you might declare, as you do have quite a few courses you can choose as electives.

Don't be afraid of the program just because you will be taking some Engineering based courses. You will still be focusing on Computer Science, even though the program is apart of the Engineering faculty.

Overall I have liked first year, even though have only taken on Computer Science so far. Smile

Author:  Kam [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:11 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Thanks for the reply. I have more questions:
1) Do you guys get one big projects (ie. summatives) for the courses you've taken?
2) Have you had any trouble so far with McMaster? (trouble being experiencing difficulty in terms of the workload, difficult profs/confusing lectures, lack of student motivation, bad peers, etc.)
3) You've already had more than a year of experience at McMaster, so could you go over briefly what you liked about the first year computer science course, and what you didn't like (I know it's a introductory course and that the course itself may move very slowly, but is it compensated by challenge problems profs assign to you?)
4) I am applying for the computer science programs (both co-op) at Waterloo and UofT, and I was planning to apply to McMaster as well but like I said above, the mandatory engineering courses is scaring me off from choosing McMaster. Could you approximate how much more difficult these engineering courses are compared to the computer science course? I don't mind the math, in fact, I'd prefer majoring in both computer science and math.

Author:  Superskull85 [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

Before I answer your questions, I want to clarify that I have only had one term experience at McMaster so far, but I have liked it so far. Sorry if my previous posts were misleading.

1) Non of the courses I've taken so far have required us to submit one big project. However, I did have to do several assignments throughout the semester (4 in Introduction to Programming (1MD3), 5 in Engineering Mathematics 1 (1Z04) and some in my electives (Physics 1L03, Greek 1Z05 and Psychology 1X03)).

2) I haven't had too much trouble with required courses, only with some of my electives (for example in Physics 1L03 some students just did not want to do any work on a lot of the assignments, and looked to others for answers). Overall I would say that there are no serious problems I had with workload, professors or students, though I have found that the more social students seem to have more problems with university overall than other less social students. However, I think this is more due to how students generally approach university, and not just a trend at McMaster.

3) Like I said at the beginning I have only completed term so far. Introduction to Programming (1MD3) did not really challenge me too much, but that may be because of the amount of knowledge of Computer Science I had before entering first year. Based on the feedback from the Teaching Assistants I can reasonably say that some students have found some of the assignments tricky. I cannot say for certain if this course represents the level of difficulty for all first Computer Science courses, as I have only taken the one so far.

4) If you don't mind the math than the only Engineering course you have to worry about is the safety course, which I don't have an opinion as I have not taken it yet. I would say that for me Engineering Mathematics is the hardest first year course that is required for you to take. However, if you are good at both math and general programming than you should be able to handle Engineering Mathematics 1 (1Z04) and Introduction to Programming (1MD3) fairly well.

Really the only courses that you have in common with first year Engineers are the two math courses and the safety course. You don't have to take Physics, Chemistry, any Engineering design courses, or pretty much anything related to Engineering except for the two math courses. I wouldn't worry about the Engineering courses too much, as you will still be focusing on Computer Science and not Engineering.

If you don't mind me asking, why are the Engineering courses scaring you away from applying to McMaster?

Author:  Kam [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Thanks for the quick reply. The main reason why I'm not really fond with engineering is because most universities generally have a high mark average of acceptance for them. (I know this sounds a little stupid, the other main reason is because I do not know much about engineering overall). I have other minor reasons such as when I took computer engineering at grade 10 and 11. (I know it's not entirely engineering but it is partly so in terms with computer hardware). I found out during grade 11 that I enjoy and do well programming on the computer rather than working on the physical computer components. (as well as wiring circuits).

If my previous posts seem to get you to think that I absolutely hate engineering... I don't really, it's just that I wouldn't really put it in my top favourite subjects (ie. just like when you're good at sciences, but not in history, you wouldn't like history).

Author:  Superskull85 [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:40 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Even though Computer Science is under the Faculty of Engineering it is very much geared towards software and little hardware. Like I mentioned before, the majority of mandatory Engineering courses are just math courses, and safety course which all students in the Faculty of Engineering have to take.

McMaster has a 78-80 percent admission average for Computer Science, so it is high, but not too high.

I don't want to force you to pick McMaster as your third choice, but I just wanted to clear up any concerns you may have with the program so that you can make a decision based on the Computer Science program and not because it is listed under the Faculty of Engineering. Smile

Author:  Kam [ Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:54 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Superskull85, thanks for all the info you've provided me with. From your opinion, and from a few of my other friends I asked today and yesterday, I'll probably choose McMaster as my third choice for university. Thanks for all the help you've done Wink

Author:  changturkey [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

What is the co-op sequence like?

