The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems is a career-enhancement degree designed to increase the depth of knowledge and practical skills of computer system technologists, and to assist them in widening their career opportunities or advancing in their career paths. Graduates are awarded a credential that is highly valued by the industry.
The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems full-time program is offered as a two year full-time format: including all of the courses and major project requirements for the completion of the degree.
The specialty areas for the September 2010 Intake are:
A minimum of three months of relevant work experience
** Equivalence will be determined based on assessment of the student's academic background by the program head. All required bridging courses are offered through Part-time Studies at BCIT.
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
Potential BTech students who are not CST or CIT Diploma graduates should complete a pre-entry evaluation prior to submitting an application. To complete the pre-entry evaluation, please contact the Program Assistant at cstbtech@bcit.ca.
The outcome of this evaluation will indicate which, if any, pre-entry courses are needed to achieve equivalence to the BCIT CST/CIT diploma core. An official list of required pre-entry courses will be sent to you once your information is assessed. All required pre-entry courses must be completed prior to applying for formal admission to the BTech program.
The pre-entry evaluation does NOT apply to BCIT CST/CIT Diploma holders. BCIT CST/CIT Diploma graduates should apply directly to BCIT Admissions, online or by mailing an Application for Admission [PDF, 261 KB].
Application processing
Oct. 1 of the previous year until the program fills. Applications are considered for a specific intake.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Term 1: $650; Term 2: $650; Term 3: $250; Term 4: $250
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Program matrix
Level 5 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7051
Introduction to Computer Games Development
This course provides students with an introduction to C++ for Games Development using OpenGL. The focus in this course is to create a number of games using the C++ and OpenGL on the Windows and/or Linux Platforms. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
This course presents critical technical methods for software development. The course is oriented towards the industry practitioner with examples drawn from industry experience.
This course provides an introduction to visual design techniques that are used in a broad range of media and for video game design. The objective is not to produce an artist, but to introduce the student to the methods and materials that production team members would use to create video game graphics. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
Develops advanced skills in critical analysis, close reading and composition through lectures, discussion and group activities in which students analyse and evaluate materials from various disciplines. Readings might come from professional journals, reports, newspapers, magazines and literature. Multimedia such as video, music and the Internet may also be included. Prerequisite: equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits BCIT Communication.
Management Elective (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Term 1. Specific elective course offerings will be determined by the department.
 
Level 6 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7036
Applied Research Methods in Software Development
Introduces principles and procedures of standard research methodologies in the context of software development and includes the relationship between software development and fields such as MIS, systems analysis and design, data processing, knowledge engineering, and decision theory; theories, paradigms and frameworks in software development; the role and importance of models, theories and conceptual frameworks; (prescriptive and descriptive models; scientific tradition; inference; deductive, inductive and abductive reasoning), traditional empirical research methods survey, experiment, case study and implementation (generate and test); measurement and evaluation, reliability, validity; literature exploration and criticism.
This course provides students with an introduction to C# and Games Development using Microsoft C# and XNA games platform. The focus in this course is to create a number of games using the XNA platform on both the Windows PC and Xbox consoles. Prerequisites: COMP 7051
Presents topics important to managing software development projects. Concentrates on understanding and applying state-of-the-art management techniques, to improve software productivity. Emphasizes management issues- project leadership, communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Please note that COMP 8081 is offered only twice a year in January and September. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7081
Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing. Prerequisite: Equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits of BCIT Communication.
Management Elective (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Term 2. Specific elective course offerings will be determined by the department.
 
Level 7 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 7902
Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Games Development
This course is an introduction to calculus and analytical geometry for games development. Topics covered include limits, differentiation and integration, 2D and 3D equations for lines, planes, and surfaces, tetrahedrons and spheres, and finding intersections between 2D and 3D objects. Applications of these techniques related to games design will also be covered. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
In this course sociology, cultural studies and psychology offer important insights into how games are played and what the important aspects are which make games playable and enjoyable. The role of sports, mythology, history and popular culture are examined with the goal of incorporating key aspects of these areas into computer games development. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
This course will provide the student with an introduction to more advanced computing methods. The course will focus on materials not covered in other programming courses and will include topics on assembly language programming, optimization, threading, real-time programming considerations, networking, hardware interfaces and specialized file formats. Students will be exposed to a number of different technologies and programming environments. Prerequisites: COMP 7051
In the broadest sense most games incorporate some form of artificial intelligence (AI). This course provides students with an opportunity to explore theoretical and practical aspects of Artificial Intelligence for computer games. Topics include chasing and evading, pattern movement, flocking, path finding, A* path finding, finite state machines, fuzzy logic, rule based AI, neural networks and genetic algorithms. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
Liberal Studies Course (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Term 3. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
 
Level 8 (15 weeks)
Credits
COMP 8045
Major Project 1
Provides for practical application of computing knowledge and skills preferably in a workplace setting and with projects that involve applied research or technology transfer. Should produce a product that is innovative, experimental or exploratory in nature. Ranges from directed study projects to the preparation of proposal or project plan and includes the development of formal deliverables, including a final report. The contact hours are approximate and will vary from student to student. Please refer to the policy and requirements for the major project as described in: http://technology.cas.bcit.ca/btech/Documents/MajorProjectsGuidelines.pdf To view examples of past proposals and final reports you may schedule an appointment with the Program Assistant 604-432-8644. Prerequisite: Completion of all 7000 and 8000 level Bachelor of Technology courses, with the exception of the last 8000 level specialization course, which can be taken concurrently, and permission of the Program Head.
Effective audio is a vital part of almost every successful computer game. This course teaches the principles behind the production of effective audio. The creation of sound effects, musical scores and dialog and their integration into an effective whole are all taught. Creating the very best audio within the constraints of the available resources and the game production process is also taught. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Degree program.
We live in a world governed by physical laws. Students will learn the laws that govern the physical world and use these laws as the basis for simulations. This course examines the basic physics and mathematics governing natural phenomena such as weight, inertia, friction momentum and thrust. Students will explore geometry and mathematics for the physical equations of motion for bodies acting under influence of forces. Prerequisites: COMP 7902
Liberal Studies Course: (3.0 credits): Will be offered in Term 4. Specific course offerings will be determined by the department.
Total Credits:
63.0
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
Two years
Although the full-time program is two years in length, students have up to seven (7) years to complete the bachelor program starting from the date of their first technical degree-level course or the date of acceptance to the bachelor program, whichever comes first. Management electives older than five (5) years from the date of acceptance cannot be used toward the degree.
Grading
A minimum passing grade of 60% is required for all COMP courses at the 7000 and 8000 level.
Program structure
Technical/Management Component
Credits
Core Courses
9.0
Specialty Courses
27.0
Management Electives
6.0
Major Projects
9.0
Liberal Studies Component
12.0
Total:
63.0
For more information regarding the Management Electives, Technical Electives and the Liberal Studies component please contact the BTech program assistant at cstbtech@bcit.ca or at 604-432-8644.
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.