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.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$658.26 - $671.91 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
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
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of COMP 3761 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68044
Dates
May 09 - Jul 25 Loading
- CRN 68044
- $658.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Frederic Guo
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. This course is delivered online with exams on-campus. The course is 48 hours – online synchronous classes with asynchronous activities/labs. MIDTERM: June 20, 0930-1230, at the Downtown campus in Room 371; FINAL EXAM: July 25, 0930-1230, at the Downtown campus in Room 371. 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. Class in session May 16 (Victoria Day.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 68045
Dates
May 12 - Jul 28 Loading
- CRN 68045
- $658.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- 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 on campus and 12 hours asynchronous activities/labs. The class meets once per week for 3 hours on campus and requires an additional 1 hour per week asynchronously. 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.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 3761 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 41413
Dates
Sep 09 - Dec 09 Loading
- CRN 41413
- $671.91 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Frederic Guo
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. This course is delivered online with exams on-campus. The course is 48 hours – online synchronous classes with asynchronous activities/labs. MIDTERM: October 28, 1830-2130, at the Downtown campus in Room 360; FINAL EXAM: December 09, 1830-2130, at the Downtown campus in Room 360. 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 September 30 (Truth & Reconciliation) and November 11 (Remembrance Day).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.