Academic Calendars - Program

Computer Engineering

(Computer Engineering)

Lassonde School of Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Location:Lassonde Building
Undergraduate Office:1012M Lassonde Building, Tel.: 416-736-5334
Graduate Office:1012T Lassonde Building, Tel.: 416-736-5053
Chair:R. Hornsey
Professors:R. Allison, A. An, M. S. Brown, J. Edmonds, J. Elder, P. Faloutsos, J. Gryz, R. Hornsey, M. R. M. Jenkin, H. Jiang, Y. Lian, M. Litoiu, G. Tourlakis, J. Tsotsos, F. van Breugel
Associate Professors:M. Aboelaze, J. Amanatides, M. Baljko, G. Cheung, A. Eckford, H. Farag, E. Ghafar-Zadeh, P. Godfrey, J. Jiang, M. Kyan, J. Lam, Y. Lesperance, S. MacKenzie, S. Magierowski, A. Mirzaian, U. T. Nguyen, S. Pisana, A. Rezaei-Zare, E. Ruppert, A. M. Sodagar, M. Spetsakis, V. Tzerpos, N. Vlajic, P. Wang, R. P. Wildes, J. Xu
Assistant Professors:S. Alrabaee, M. A. Brubaker, S. Datta, G. Grau, A. Hooshyar, H. Kassiri, H. Khazaei, M. Nayebi, E. Papangelis, A. Sadeghi-Naini, Y. Shvartzshnaider, P. Srikantha, H. Tabassum, R. Urner, S. Wang
Associate Professor, teaching stream:J. A. Smith
Assistant professors, teaching stream:M. Ahmadzadeh, A. H. Chinaei, C. Wang

Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, computer engineering combines theoretical foundations in physical and computer science with the system, software, and hardware engineering concepts to develop reliable and effective computer-based devices and systems. Computer engineers design, build, test, and manage all forms of computer systems. York's computer engineering program stresses fundamental engineering design principles used to develop computer software and hardware for effective implementation of complex and intelligent computer-based systems.

The first year provides students with a strong foundation in programming, applied mathematics, and physical sciences. During the second and third years, computer engineering students acquire the necessary engineering tools in mathematics, computer science, and engineering sciences to analyze and design complex software and hardware systems. The fourth year of the computer engineering curriculum is flexible to enable students to create their own specializations by selecting from a variety of innovative courses in the fields of robotics, communications, computer vision, digital signal processing, software engineering, computer architecture, and virtual reality.

University-Wide Residency Requirement

A minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.

Au moins 30 crédits d'un programme à York et 50 % des crédits exigés dans la majeure et la mineure doivent être complétés à Glendon.

Faculty-Wide Degree Requirements

Specialized Honours Bachelor of Engineering (Specialized Honours BEng)

All Specialized Honours BEng degree candidates, in accordance with their declared program, must satisfy the academic standing and course requirements below. (See also Program-Specific Degree Requirements.)

Graduation: To graduate in the Specialized Honours BEng program requires successful completion of all Faculty requirements and program required courses and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses completed.

AnchorEngineering Program Core:

All Specialized Honours BEng degree candidates must complete the engineering program core (60 credits):

  • SC/CHEM 1100 4.00;
  • LE/EECS 1011 3.00; LE/EECS 1021 3.00;
  • LE/ENG 1101 4.00; LE/ENG 1102 4.00; LE/ENG 2001 3.00; LE/ENG 2003 3.00; LE/ENG 3000 3.00; LE/ENG 4000 6.00**;
  • EU/ENVS 2150 3.00 or LE/ESSE 2210 3.00;
  • SC/MATH 1013 3.00; SC/MATH 1014 3.00; SC/MATH 1025 3.00; SC/MATH 2015 3.00; SC/MATH 2930 3.00;
  • SC/PHYS 1800 3.00; SC/PHYS 1801 3.00;
  • All BEng degree candidates in computer, electrical and software engineering programs must complete: LE/EECS 1028 3.00;
  • All BEng degree candidates in civil, geomatics, mechanical and space engineering programs must complete: LE/ESSE 1012 3.00

**Civil Engineering majors do not need to take LE/ENG 4000 6.00.

AnchorComplementary Studies Requirement (General Education):

A total of 12 credits of complementary studies courses must be taken, as identified below by thematic area. At least 3 of the 12 credits must be taken in the humanities or social sciences, defined by the following areas: Anthropology, Humanities, English, History, Linguistics and Languages, Philosophy, Social Science, Modes of Reasoning and Women's Studies. (Asterisked courses below are also considered to meet this requirement.)

