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Undergraduate Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

A program learning outcome is a brief statement of a skill, competency, or attitude a successful student will achieve by the end of a degree program; there are lower-level more concrete learning outcomes for individual courses.

They are organized into six degree level expectations (DLEs) specified by the Province of Ontario for all undergraduate university degree programs.

  1. DLE 1. Depth and breadth of knowledge
  2. DLE 2. Knowledge of methodologies
  3. DLE 3. Application of knowledge
  4. DLE 4. Communications skills
  5. DLE 5. Awareness of limits of knowledge
  6. DLE 6. Autonomy and professional capacity

This is the current version of the program learning outcomes catalog for the School of Computing as of April, 2024. Many were revised during the QUQAP Cyclical Review and Self-Study in 2022-23.

DLE 1. Depth and breadth of knowledge

  1. QSC 1 Apply computing methods to the analysis of concepts and problems in multiple disciplines.
    1. QSC 1.1 Examine the design and use of computing-related concepts in specialized domains with respect to the disciplines’ paradigms.
    2. QSC 1.2 Explain computing components at multiple levels of abstraction from logic circuits to operating systems to software and applications.

DLE 2. Knowledge of methodologies

  1. QSC 2 Evaluate and choose among alternative solutions for problems within the discipline.
    1. QSC 2.1 Design and extend existing algorithms to novel applications, and evaluate their suitability with respect to semantics, performance and limitations.
    2. QSC 2.2 Demonstrate mastery of supporting mathematical material to analyze possible solutions using fundamental principles.

DLE 3. Application of knowledge

  1. QSC 3 Develop high-quality computational solutions for underspecified, open-ended problems.
    1. QSC 3.1 Elicit, analyze, and specify requirements for software systems from natural language descriptions.
    2. QSC 3.2 Design partial or complete software systems, choosing appropriate tradeoffs, and with an awareness of theoretical, practical, and social implications.
    3. QSC 3.3 Choose appropriate implementation techniques and apply them effectively, measuring the performance of the resulting software systems.
    4. BMCO 3.4 Apply computing concepts to problems in biomedical informatics and computer-aided medicine.
    5. COGS 3.5 Apply computing concepts to understanding and modeling human cognition.
    6. COCA 3.6 Apply computing concepts to enhance creativity in the creative arts.
    7. COMA 3.7 Apply computing concepts to areas that require significant mathematical expertise.

DLE 4. Communications skills

  1. QSC 4 Communicate the design and use of computing concepts to a range of audiences.
    1. QSC 4.1 Exchange information clearly with all stakeholders, team members, the profession, and the public.
    2. QSC 4.2 Communicate core concepts effectively to those with varying levels of comfort and familiarity with technology.

DLE 5. Awareness of limits of knowledge

  1. QSC 5 Use self-assessment to determine personal or fundamental limits.
    1. QSC 5.1 Identify the theoretical boundaries and complexity of computational problems.
    2. QSC 5.2 Reflect on personal limitations of knowledge and plan for future learning.

DLE 6. Autonomy and professional capacity

  1. QSC 6 Apply appropriate standards when working within the discipline and during professional development.
    1. QSC 6.1 Demonstrate professional competence by functioning effectively individually and in teams while employing ethical standards.
    2. QSC 6.2 Address self-education and professional development needs to maintain competence.
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