🔹 What courses should I register for in my first year 🔹 How do I choose electives in Computer Science 🔹 Which courses are required for BCS or BACS first year 🔹 Can I take psychology or arts courses as electives 🔹 What courses are restricted for Computer Science students

First-year Computer Science students at Acadia follow a set list of required courses, available on the Undergraduate Computer Science page. Electives should be chosen based on interest, often from Arts or other faculties to balance math and CS content. Restrictions apply (e.g., APSC 1413, ECON 2623, MATH 1613, and most 1800/2800-level CS courses). BACS students may take defined option requirements (e.g., PSYC 1013/1023). Popular electives include PHYS 1513, PHYS 1523, GEOL 1033, and GEOL 1073.

In your first year of Computer Science:

📋 Required Courses:

• A full list of first-year Computer Science courses is here: 👉 Acadia Computer Science – First-Year Courses

🎓 Electives:

• Choose electives that interest you and balance your schedule

• Arts courses (languages, history, politics, philosophy, etc.) are highly recommended for variety

• Check the Course Catalogue to see which electives are offered

⚠️ Restrictions:

• Computer Science students may not take:

  • APSC 1413

  • ECON 2623

  • MATH 1613

  • Any 1800/2800-level CS course (except COMP 2853, which can be used as an elective)

📌 BACS Options:

• If considering the Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (BACS), review defined options here: 👉 Computer Science Degree Programs – Acadia

• Example: Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing requires PSYC 1013 and PSYC 1023, which can be taken in first year

🌟 Popular Electives Among CS Students:

• PHYS 1513 / PHYS 1523 (Physics)

• GEOL 1033 / GEOL 1073 (Geology)

• Introductory Arts courses (English, Classics, Women’s & Gender Studies, etc.)

✅ Any elective chosen in first year will count toward your degree, since all CS programs require credits from Arts, Science, and Professional Studies.

📘 Helpful Definitions:

• Elective: A course chosen outside required program requirements that still counts toward your degree

• BACS (Bachelor of Applied Computer Science): Applied CS degree with defined options and fewer math requirements

• BCS (Bachelor of Computer Science): More math-intensive CS degree with advanced theoretical courses

📎 Suggested Links:

• First-Year Computer Science Courses

• Computer Science Degree Programs (BCS & BACS)

• Registrar’s Course Catalogue