DEPARTMENT of COMPUTER SCIENCE
Courses
Students with extensive programming experience, particularly in the Python language, may appeal to the Chair to waive enrolment in CMPT 101 and instead enrol directly into CMPT 103.
Special topics
Special topics courses focus on specific areas of interest within a discipline. The topics are chosen based on the expertise of our instructors, and the topics usually vary from term to term.
Winter 2026
Course: CMPT 399: Topics in Computer Science | Parallel Computer Architecture and Programming
Term: Winter 2026
Section: AS01
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Davis
This course will build an understanding of the fundamentals of the architecture of parallel and distributed computers and the programming of them. Concepts discussed will include the construction and performance of parallel programs, parallel programming paradigms and parallel mechanisms. Languages/APIs/models surveyed will include OpenMP, OpenMPI, Pthreads and CUDA. A number of architectures will be discussed, including SISD, SIMD, MIMD machines as well as CPU and GPU designs.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in CMPT 201 or consent of the department.
Permission Required: Yes. Please email artsandscience@macewan.ca to obtain a permission number.
Fall 2026
Course: CMPT 499: Advanced Topics in Computer Science | Virtual and Augmented Reality Development
Term: Fall 2026
Section: AS01
Instructor: Dr. Sam Qorbani
This course introduces students to the design, development and evaluation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content with a particular focus on educational applications. Students explore the history and evolution of VR/AR technologies, their current applications across industries and the foundational hardware and software that power these immersive experiences. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical experience developing VR/AR applications using modern 3D game engines (e.g., Unity) and cutting-edge hardware (e.g., Oculus Quest headsets). Students learn about key topics such as VR/AR hardware (displays, input devices and tracking systems), interaction techniques (navigation, selection and manipulation), usability, accessibility and strategies to mitigate VR cybersickness. By the end of the course, students have the skills to prototype, implement and assess immersive experiences.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in CMPT 330 or consent of the department
Permission Required: Yes. Students can email the instructor at samarqorbanih@macewan.ca to request a permission number.