First Year Guide¶
Your first year decides two things that are hard to undo: which intro sequence you're on, and whether 204 can start in your second year. This page covers both, plus where to get help.
174/175 or 274/275?¶
Facts from the catalogue (174, 175, 274, 275):
| CMPUT 174 / 175 | CMPUT 274 / 275 | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Introduction to the Foundations of Computation I/II | Accelerated Introduction to the Foundations of Computation I/II |
| Prior experience | "No prior programming experience is necessary" | "Python or prior computing background is strongly recommended" |
| Format | Lecture + lab | Studio-style: lecture and lab blended into 3-hour sessions, twice a week |
| Enrollment | Regular | Limited by the capacity of the studio facilities |
| Languages | Problem-driven, language-independent emphasis | 274: Python on Linux. 275: C++ and object-oriented programming |
| Terms | Both offered Fall, Winter, and Spring | 274 Fall only, 275 Winter only |
| Prerequisite | Math 30, 30-1, or 30-2 | Math 30-1 |
Credit exclusions: you can't get credit for 274 together with 174 or 175, or for 275 together with 175. You also can't get credit for both 275 and 201, and in most CS paths the calendar requires you to replace 201 with another CMPUT course at the 200 level or above (calendar). In return, 275 satisfies the "201 or 275" prerequisite on 229, 291, and 301, and the "201 and 204, or 275" prerequisite on 313, 325, and 379.
Our recommendation: if you've already written real programs (beyond a high school intro course) and want C++ and Linux early, take 274/275. Otherwise take 174/175; the catalogue is explicit that 274 assumes background, and a rough first term costs you GPA that matters for scholarships (below). Both paths reach 204 at the same time.
Took 274/275 or 174/175?
How the workload actually felt is the most useful thing a student can add here. Share it through the course review form, signed with your term.
First-Year Math¶
Take Calculus I, linear algebra, and intro stats in first year, and Calculus II by the end of it. Calculus I is a prerequisite for CMPUT 204 and 267, and linear algebra and stats gate 200, 261, 267, 304, 313, 325, and more. For a Major, the usual combo is MATH 144 → 146, MATH 125, STAT 151. Honors students can use MATH 117/118 and 127 instead.
Full details, including MATH 117 and why MATH 114 doesn't count: Math and Stats.
Your First Term¶
A typical first Fall that keeps every path open (from the sample plans):
| Fall | Winter |
|---|---|
| CMPUT 174 (or 274) | CMPUT 175 (or 275) |
| MATH 144 (or 134/154/117) | CMPUT 272 |
| MATH 125 (or 127) | MATH 146 (or 136/156/118) |
| STAT 151 | ENGL or WRS |
| ENGL or WRS | Breadth / lab science |
The key move is CMPUT 272 in your first Winter: it only needs 174 (or 274), and 204 needs it. If you leave 272 to second year, 204 and everything behind it slides back a term.
Register in Bear Tracks; the department says new students can register after early June once they have their CCID (Getting Started).
Where to Get Help¶
- Your lab instructor and TAs: the department's Getting Started page says to consult them during your lab or by email. You can also sit in other sections' labs, though enrolled students get seats first.
- CS undergraduate advising: csugrad@ualberta.ca, or book an appointment from the Undergraduate Studies page. For program, prerequisite, and substitution questions.
- CS accounts and lab machines: CS Technical Support; campus-wide accounts go to IST.
- UACS (Undergraduate Association of Computing Science): the CS student association. Office L1-339 CCIS and a lounge in UCOMM 1-130 with rentable lockers (uacs.ca). The department notes they run lab intros at the start of the year and can connect you with a tutor (student groups).
- Ada's Team (diversity in computing, games, and technology) and the Programming Club (contest practice) are also listed on the department's student groups page. More in Clubs and Orgs.
Habits, briefly: go to the labs, start assignments the day they're posted, and ask for help before you're stuck for a day rather than after.
Grades and the Jason Lang Scholarship¶
If you're an Alberta resident, your first-year GPA decides whether you get the provincial Jason Lang (and Louise McKinney) scholarship in second year. The minimum GPA is now 3.5, up from 3.2, with at least an 80% course load over Fall and Winter. Details and sources: Scholarships.
If you're thinking about Honors, note the bar there too: a 3.0 GPA every Fall/Winter to continue (BSc calendar).
Last verified: October 2026.