Author:  Superskull85 [ Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

Now that I have nearly completed my last three course in the Computer Science course at McMaster University, I wanted to share my thoughts concerning these courses, and how my year went overall.

MATH 1ZZ5 (Engineering Mathematics 2):

Content-wise, this course contains brand new topics not covered in any High School mathematics course (at least the ones I was able to take). This year at least, it contains topics such as integrals (area under/between a curve, volume, arc length, surface area, etc), parameterized curves, polar graphs, multi-variable functions, etc. and explains the calculus of new ways of expressing graphs. Unlike in MATH 1Z04 (Engineering Mathematics 1) this material should be new and relatively challenging.

The course so far is not that hard, as long you understood the concepts you learned in MATH 1Z04. However, because you introduced to new ways of expressing graphs, you may have a harder time to adjusting to new content, but the calculus applied to the graphs is similar to that of graphs consisting of only 2 cartesian (sp?) variables. You should do reasonably well in this course, as you long as you did well in MATH 1Z04.

COMP SCI 1FC3 (Mathematics for Computing):

This explains a form of mathematics (or logic) that is very different than you may be used to. You will study topics such as propositional logic, boolean algebra, quantification, what an expressions and theorems really are, etc. If you have programmed before you probably have used some of this material already. For example, when forming an if statement you write an expression that would be checked for its "truth" value, if the value is true the program will do one thing, if the value is false the program will do another thing. A counted loop could be expressed using a quantification, and when you debug code you will usually check if your expressions are returning the right value, or that your variables are being assigned the right type. You will learn how to do all of this using a mathematical style.

A word of caution before you begin studying this material. Do not think that just because you are good at traditional mathematics (such the Calculus you learn in High School) that you will do well in this course. The content you learn in this course is very different, and often you have to be very precise when presenting solutions (or proofs).

The workload is pretty heavy if you do all of the work the professor suggests (this includes are assignment and exercise questions, and proofs of the axioms and theorems in the textbook), but it is doable. There were weekly assignments this term, so you will be constantly doing proofs of various axioms and theorems, which should prepare you for the midterms and exam. My first midterm in this course was not that bad at all, and contained few questions. However, because you have to proof theorems, one question does take a bit to do (developing a working proof and presenting it well).

I personally enjoy this course a lot, and look forward to the rest of the content. This is one of the mandatory courses that you would have to take.

COMP SCI 1TA3 (Elementary Computing And Computer Use):

This course focuses on how to use computers, and how computers function. It covers topics such as how data is represented in a computer, how computers can be used to do things, how information is transmitted over networks, how a computer works on hardware and software level, etc.

The course is meant to educate non-tech savvy students, on how to use a computer effectively. Because of this, other non Computer Science students can take this course, and it may be boring to a Computer Science student. However, if you do not know that much of how a computer actually works, or you want to make sure you know, I would take this course if you can. Before beginning this course I did know a good deal of how computers work, but I was able to learn even more about computers, and this has helped me a lot.

Now this term the course did not have any midterms. Instead it had weekly quizzes, assignments and one exam. This may be a bad thing if you prefer having a final exam that is work a little bit less. The assignments focus on how to use software such spreadsheets and databases.

Overall, if you want to more about computers, I would take this course.

---------------------------------------------------

I have enjoyed my first year at McMaster in Computer Science, and learned, what I think, will be very useful in to me in my studies. I will be continuing my Computer Science studies at McMaster, so if you have not already applied to universities, and are going to do so for next year, I will provide my insight of second year Computer Science next year.

Course selection for upper year students I believe starts soon, and I think first year students have to select their by July sometime. So if you have chosen McMaster as the university you want to go for Computer Science, I would encourage you to take all four first year Computer Science courses.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Smile

P.S.

changturkey @ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:35 am wrote:
What is the co-op sequence like?


I haven't gone through the co-op sequence that much other than completing the required course. I can't give you too much information on that topic.

Sorry of the really late response, but it seems I did not see this question around the time you posted it.

Author:  hammad [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Computer Science and McMaster University

Superskull85 @ Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:29 pm wrote:
Now that I have nearly completed my last three course in the Computer Science course at McMaster University, I wanted to share my thoughts concerning these courses, and how my year went overall.

MATH 1ZZ5 (Engineering Mathematics 2):

Content-wise, this course contains brand new topics not covered in any High School mathematics course (at least the ones I was able to take). This year at least, it contains topics such as integrals (area under/between a curve, volume, arc length, surface area, etc), parameterized curves, polar graphs, multi-variable functions, etc. and explains the calculus of new ways of expressing graphs. Unlike in MATH 1Z04 (Engineering Mathematics 1) this material should be new and relatively challenging.