Click on a thematic area heading below to see its associated courses.

Entrepreneurship

9.00 credits from:

  • SB/ENTR 3400 3.00 Business Essentials for Technology Entrepreneurs I
  • SB/ENTR 3600 3.00 Business Essentials for Technology Entrepreneurs II
  • SB/ENTR 4500 3.00 Entrepreneurship and Technology Ventures
  • LE/TECL 3033 3.00 International Entrepreneurial Engineering Immersion

Plus: 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC

Environmental Studies

  • EU/ENVS 2151 3.00 (follow-on to EU/ENVS 2150 3.00)

6.00 credits from the areas of:

  1. Environmental Management: Policy Resources and Conservation:
    • EU/ENVS 3130 3.00 Energy and Environment
    • EU/ENVS 3230 3.00 Restoration Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3420 3.00 Environmental Law
    • EU/ENVS 3430 3.00 Environmental Assessment
    • EU/ENVS 3440 3.00 Resource Management
    • EU/ENVS 3505 3.00 Business and Sustainability
    • EU/ENVS 3510 3.00 Environmental Economics
    • EU/ENVS 3520 3.00 Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4230 6.00 Design for Sustainability Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4400 3.00 Fundamentals of Renewable Energy
    • EU/ENVS 4401 3.00 Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency
    • EU/ENVS 4402 3.00 Climate Change Mitigation (EU/ENVS 3130 3.00 recommended prerequisite)
    • EU/ENVS 4430 3.00 Impact Assessment Processes and Practice (EU/ENVS 3430 3.00 prerequisite)
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
    • EU/ENVS 4442 3.00 Environmental Auditing
    • EU/ENVS 4446 3.00 Protected Area Management
    • EU/ENVS 4520 3.00 Geographic Information Systems Applications in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4523 3.00 Systems Thinking in Environmental Studies
  2. Urban and Regional Environments
    • EU/ENVS 3222 3.00 Urban Infrastructure
    • EU/ENVS 3226 3.00 Sustainable Urbanism: Environmental Planning and Design
    • EU/ENVS 3230 3.00 Restoration Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3520 3.00 Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 3710 3.00 Landscape Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3740 3.00 Urban Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 4210 3.00 Global Populations: Critical Environmental Perspectives
    • EU/ENVS 4220 3.00 Urbanization in Developing Countries
    • EU/ENVS 4225 3.00 Urban Sustainability
    • EU/ENVS 4230 6.00 Design for Sustainability Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
    • EU/ENVS 4442 3.00 Environmental Auditing
    • EU/ENVS 4520 3.00 Geographic Information Systems Applications in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4700 3.00 Urban Ecologies Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4800 3.00 Urban Development Processes
  3. Environmental Politics: Development, Globalization and Justice:
    • EU/ENVS 3151 3.00 Environmental Politics and Advocacy I
    • EU/ENVS 3160 3.00 Race/Racism and Environmental Justice
    • EU/ENVS 3340 3.00 Global Environmental Politics
    • EU/ENVS 3410 3.00 Environmental Policy I
    • EU/ENVS 3420 3.00 Environmental Law
    • EU/ENVS 3510 3.00 Environmental Economics
    • EU/ENVS 4011 3.00 Food, Land and Culture
    • EU/ENVS 4161 3.00 Social Movements, Activism and Social Change
    • EU/ENVS 4210 3.00 Global Populations
    • EU/ENVS 4312 3.00 Global Justice and Humanitarian Internationalism
    • EU/ENVS 4315 3.00 Humanitarian Crises and Action
    • EU/ENVS 4320 3.00 Gender and Development
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
  4. Environment and Culture
    • EU/ENVS 3122 3.00 Community Arts Practice Preparatory Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 3125 3.00 Popular Education for Environmental and Social Justice
    • EU/ENVS 3150 3.00 Human/Non-Human Animal Relations
    • EU/ENVS 3170 3.00 Indigenous Environmental Thought
    • EU/ENVS 3320 3.00 Sex, Gender, Nature: Ecofeminist Perspectives
    • EU/ENVS 4100 3.00 Environmental Literatures
    • EU/ENVS 4140 3.00 Environmental Thought
    • EU/ENVS 4161 3.00 Social Movements, Activism and Social Change
    • EU/ENVS 4420 3.00 Environment, Media, Culture and Communication

