Information and Systems Science
See the School of Mathematics and Statistics; Department of
Systems and Computer Engineering; and the School of Computer
Science.
The Committee
Chair of the Committee: Jean-Pierre Corriveau
The program of graduate study and research leading to the
degree of Master of Science in Information and Systems Science
is offered by the Committee with the cooperation of the
Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, the School of
Mathematics and Statistics, and the School of Computer
Science.
The purpose of the program is to provide training in the use
and application of computers, to those who have not studied
extensively in this field at the undergraduate level. The
process of using the computer in problem solving is stressed.
The program is flexible, though individual concentrations are
usually in one of three broad areas:
- computer applications in a particular field (e.g.,
communications, energy systems)
- algorithms and methodologies for solution of complex
problems by computer (e.g., graph theory, operations
research, optimization, simulation and modeling)
- computer methods and technologies (e.g., databases,
software engineering, computer languages)
Close links are maintained with the scientific, industrial,
and technological communities, and an effort is made to direct
students to project work of current practical significance.
Master of Science
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have an Honours bachelor's degree, or
equivalent, with at least high honours standing, in
mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science,
operations research, experimental psychology, econometrics,
management science, or a related discipline. Undergraduate
preparation should include a minimum of four half-credit
courses in computing (at least one of which is at the third
year level or higher), and a minimum of six half-credit courses
in mathematics (at least two of which are at the third year
level or higher). In addition, the student is required to have
some knowledge of quantitative applications, such as numerical
analysis, simulation, operations research, etc.
Admission to the program will be made through one of the
three participating units. Since space, laboratory facilities
and supervision will be provided by one of the units, students
should apply through the unit with which they wish to be most
closely associated.
Program Requirements
The normal program comprises 4.0 credits and a 1.5 credit
thesis; additional requirements may be stipulated, depending
upon the individual student's background. With the approval of
the Committee, students who have substantial work experience
may be permitted to substitute, in place of the thesis, 1.5
credit courses, one of which must be a graduate project
course.
Students must take at least 1.0 credit from the department
in which they are registered, and at least 0.5 credit from each
of the other two participating units. Students must also take
course ISYS 5802.
Each student should consult with his/her faculty adviser in
the selection of a course pattern related to his/her principal
area of interest.
Each candidate submitting a thesis will be required to
undertake an oral examination on the subject of his/her
thesis.
Course work may be completed on either a full-time or
part-time basis. Thesis research normally requires full-time
residence at the University; however, a candidate may be
permitted to carry out thesis work off campus provided that
suitable arrangements are made for supervision and experimental
work, and prior approval is given by the Committee.
Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree
Full-time students in the M.Sc. in Information and Systems
Science will normally complete the degree requirements in two
years and part-time students within four years. In order to
meet this goal, full-time students should arrange a thesis
supervisor within the first term of study, and should try to
complete the course requirements as quickly as possible.
Graduate Courses
Not all of the following courses are offered in a given
year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to
determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at:
central.carleton.ca
Graduate Course Descriptions
Refer to the corresponding unit in this Calendar for course
descriptions in Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics,
and Systems and Computer Engineering.
- ISYS 5802 [0.5 credit]
- Introduction to Information and Systems
Science
- An introduction to the process of applying computers in
problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the design and
analysis of efficient computer algorithms for large,
complex problems. Applications in a number of areas are
presented: data manipulation, databases, computer networks,
queuing systems, optimization. (Also listed as MATH 5802,
SYSC 5802, COMP 5802.)
- ISYS 5908 [1.5 credits]
- M.Sc. Thesis in Information and Systems
Science
- (Also listed as MATH 5908, SYSC 5908, COMP 5908.)
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of ISS, a student will,
in some cases, benefit by taking an undergraduate course at the
3000- or 4000-level as part of his/her program. Where a
3000-level course is to be taken, it will be extra to the
degree requirements; or else arrangements will be made to
enrich the subject matter, normally through a directed study
course with the professor. Students may include 1.0 credit at
the 4000-level in their program without penalty, with the
approval of the unit. Students in the program are prohibited
from taking COMP 4804 Design and Analysis of Algorithms due to
overlap of course material with ISYS 5802.
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