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Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major

Regulations amended, effective September 1, 2022.

The Computing and Information Systems Major is designed for students who wish to develop and use computer-based systems in business, education, and other fields that require the processing, utilization, and management of information. Students will gain the requisite knowledge and skills in the analysis, design, and implementation of computer-based information systems for various organizations.

Planning your program

Online program plans assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill their program requirements.

AU has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Minors

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with major, can also declare a minor. Minors are available in:

  • Applied Mathematics Minor
  • Architecture Minor
  • Biology Minor
  • Business Administration Minor
  • Finance Management Minor
  • Game Design and Development Minor
  • Game Programming Minor
  • Geoscience Minor
  • Human Science Minor
  • Information Systems Management Minor
  • Learning Technology Minor
  • Physical Sciences Minor
  • Psychology Minor
  • Web Development Minor

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. Students will be exempted* from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) who have met one of the following criteria:

  • have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level;
    or
  • received credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.

*Note: the exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.

Students who hold a recognized first degree and who wish to obtain an AU undergraduate degree in a different subject area, will be enrolled under the second undergraduate degree regulations. These students may transfer in up to 50 per cent (60 credits) into the four-year degree program, based on course work in the first degree that is applicable. Preparatory (100 level) credits cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of a second undergraduate degree.

For student in the BSc program wishing to combine two majors, all requirements of both majors must be fulfilled. The choice of major may restrict course selection or require the completion of more than 120 credits. Those considering a double major should consult an AU program advisor for assistance.

Program structure

The following Program Structure section applies to all Bachelor of Science degrees with Major. Additional Requirements to the Major are found below and may override the general regulations.


program structure
Total credits in the program 120
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University 30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. 24

Minimum credits required

minimum credits required
Senior (300 or 400) level 72
Science credits 72
In the major (if selected) 45
In the major through Athabasca University 15
In the minor (if selected) 24
In the minor through Athabasca University 9
Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level) 45
Senior Science credits at 400 level 15
Social Science credits 6

Maximum credits allowed

maximum credits allowed
In any one Science discipline 75
Senior project credits (495/496) 12
At the preparatory (100) level 6
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits 30

Core course requirements

core course requirements
MATH 215
or
MATH 216		 Introduction to Statistics
or
Computer-oriented Approach to Statistics		 (3)
MATH 265

Introduction to Calculus I*

 (3)
  *(When selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor, MATH 265 may be replaced with MATH 270.)
COMP 200
or
COMP 210		 Introduction to Computing and Information Systems**
or
Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications		 (3)
  **(COMP 200 is required for students selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor.)
SCIE 326 Scientific Reasoning (3)
SCIE 480
or
COMP 494		 Research Methods in Science
or
Research Methods***		 (3)
  ***COMP 494 is required for students in the CIS major.
PHIL 333
or
PHIL 371		 Professional Ethics
or
Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment		 (3)
ENGL 255 Introductory Composition (see English writing skills requirement) (3)

Computing and Information Systems – specific requirements

In addition to the BSc program general requirements, a major in Computing and Information Systems involves the completion of 45 credits of core and elective courses.

The Computing and Information Systems major cannot be combined with the Computing minor or the Information Systems minor.

Core courses

(24 credits)

core courses
COMP 268 Introduction to Computer Programming (Java) (3)
COMP 272 Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
COMP 314 Operating Systems (3)
COMP 347 Computer Networks (3)
COMP 361 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
COMP 378 Introduction to Database Management (3)
COMP 482 Human Computer Interaction (3)
COMP 495* Computer and Information Systems Projects I (3)
  * COMP 495 must be taken with Athabasca University. Transfer credit will not be awarded. This course should be taken as the last course or set of courses in the program.  

Elective courses

(21 credits)

Students complete a minimum of 21 credits selected from the Computer Science (COMP) discipline. All 21 credits must be at the senior (300 or higher) level.

Up to three Athabasca University graduate-level computing courses can be taken to fulfill senior-level COMP electives. The courses are paced and have specific start dates. Please refer to the Graduate Academic Schedule for registration deadlines. If the graduate-level credit is used to fulfill a Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems requirement, it cannot be applied to another undergraduate or graduate degree. Please note that the fees for graduate-level courses differ from those of undergraduate courses. To register in a graduate-level course, please complete the printable undergraduate course registration form, and email it to fst_grad_success@athabascau.ca.

Courses excluded from this list include: COMP 601, COMP 695, COMP 692, COMP 693, COMP 696, COMP 697, COMP 698, COMP 699, COMP 676, COMP 677, COMP 678, COMP 679, and COMP 680.

Additional program regulations

  1. Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago and/or Science courses that are over 10 years old if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
  2. Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
  3. Students holding a science-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 10 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
  4. An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
  5. Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.
Information effective Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023.

Updated July 25, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/2022/ 9c56a7c10a2a55f3406c70626fcf8a86