Plus: 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC

Fine Arts

9.00 credits from:

  • FA/DANC 1340 3.00 Dance Studies: An Introduction
  • FA/DANC 2340 3.00 Dance History: 20th Century and Later
  • FA/FILM 1401 6.00 Introduction to Film (for Non-Majors)
  • FA/FILM 1701 3.00 Hollywood: Old and New
  • FA/FILM 2401 6.00 Film, Television and Society
  • FA/MUSI 1500 6.00 The Music of Bollywood Films
  • FA/MUSI 1510 3.00 The Musical Experience
  • FA/MUSI 1520 6.00 Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk and Rap
  • FA/MUSI 1530 6.00 Rock and Popular Music
  • FA/MUSI 1540 6.00 Popular Music of the World
  • FA/MUSI 1550 6.00 Latin and Caribbean Popular Music
  • FA/THEA 1500 6.00 Aspects of Theatre
  • FA/VISA 2110 6.00 Introduction to the Study of Western Architecture
  • FA/VISA 2620 6.00 Modern Art: 1750 to the Present
  • Select one from:
    • FA/ARTH 1900 3.00 Art in the City
    • FA/DANC 1900 3.00 Dance, Film, and Culture
    • FA/DATT 1900 3.00 ArtScience: At the Intersection of Arts and Science
    • FA/FILM 1900 3.00 Anatomy of the Feature Film
    • FA/MUSI 1900 3.00 Music in the City
    • FA/THEA 1900 3.00 Intercultural Theatre and Performance in Toronto
    • FA/YSDN 1900 3.00 Design and Contemporary Culture

Plus: 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC

Global Engineer

Languages (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish)

  • 12.00 credits in languages and culture courses with the same rubric, with a minimum of 6.00 credits of language skills and a minimum of 3.00 credits culture course (counts as HUMA)

French Studies

  • 12.00 credit certificate in French or French for Business, plus 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC. (Note: these pure language courses do not count for social science or humanities under the CEAB regulations, so this option requires students to complete 15.00 credits instead of 12.00 credits.)

General Studies

Students may choose 12.00 credits from all the courses listed in the other areas, subject to prerequisites, the humanities or social sciences requirements, and some other restrictions. Up to 9.00 credits of humanities or social sciences (as defined above) may be used to satisfy this requirement.

AP/ECON 1000 3.00 and AP/ECON 1010 3.00 and HH/PSYC 1010 6.00 and AP/SOCI 1010 6.00 and other specified courses may also be taken.

Law

  • Up to 9.00 credits of Osgoode ‘Perspectives’ courses, such as LW/LAW 3040X 3.00 (Comparative Law: Privacy & Access to Information)

Plus: 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC

Public Policy

Choose one of three areas:

  1. The Canadian State and Public Administration:
    • AP/PPAS 2110 3.00 Canadian Government
    • AP/PPAS 3190 6.00 Public Administration
  2. Public Law
    • AP/PPAS 2200 3.00 Communities and Public Law
    • Choose two of the following:
      • AP/PPAS 3000 3.00 Politics, Policy and the Law of Minority Rights;
      • AP/PPAS 3135 3.00 Public Law I: The Constitution and the Courts in Canada;
      • AP/PPAS 3136 3.00 Public Law II: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Limits of Public Administration
  3. Science, Technology and Public Policy:
    • AP/PPAS 2110 3.00 Canadian Government;
    • AP/PPAS 3120 3.00 Science Technology and Public Policy;
    • AP/PPAS 3122 3.00 Science Policy in Context

Plus: 3.00 credits in HUMA/SOSC

Science & Technology Studies

6.00 credits from:

