COURSE CURRICULUM

The Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Lakehead University is a four-year program offering two distinct focus areas: Business and Science. Students must choose their focus upon admission and maintain a minimum average of 70% in Computer Science courses to continue in the program. A key requirement is that students complete at least five full course equivalents (FCEs) outside the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences. In the first year, students take foundational courses in mathematics, computer science, and an elective in humanities (English, History, or Philosophy), along with additional electives specific to their chosen focus. Business Focus students take introductory business courses, while Science Focus students select electives from approved science courses. The second year includes intermediate-level mathematics and core computer science courses in programming, systems, and theory, as well as additional electives tailored to each focus. In third year, students engage in more advanced computer science subjects such as databases, software engineering, and computer organization. Business Focus students take courses in sociology and business, while Science Focus students continue with advanced science electives. The final year emphasizes advanced topics, including options like artificial intelligence, game programming, cloud computing, and big data, drawn from an approved list of program electives. Business Focus students complete further business-related electives, while Science Focus students concentrate on upper-level science electives. Program electives include specialized areas such as data science, health informatics, cryptography, and programming language theory. Students pursuing scientific computing are advised to include advanced mathematics courses such as Math 3351 or 3371. The program provides hands-on experience with advanced computing facilities, including a high-performance Linux cluster and virtual reality lab. With its flexible curriculum and focus-specific paths, the program equips students for diverse careers in technology, research, or business, as well as for graduate study in computer science or related fields.