The course so far is not that hard, as long you understood the concepts you learned in MATH 1Z04. However, because you introduced to new ways of expressing graphs, you may have a harder time to adjusting to new content, but the calculus applied to the graphs is similar to that of graphs consisting of only 2 cartesian (sp?) variables. You should do reasonably well in this course, as you long as you did well in MATH 1Z04.

COMP SCI 1FC3 (Mathematics for Computing):

This explains a form of mathematics (or logic) that is very different than you may be used to. You will study topics such as propositional logic, boolean algebra, quantification, what an expressions and theorems really are, etc. If you have programmed before you probably have used some of this material already. For example, when forming an if statement you write an expression that would be checked for its "truth" value, if the value is true the program will do one thing, if the value is false the program will do another thing. A counted loop could be expressed using a quantification, and when you debug code you will usually check if your expressions are returning the right value, or that your variables are being assigned the right type. You will learn how to do all of this using a mathematical style.

A word of caution before you begin studying this material. Do not think that just because you are good at traditional mathematics (such the Calculus you learn in High School) that you will do well in this course. The content you learn in this course is very different, and often you have to be very precise when presenting solutions (or proofs).

The workload is pretty heavy if you do all of the work the professor suggests (this includes are assignment and exercise questions, and proofs of the axioms and theorems in the textbook), but it is doable. There were weekly assignments this term, so you will be constantly doing proofs of various axioms and theorems, which should prepare you for the midterms and exam. My first midterm in this course was not that bad at all, and contained few questions. However, because you have to proof theorems, one question does take a bit to do (developing a working proof and presenting it well).

I personally enjoy this course a lot, and look forward to the rest of the content. This is one of the mandatory courses that you would have to take.

COMP SCI 1TA3 (Elementary Computing And Computer Use):

This course focuses on how to use computers, and how computers function. It covers topics such as how data is represented in a computer, how computers can be used to do things, how information is transmitted over networks, how a computer works on hardware and software level, etc.

The course is meant to educate non-tech savvy students, on how to use a computer effectively. Because of this, other non Computer Science students can take this course, and it may be boring to a Computer Science student. However, if you do not know that much of how a computer actually works, or you want to make sure you know, I would take this course if you can. Before beginning this course I did know a good deal of how computers work, but I was able to learn even more about computers, and this has helped me a lot.

Now this term the course did not have any midterms. Instead it had weekly quizzes, assignments and one exam. This may be a bad thing if you prefer having a final exam that is work a little bit less. The assignments focus on how to use software such spreadsheets and databases.

Overall, if you want to more about computers, I would take this course.

---------------------------------------------------

I have enjoyed my first year at McMaster in Computer Science, and learned, what I think, will be very useful in to me in my studies. I will be continuing my Computer Science studies at McMaster, so if you have not already applied to universities, and are going to do so for next year, I will provide my insight of second year Computer Science next year.

Course selection for upper year students I believe starts soon, and I think first year students have to select their by July sometime. So if you have chosen McMaster as the university you want to go for Computer Science, I would encourage you to take all four first year Computer Science courses.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Smile

P.S.

changturkey @ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:35 am wrote:
What is the co-op sequence like?


I haven't gone through the co-op sequence that much other than completing the required course. I can't give you too much information on that topic.

Sorry of the really late response, but it seems I did not see this question around the time you posted it.


thanks alot sir, great info you gave, can i ask few more questions if you don't mind ?

Author:  Superskull85 [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:31 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Sure. Ask any question you like. Smile

Author:  hammad [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

Superskull85 @ Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:31 am wrote:
Sure. Ask any question you like. Smile


thanks bro Smile

actually i am in a dilemma , I got acceptance into Mac computer science [coop] for this year but on the other side I also got acceptance into

Chem engineering at ryerson [with coop]

computer engineering at guelph and york

electrical engineering at ryerson

And Computing at Queens.

So I just wanted to know which is the best course and option for me. pay wise, Job market wise and all that. Which degree has most value, Like if I have to choose between Chem engineering or computer engineering and Computer science [coop] which according to you is the best option. Hope I am not taking your time , thanks for help once again

Author:  Superskull85 [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Computer Science and McMaster University

I'm not the person you should be asking concerning this questions. I never did any research on any other topic expect for Computer Science when I applied for university. I knew what I wanted to do for a career, so I applied to that only.

Maybe if you make a new topic you might be able to get your questions answered. However, a coop option will allow you to gain real life experience (and money) during summer breaks (or if you choose an interim, during half years or a full year). Smile

Author:  napwressyrisp [ Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Computer Science and McMaster University

Hi, Just wondering if there will be any Bachelor/Master Degrees of Information Technology or Computer Science available at Ashworth in near future?

Author:  napwressyrisp [ Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Computer Science and McMaster University

I have the latest FF, can I just drop the OOS logger into my python folder and expect it to work?


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