  • SC/STS 2210 3.00 Technology in the Modern World
  • SC/STS 3500 3.00 The Global Information Society
  • SC/STS 3600 3.00 Technological Failure
  • SC/STS 3726 3.00 Technology, Experts and Society
  • SC/STS 3765 3.00 Natures of Experiment
  • SC/STS 3790 3.00 Science and Technology Issues in Global Development

Plus: 6.00 credits from (counts as HUMA requirement):

  • SC/STS 2110 3.00 Revolutions in Science*
  • SC/STS 3170 3.00 Philosophy of Science*
  • AP/HUMA 3226 3.00 Representations of Nature: Cultural and Historical Perspectives*
  • SC/STS 3561 3.00 History of Computing and Information Technology*
  • SC/STS 3725 3.00 Science and Exploration*

Restrictions & Notes

  • The following course(s) contain a substantial overlap in content with engineering core material and hence may not be taken for degree credit by BEng degree candidates: AP/PHIL 2100 3.00 Introduction to Logic.
  • No more than 6.00 credits may be taken at the 1000-level.
  • Quantitative courses focusing on techniques of mathematics or statistics cannot count as general education courses.
  • Courses which are cross-listed as SC courses or which are eligible for SC credit cannot count towards this requirement, except the specific courses identified in the Science and Technology Studies cluster.
  • *Courses whose major focus is increased facility in the use of a language cannot count towards the 3.00 credits required in humanities and social science subject areas. Such courses are offered in the areas marked with an * above.
  • **Excluding women's studies courses which are cross-listed with natural science courses.

Note: Many 3000-level course are eligible for complementary studies credit, but students must have the required prerequisites and be confident of their ability to handle course work in that subject area at the third-year level, i.e., at the same level as third-year majors in that subject area.

Engineering and International Development Studies Dual Degree

Students in the engineering and international development studies program choose one of the engineering programs, plus the international development studies requirements. Graduates are awarded both BEng and BA degrees. Visit the program page for more information and program requirements.

General Prerequisite

Most 2000-, 3000-, and 4000-level EECS courses require the following general (that is, common) prerequisite, in addition to other course-specific prerequisites: a cumulative grade point average of 4.50 or better over all completed major EECS courses.

Program-Specific Degree Requirements

The Lassonde School of Engineering offers a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Computer Engineering through the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). After completion of a common first year of study, students choose one of the available program areas in engineering or the dual degree program in engineering and international development studies.

Graduation: To graduate in the Specialized Honours BEng program requires successful completion of all Faculty requirements and program required courses and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses completed.

General Prerequisites

Most 2000-, 3000-, and 4000-level EECS courses require the following general (that is, common) prerequisite, in addition to other course-specific prerequisites: a cumulative grade point average of 4.50 or better over all completed major EECS courses is required.

Note: "Major" courses are all EECS courses with second digit other than 5 and include LE/EECS 1028 3.00 (cross-listed to: SC/MATH 1028 3.00) and LE/EECS 1019 3.00 (cross-listed to: SC/MATH 1019 3.00).

Computer Engineering Program Requirements

  • Complementary Studies;
  • The engineering program core;
  • SC/MATH 1090 3.00;
  • LE/EECS 2011 3.00; LE/EECS 2021 4.00; LE/EECS 2030 3.00; LE/EECS 2032 4.00; LE/EECS 2200 3.00; LE/EECS 2210 3.00;
  • SC/PHYS 2020 3.00; SC/PHYS 2211 1.00;
  • LE/EECS 3101 3.00; LE/EECS 3201 4.00; LE/EECS 3213 3.00; LE/EECS 3216 3.00; LE/EECS 3221 3.00; LE/EECS 3311 3.00; LE/EECS 3451 4.00;
  • LE/EECS 4201 3.00; LE/EECS 4214 4.00; LE/EECS 4312 3.00;
  • 12 credits from: LE/EECS 3214 3.00; LE/ENG 3320 3.00; LE/EECS 3431 3.00; LE/EECS 3603 4.00*; LE/EECS 3604 4.00*; LE/EECS 3611 4.00*; LE/EECS 4210 3.00*; LE/EECS 4211 3.00; LE/EECS 4215 3.00*; LE/EECS 4313 3.00; LE/EECS 4352 3.00*; LE/EECS 4404 3.00; LE/EECS 4421 3.00*; LE/EECS 4422 3.00*; LE/EECS 4431 3.00*; LE/EECS 4441 3.00; LE/EECS 4452 3.00; LE/EECS 4471 3.00; LE/ENG 4550 3.00; all List A Electrical Engineering technical elective courses
  • Three additional credits from computer science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • At least six additional credits from SC/BIOL 1000 3.00; SC/BIOL 1001 3.00; SC/CHEM 1001 3.00; SC/CHEM 2011 3.00; LE/ESSE 1011 3.00; LE/ESSE 1012 3.00; SC/PHYS 1070 3.00 [alternatively SC/PHYS 1470 3.00]; SC/PHYS 2010 3.00; SC/PHYS 2040 3.00; SC/PHYS 2060 3.00; HH/IHST 1001 3.00; HH/IHST 1002 3.00

