- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
Understanding how to use algorithms for computer science is essential for problem solving to develop effective software applications. Algorithms are the foundation of both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). In this hands-on course, Java programming students who have also taken Discrete Mathematics will develop their ability to analyze and design computer algorithms. Learners will analyze the time and space complexity of programs, solve nontrivial programming problems using algorithmic techniques, and prove that their solution is correct. The emphasis will be on developing the practical skills of analysis and design. Topics include evaluating time and space complexity and designing solutions by using appropriate data structures or applying techniques such as recursion, parsing and graph algorithms. COMP 3761 is a required course in the CST FLEX Diploma and it is equivalent to COMP 3760 in the Full-time CST Diploma. Upon completion, successful students will have a better understanding of algorithm behavior and how to develop more efficient and effective software applications.
Domestic fees
$658.26
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the basic framework of algorithm analysis.
- Analyze pseudocode using asymptotic notations.
- Compare the order of growth of different algorithms.
- Explain the differences between non-recursive and recursive algorithms.
- Describe some common algorithm design strategies. e.g. Divide and Conquer, Greedy, Dynamic programming, Graph techniques, etc.
- Recognize diverse types of computing problems and how to solve them.
- Apply algorithm design techniques to solve practical problems.
- Specify algorithms in pseudocode.
- Implement solutions by using appropriate data structures.
- Deduce the complexity of a program by running different experiments.
- Argue the correctness of the algorithms.
- Find lower bounds for simple problems.
- Develop more efficient software applications.
Effective as of Fall 2025
Related Programs
Algorithm Analysis and Design (COMP 3761) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 3761 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 89793
Dates
Jan 08 - Apr 02 Loading
- CRN 89793
- $658.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Frederic Guo
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 48 hours - 36 hours synchronous online classes and 12 hours asynchronous activities/labs. The class meets once per week for 3 hours online and requires an additional 1 hour per week asynchronously. MIDTERM: February 19, 1830-2130, at the Downtown campus in Room 410; FINAL EXAM: April 02, 1830-2130, at the Downtown campus in Room 410; This is a BYOD (bring your own device) course. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 13-16+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class, 1-hour asynchronous class time and 9-12+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. No class March 05.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.