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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Computational Science program and a program in Computer Science?

Short Answer: The Computational Science academic program plans offered by the Faculty of Science are essentially science-based, but with a set of required mathematics and computer science courses to provide the necessary mathematics and CS background to enable students to apply computer science concepts to scientific problems. Computer Science plans, offered by the Faculty of Mathematics, are concerned more specifically with the discipline of computer science itself, and are essentially mathematics-based, with only a smattering of science courses.

Long Answer: The Computational Science academic program plans offered by the Faculty of Science comprise sets of courses that provide both the computer science foundations needed in order to carry out serious computational work together with an in-depth coverage of one or more of the physical sciences. All plans in this program have a set of five core Computer Science (CS) courses that provide students with all aspects of the discipline of computer science that are necessary for application to the physical and biological sciences, and allow additional computer science expertise via the requirement of two CS Electives at the third and fourth year level. Further, all Computational Science plans require a common set of eleven introductory science and mathematics courses, specifically two in each of Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics, plus five courses covering aspects of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. In addition to the introductory courses in the physical sciences, each Computational Science program plan requires an additional fifteen to seventeen science courses, depending upon the specific program plan chosen. All plans offered by the School of Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics are fully mathematics-based: indeed, most Computer Science program plans require no more than two one-term courses in traditional areas of science.

2. Can I use my required Computer Science courses towards the attainment of a CS minor?

Answer: YES. You should be aware that some concern has been raised by the School of Computer Science with regard to double counting for students who are in the Computational Science program plans, as there is a significant overlap between the numbers of courses required both for the Computational Science degree and a minor in Computer Science. Thus, you should know that there is a possibility that the requirements for obtaining a CS minor may change for students in Computational Science program plans. At present, however, the requirements for a CS Minor remains in general as outlined on p. 11:36 of the UW Undergraduate Course Calendar. Please note that you must consult one of the program advisors from the School of Computer Science, as a CS Minor is granted through the Faculty of Mathematics and not by the Faculty of Science.

3. Do I have to take the courses in the order specified in the Undergraduate Calendar or on the checklist sheet?

Answer: NO. These are just recommendations. You can take the courses in any order that you wish with the proviso that you must plan the course sequence such that any prerequisite (or corequisite) courses have been covered prior to (or are being taken simultaneously with) your course choices. You must also ensure that you complete all requirements for the particular degree that you wish to obtain at graduation time.