*The 12 credits from the final list must include at least two courses with significant laboratory experience. Those courses are designated with an asterisk (*).

Participation in the Co-op Program is highly recommended for all engineering students, but is not a degree requirement.

  • Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures
  • Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards
  • Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements
  • Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs

Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures

Student Responsibility

Every effort is made in the Lassonde School of Engineering to ensure that each student receives academic advice and sufficient information to guide them in course selection and program choice. Within this context, student responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • ensuring that the courses chosen meet all program and degree requirements for graduation (see the Lassonde School of Engineering Programs of Study and the Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules for details);
  • verifying the accuracy of registration records, including all course changes;
  • fulfilling the requirements, including course pre-/co-requisite requirements, and being aware of academic progress in their program of study and in all registered courses; attending class and submitting all required course work;
  • understanding and adhering to the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty, the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, as well as other relevant Senate Policies;
  • noting and abiding by the sessional deadline dates published on the Current Students webpage each year, especially course add/drop/withdrawal deadline dates;
  • creating a conflict-free timetable.

Advising

All Lassonde students in all year levels must participate in Required Advising each year in order to enrol in courses for the following Fall/Winter session. In addition to completing their required advising session, students are strongly encouraged to consult with Lassonde academic advisors throughout the academic year for ongoing support. For information on how to participate in required advising or connect with an academic advisor visit Academic Advising on the Student Hub website.

Enrolment Regulations

Students enrol in courses via the online Registration and Enrolment Module (REM). Information on how to use the system is provided in the Enrolment and Registration Guide. Students are strongly recommended to seek individual support regarding course selection and enrolment from academic advisors at the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

During the enrolment process, the regulations below should be followed:

  • Prerequisites/Corequisites: Most courses have pre-requisite and/or co-requisite requirements. These may be specific courses (indicating specific required background knowledge) or they may be general pre-requisites (e.g., a minimum required GPA or specific course grade prior to enrol in higher-level courses). It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully, regardless of whether the course is a degree requirement. A pre-requisite course(s) is deemed to be completed when the student receives a passing grade in each listed pre-requisite course. Students who lack the stated prerequisites but have reason to believe that they can succeed in a course must obtain written permission of the department concerned (consult the department office regarding the procedure to be followed) before enrolling.
  • Add, Drop, and Withdrawal Deadlines: Students are obligated to enrol or de-enrol from courses within the published deadlines.
  • Conflict-free Timetable: Students should not be enrolling in two or more courses, labs, and/or tutorials that are in conflict.
  • Course Credit Exclusions: Students are strongly urged to consult an advisor before enrolling in any two courses which are designated as course credit exclusions. For more information regarding course credit exclusions, refer to Course Credit Exclusions in the Lassonde School of Engineering Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section.
  • Credit Load: A maximum of 33 credits in total may be taken by BA or BSc students, or 39 credits for BEng students during a fall/winter session. A maximum of 15 credits in total may be taken during a summer session at York University.
  • BEng Sections: Students registered in the Bachelor of Engineering program are required to enrol in LE/EECS courses that are categorized as Section E, Section F, Section X, or Section Z only.
    • Exceptions: 
      • LE/EECS 1028 3.00 may be completed in any section.
      • Upper year technical electives for Computer, Software, and Electrical Engineering students may be completed in any section. If an E/Z section is offered, students are recommended to complete the E/Z section.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit towards a York University degree may be granted for courses taken at other accredited postsecondary institutions prior to registration at York University.

