MSc in Computer Science - Human-Centred Computing

A fully-qualified student may complete a Master's in Human-Centred Computing by undertaking 30 credits of coursework. Students in this route who are interested in pursuing the Co-op Designation must complete CS 700, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, and 736 before they can undertake any co-op work terms.

MSc in Computer Science - Human-Centred Computing (30 credit hours) (effective 202210)

CS 700 (3 cr hrs)
CS 730 (3 cr hrs)
CS 731 (3 cr hrs)
CS 732 (3 cr hrs)
CS 733 (3 cr hrs)
CS 734 (3 cr hrs)
CS 735 (3 cr hrs)
CS 736 (3 cr hrs)
CS 738 (0 cr hrs)
CS 739 (6 cr hrs)
TOTAL: 30 cr hrs

 

This program will be run with one cohort of students each year. The application deadline for this program is June 15, for admissions in the Winter semester. There will be no admissions in the other semesters. If the application deadline is missed or if an accepted student is not able to start in the Winter semester, they will need to wait until the next year and join the next cohort of students.

 

This program will run with a strict curriculum of the following courses:

First Semester (Winter)

                        CS 700: Software Development Fundamentals (3)

                        CS 730: Human-Computer Interaction Fundamentals (3)

            Second Semester (Spring/Summer)

                        CS 731: Human-Centred Interface Design & Implementation (3)

                        CS 732: Foundations of Human-Centred Evaluation Methods (3)

            Third Semester (Fall)

                        CS 733: Computer Graphics & Animation (3)

                        CS 734: Mobile Computing (3)

            Fourth Semester (Winter)

                        CS 735: Virtual and Augmented Reality (3)

                        CS 736: Information Visualization (3)

            Fifth Semester (Spring/Summer)

                        CS 738: Human-Centered Computing Seminar (0)

 CS 739: Human-Centred Computing Project (6)

 

The detailed course descriptions are provided below:

CS 700: Software Development Fundamentals (3)

Modern software development principles and practices. Topics include modern software development fundamentals and methodologies, unit testing, source code control, teamwork, and modern programming languages, frameworks, software development tools, and environments. 

Note: This course is common for all streams in the MSc Course Route.                

CS 730: Human-Computer Interaction Fundamentals (3)

Theory related to the design of usable software. Topics include contexts for human computer interaction, foundations of usability, cognitive models, perceptual models, social models, physical capabilities, accessibility, interface standards, user experience, principles of good design.

CS 731: Human-Centered Interface Design & Implementation (3)

Practice of designing and implementing usable software. Topics include processes for human-centered interface development, task analysis, usability requirements, user-centred design, design patterns, prototyping, and modern graphical user interface libraries, builders, and environments. Students will undertake a milestone-based project leading to the design and implementation of a web-based application.

CS 732: Foundations of Human-Centred Evaluation Methods (3)

Methods for evaluating human-centred software. Topics include usability testing, cognitive walkthroughs, heuristic evaluations, controlled laboratory studies, naturalistic studies, and Research Ethics Board applications. Students will design and conduct a comprehensive study of a user interface. 

CS 733: Computer Graphics & Animation (3)

Techniques and software for generating computer graphics and animations. Topics include geographic and mathematical modelling, image rendering and synthesis, principles of animation, and graphics and animation frameworks.

CS 734: Mobile Computing (3)

Design and implementation of software for a networked mobile environment. Topics include the benefits and limitations of modern mobile devices, network programming, sensor programming, interface design for small screens, touch-based interaction, voice-based interaction, hybrid mobile application development practices.

CS 735: Virtual and Augmented Reality (3)

Design and implementation of software in virtual and augmented reality environments. Topics include virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, 3D modelling, locomotion, interaction, audio, psychological and physical effects, and telepresence. Students will undertake a milestone-based project leading to the design and implementation of a VR or AR application.

CS 736: Information Visualization (3)

Design and development of interactive visualization techniques for the analysis, comprehension, exploration, and explanation of large collections of abstract information. Topics include principles of visual perception, information data types, visual encodings of data, representations of complex data types, and interaction methods.

CS 738: Human-Centred Computing Seminar (0)

Human-Centred Computing students will attend a professionally focused seminar series with topics including entrepreneurship, ethics, intellectual property, innovation, start-up culture, and EDI.

CS 739: Human-Centred Computing Project (6)

A milestone-based project will be pursued, serving as a capstone for the Human-Centred Computing Stream. Final projects will be demonstrated and presented in a public venue.

  • Co-op Designation Requirements

    A co-op designation may be added to this graduate program, under the following conditions:

  • an application to the co-op designation may be made at the end of the third semester (after the completion of CS 700, 730, 731, 732, 733, and 734)
  • a minimum average grade of 80% or higher must have been acheived on the courses taken in the first three semesters of the program
  • the arragement of a co-op placement will be done in collaboration with the Career Centre, during the fourth semester
  • a minimum average grade of 80% or higher must be maintained through the fourth semester of the program (CS 735, 736)
  • the co-op placements will occur during the fifth and sixth semesters; these can be with the same employer or different ones
  • if two semesters of work terms are completed, a co-op designation will be added to your academic record
  • the normal coursework of the fifth semester (CS 739) will take place after the end of the co-op placements (in the sixth or seventh semester, depending on whether one or two co-op terms are taken)
  • students who are on co-op placements must complete CS 738 – Human-Centred Computing Seminar course in their first co-op term.

    Note: Acceptance to a Co-op work term is subject to the approval of the Co-op Grad Coordinator. Attaining a Co-op work term is a competitive process through the Career Centre. Credit hours earned on a work term are extra to the credit hours required in this program.