Computing Science Vocabulary
This glossary focuses on terms specific to programs in Computing Science.
For a general SFU terms, visit the SFU glossary of terms.
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ASB The Applied Sciences Building: one of the two main buildings housing Computing Science at the Burnaby Campus. -
Bioinformatics The study of how to understand genetics and especially genetic patterns using mathematical analysis that is only possible with complex computer programming. -
CMPT/CS Is the code for courses taught by Computing Science in our registration system. So, a lot of the time, you’ll find the program referred to as CMPT. CS is the abbreviation for Computing Science (or Computer Science – they mean essentially the same thing). COGS Cognitive Science – the connection between Psychology, Linguistics, Computing and Philosophy. In essence this program studies how both people and computers understand their environments, make decisions and communicate those decisions. Co-op Co-operative Education - a program where you will take semesters off school in order to work in jobs that are relevant to your career and educational goals. CSSS Computing Science Students’ Society – this is the official representative organization of computing science undergraduate students at SFU Burnaby. It runs events, advocates for students and provides some services for CS students. CSIL Computing Science Instructional Lab – this is a large set of computer labs where some of your classes will be. It is also an open computing lab that you will have access to 24/7 for project work either for courses, or for personal interest. The computers there are loaded with all kinds of developer’s software. -
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FAS Faculty of Applied Sciences. A Faculty is essentially a group of similar subjects taught at a university. In FAS, this includes Computing and Engineering programs. -
GIS Geographic Information Systems – this is a program that enables you to design and use specialized map tools like Google Maps and ArcView. -
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MACM Math and Computing Science – this is a subject area at SFU that focuses more on the subjects where math meets computing science. If you like this area, there is also a joint major program that focuses on this aspect of computing science. It is usually associated with learning how to design excellent algorithms and simulations and computational logic. MIS Management Information Systems. An area where computing and business combine to help businesses manage themselves better by improving the computer software they use to run their operations. -
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SoSy Software Systems. This is the Computing Science program based at the Surrey Campus. SSSS Software Systems Students’ Society – this is the official representative organization of computing science undergraduate students at SFU Surrey. It runs events, advocates for students and provides some services for SoSy students. -
TASC 1 Technology and Science Complex 1 – a building next to the ASB that hosts Computing Science faculty, student lounges and event spaces. -
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WICS Women in Computing Science – An organization that promotes and supports women in Computing Science program at SFU. https://wics.cs.sfu.ca/ WIL Work Integrated Learning – the idea that it is better for learners in university programs to integrate work experiences throughout their programs in order to better understand the educational choices they make and be better prepared for a career beyond graduation. At SFU, we have grouped Career Services, Co-op Education and Volunteer Services under the banner of Work Integrated Learning - http://www.sfu.ca/wil.html -
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