  • BA, iBA, BSc, or iBSc programs are eligible for a maximum of 90 transfer credits.
  • BEng programs are eligible for a maximum of 30 transfer credits. ENG, EECS, ESSE, CIVL, and MECH rubric courses are not eligible for transfer credit and must be completed at York University.

Where a student receives transfer credit, it is possible that not all of the transfer credits may be applicable to the degree program. If the student does not enrol in the program(s) and subject area(s) specified on the admission application or, subsequent to first registration, changes subject area(s) and/or program(s), the transfer credit must be reassessed. Students requiring assistance with their Transfer Credit should contact the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

Letters of Permission

A student wishing to take a course at an external accredited institution for credit towards a degree program in the Lassonde School of Engineering is required to obtain a Letter of Permission from York University prior to taking the course. Students should follow the instructions on the Registrar’s Office Letter of Permission website. To ensure that courses completed on LOP will count towards your degree requirements, please consult Academic Advising.  Students are limited to the number of credits they can take as follows:

  • Computer Science, Computer Security, and Digital Media: A maximum of 15 credits may be taken on a Letter of Permission.
  • Earth and Atmospheric Science: A maximum of 15 credits may be taken on a Letter of Permission.
  • Engineering: A maximum of 15 credits may be taken on a Letter of Permission and requires approval from the Engineering Department and Manager, Academic Advising. ENG, EECS, CIVL, and MECH courses may not be taken on a Letter of Permission.

Reactivation

A student who has been absent from the University for a fall/winter session must apply to the Registrar’s Office for reactivation. Once reactivation is approved, students must see an academic advisor in order to enrol in courses. Reactivation does not apply to students who have been debarred from York University. All such students must apply, through the Admissions Office, for re-admission consideration.

Graduation

Students should apply to graduate in the session in which they expect to qualify for the degree, irrespective of whether or not they plan to attend the graduation ceremony. The application to graduate can be found on the Apply to Graduate website.

The deadline dates for graduation ensure that all potential graduates’ records are assessed in a timely fashion.

A student registered in an Honours program may apply to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, provided bachelor program requirements are met.

Degree Reclassification

A student who has completed a York University bachelor degree in the Lassonde School of Engineering may continue, after graduation, in an Honours program in the same subject area or in an Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program including the same subject area, provided the grade point average required for the Honours program has been satisfied. If the student subsequently satisfies the degree requirements for the Honours, Honours Double Major, or Honours Major/Minor program, their bachelor degree will be reclassified as an Honours bachelor degree.

A student who wishes to pursue a second degree in a different field of study must apply to the Admissions Office for admission as a second-degree candidate.

Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards

Grading System

Refer to Grades and Grading Schemes within the Academic Information section of this publication.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

A pass/fail grading option is available to Lassonde School of Engineering students within the guidelines as outlined in Senate Policy and explained on the Pass/Fail website .

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat a passed or failed course twice for academic degree or certificate credit, for a maximum of three (3) attempts at a course. For information and considerations for repeating courses see the Course Repeat website. When a student is allowed to repeat a course for academic degree or certificate credit, the grade of the latest attempt  will be the grade of record and the only grade calculated in the student’s grade point average (Major, Cumulative, Sessional and Overall). A course shall be credited only once towards satisfying degree or certificate academic credit requirements. Additional information is available within the Senate Policy.

Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs

Bachelor Programs

To graduate in a bachelor program requires successful completion of all Faculty, departmental and program requirements, and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 4.00 (C) over all courses earned.

Students in a bachelor program who have passed 90 credits in accordance with Faculty and program requirements, but whose cumulative overall grade point average is below 4.00 (C), may attempt to raise their average by taking up to 12 additional credits, to a maximum of 102 credits. These courses must be above the 1000 level and must be taken at York University. Regulations on equivalent and excluded courses apply.

