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  • Computing_Science3

Software Systems - Overview

Software Systems is a four year Bachelor of Science program offered exclusively at SFU Surrey’s state-of-the-art campus. 

This program was designed for students who are interested in a practical, hands-on learning approach to developing the kinds of technologies that are the back bone of operations in virtually every modern business.

The Software Systems major will equip students with both the conceptual foundations of computing science and the applied software development skills needed to create today's software solutions, and propel tomorrow's innovations.  Software Systems graduates will enter the work force with the strong technical, teamwork, and management skills that are sought after by today’s top employers. Embedded software is used in applications and items used every day: cell phones, internet search engines, online music and movie distribution.  It is also used in more specialized areas such as financial analysis software, medical imaging software and safety critical applications like air traffic control systems.

Software Systems students will begin their studies in Systems One, a first year curriculum offered exclusively at SFU Surrey.  Within the classroom, Systems One students will experience a unique environment in which cross-disciplinary collaboration and team-based learning are strongly emphasized. Small class sizes will enable students to become engaged in their learning at a very early stage, while a high level of interaction between students, faculty and staff, strong community involvement, and an emphasis on critical thinking will promote student success both inside and out of the classroom.

 Why Study Software Systems at SFU Surrey?

  • Be ready upon graduation to seek employment with high-tech companies like SAP, IBM, HSBC, BC Hydro, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Google, Triumf, Demonware, Habenero, Tidal Multimedia, the Government of Canada, and many more, or explore exciting opportunities abroad.
  • SFU is located in a major technology center that is home to local and international companies in software development, telecommunications, gaming, finance, bioinformatics and more.
  • Have the opportunity to obtain up to 20 months of work experience, earning an average wage of $2,500 - $4,000 per month in our co-operative education program.
  • Graduate with an industry recognized degree from one of Canada’s most prestigious schools of computing science.
  • Be well prepared to continue with graduate studies (MSc., PhD.) thanks to our school’s strong research focus.

 The Software Systems curriculum:

Software Engineering:  The study of how to effectively program as part of a group under realistic time and resource constraints.  This includes high-level issues such as software architecture and project management, as well as low-level issues such as version control and best practices for coding.

Systems: The study of computer systems and the way they are organized, including software protocols.  Knowing the capabilities of and restrictions on computer systems is a prerequisite for designing effective software.

Fundamentals:  The study of mathematics, writing, and theoretical computing.  These are the foundations for any field of technical studies.

Systems One

Systems One is a new first year curriculum for students entering degree programs in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Surrey Campus.  Students with admission to Software Systems, in Fall 2010 and later, will begin their studies in Systems One.

Core courses in programming, project organization and design, history of technology, ethical issues in computing and engineering science, and professional and technical communication are complemented by additional program-specific requirements for each major. Courses are offered on a regular basis to allow students flexibility in building their schedule.

Within the classroom, Systems One students will experience a unique environment in which cross-disciplinary collaboration and team-based learning are strongly emphasized. Small class sizes will enable students to become engaged in their learning at a very early stage, while a high level of interaction between students, faculty and staff, strong community involvement and an emphasis on critical thinking will promote student success both inside and out of the classroom.

The Systems One curriculum is based upon a core set of shared courses and is characterized by the following features:

  • small class sizes
  • increased interaction between students, faculty and staff
  • enhanced sense of community amongst students
  • strong cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • a team-based environment similar to that found in many high technology workplaces