First-year students
Source: https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/current-undergraduate-students/majors/first-year-students Parent: https://cs.uwaterloo.ca
Welcome first-year Computer Science students!
Computer science is the study of information, which includes its nature, properties, structure, and classification. In this field, students will explore how to store, retrieve, and process information by building programs, developing software, designing algorithms, etc. to manage large scale problems.
As a first year CS student, we recommend that you should review the following to set yourself up for success:
- The New Math Students website - Perfect for brand new Math/CS students, this page has everything you may want to know regarding course selection/enrollment for first year, MTHEL 99, transfer credits, etc.
- First-year frequently asked questions - Have a question for an academic advisor? Take a look in our CS Advising FAQ as we might already have an answer for you.
- Our "Welcome to CS Advising" video - Walks you through everything you need to know about our CS pages and how to find information.
- Make life-long friends by connecting with the Computer Science Club and/or the Women in Computer Science (WiCS).
[Math Faculty Students
New Student Website](https://uwaterloo.ca/new-math-students/)
[CS Advising
Frequently Asked Questions](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/current-undergraduate-students/frequently-asked-questions)
[Understanding course selection and enrollment
Welcome to CS Advising](https://youtu.be/KtJhtkWSX8I)
[Enrichment opportunities
Student Life and Clubs](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/current-undergraduate-students/student-life-and-enrichment)
First-year courses
Since computer science stems from mathematics, Computer Science students will require a strong background in mathematics to prepare them for a successful career. For this reason, first-year students in Computer Science take a common set of first-year Faculty of Mathematics core courses.
| 1A (First year, first term) | 1B (First year, second term) |
|---|---|
| - One of - CS 115 - Introduction to Computer Science 1 - CS 135* - Designing Functional Programs - MATH 135* - Algebra - MATH 137* - Calculus 1 - One Communication course - One elective course | - One of - CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2 - CS 136* - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction with CS136L - Tools and Techniques for Software Development - MATH 136* - Linear Algebra 1 - MATH 138* - Calculus 2 - Two elective courses |
*You can choose advanced-stream courses for computer science, algebra, and/or calculus, and if you meet their requirements.
More information
[New Math Students Website
First-Year Course Selection](https://uwaterloo.ca/new-math-students/course-selection)
1A CS course rule
Normally, students can only Add or Swap courses during the first two weeks of the term, but since students need to choose their first CS course before they come to campus, we have a special rule that allows for students to transfer from
- CS 135 into CS 115, or
- CS 145 into CS 135
outside of the typical course enrollment period.
Eligibility and deadlines
This special rule only applies to students who meet all of the following criteria:
- must be a first-year student in their 1A term
- must not have ever been registered for full-time study at a degree-granting post-secondary institution (e.g. a university or college)
- must be enrolled in one of:
- CS135 during a Fall or Winter term or
- CS145 during a Fall term.
Further this rule is only in affect before
- October 22 during a Fall term, or
- February 14 during a Winter term.
If the dates above occur on weekend or holiday, the deadline becomes the first school day that follows.
Applying the rule
Eligible students who wish to drop down may start by contacting the MUO by email. When emailing the MUO, please include your full name, student ID, and the lecture and tutorial for the NEW course including the four digit course number.
Students that are unsure about their decision or will need assistance determining a lecture/tutorial that fits into their schedule can first contact a CS Advisor. If switching courses is deemed appropriated, the advisor can help facilitate the transfer by contacting the MUO.
Note that the transfer is not guaranteed. There must be room in a section of the new course that fits your schedule.
After the transfer
When you are transferred into the new course, assessments are typically due starting three days after your transfer is approved. Marks from your old course are ignored. Any assignments missed prior to the transfer have their weights redistributed.
You may email the Instructional Support Coordinator of the new course to explain your situation so that they can make appropriate adjustments to your grade breakdown. Please include your full name and student ID to facilitate the process for them.
Beyond first year
After your first year is complete, the below links will help you to continue preparing your success as a Computer Science major. Best to keep these bookmarked to save for later.
[Simplify your course selection
Suggested Course Sequence Charts](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/suggested-sequences)
[Keep track of your degree requirements
CS Checklists](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/checklists)
[Choosing your electives
Breadth and Depth](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/node/3284)