Honours Bachelor Programs (BSc, iBSc, BA, iBA)

To progress in the Honours program, upon completion of each academic session, students must have a cumulative average as follows:

EARNED Credit RangeCumulative GRADE POINT Average Required
0 to 234.00
24 to 534.25
54 to 834.80
84 or higher5.00

Students who have earned 84 credits and who wish to proceed in an Honours program must have a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 overall. If a student does not achieve a 5.00 OCGPA on the completion of their 84th credit (or higher), they must petition to waive Honours standing for consideration to be in and/or return to an Honours program.

To graduate in an Honours program requires successful completion of all Faculty, departmental and program requirements, and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses earned.

Honours Bachelor of Engineering Programs (BEng)

To progress in the Honours program, upon completion of each academic session, students must have a cumulative average in credits taken as follows:

TAKEN Credit RangeCumulative GRADE POINT Average Required
0 to 354.00
36 to 714.25
72 to 1074.80
108 or higher5.00

Students who have taken 108 credits, and who wish to proceed in an Honours program must have a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 overall. If a student does not achieve a 5.00 OCGPA on the completion of their 108th credit (or higher), they must petition to waive Honours standing for consideration to be in and/or return to an Honours program.  Prior to the 108th credit where honours progression is not met, they must submit an Honours waiver for consideration to be in and/or return to an Honours program

To graduate in an Honours BEng program requires successful completion of all Faculty, departmental and program requirements, and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses taken.

Academic Standing Requirements for Visiting Students

Individuals who wish to enrol in undergraduate credit courses, but who do not intend to complete a degree or a certificate may be admitted to York as a visiting student. To learn more, refer to the Admission and Application Procedures for Visiting Students.

Designation of Honours or Bachelor Program

Automatic Honours designation. Students are automatically considered to be in an Honours program provided they achieve and maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above.

Automatic Bachelor designation. Depending on the program, students are automatically considered to be in a Bachelor program if they fail to achieve or maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above. Students who have been exited from their Honours program, e.g. exited Engineering students, will be contacted prior to being switched to a Bachelor program.

Option to graduate with a Bachelor program. Students registered for an Honours degree may opt to graduate with a Bachelor degree if they fulfill Bachelor program requirements. Refer to Graduation in the Lassonde School of Engineering Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section for details.

Examinations

Refer to the following policies, procedures, and guidelines governing the conduct of examinations:

Individual instructors and/or invigilators may also provide specific instruction on the conduct of examinations for courses.

Final examination answer sheets/booklets become the property of the teaching unit. Students have the right to review their graded tests and examinations once the grades have been published by the Registrar’s Office. Students may request a copy at cost from the teaching unit.

Aegrotat Standing

Aegrotat standing may apply where a student cannot be expected to complete coursework for medical or compassionate reasons. A petition for aegrotat standing may be submitted. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that full documentation (medical or other) is provided in support of requests for aegrotat standing. If granted, the phrase AEG "aegrotat standing" is substituted for the grade on the transcript.

Aegrotat standing is seldom granted where only the final exam has not been written; instead, the student may be granted permission to write a deferred exam.

For more information, refer to the Deferred Standing website and the Lassonde Academic Petitions website.

Deferred Standing

If a student is unable to write a final exam or submit a final culminating assignment, they may wish to pursue deferred standing. Deferred standing may be granted or denied. For more information, refer to the Deferred Standing website and the Lassonde Academic Petitions website.

Reappraisal of Final Grades

Students may, with sufficient academic grounds, request that a final grade in a course be reappraised. Students are normally expected to first contact the course director to discuss the grade received and to request that their tangible work be reviewed. For further information, refer to the Grade Reappraisal Policy.

Recognition of Excellence

Dean's Honour Roll

The annual Dean's Honour Roll recognizes academic excellence by assigning the notation "Member of Dean's Honour Roll" to the grade report and transcript of a student who achieves a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on a minimum of 24 credits, or, in the final year of study, a minimum of 18 credits.

Students coregistered in the Faculty of Education, who are registered in a minimum of 24 credits overall (of which at least 18 credits are for the bachelor or Honours degree in the Lassonde School of Engineering) and who achieve a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on their credits for the bachelor or Honours in the Lassonde School of Engineering, are also eligible to be on the Lassonde School of Engineering Dean's Honour Roll.

First-Class Degrees

The Lassonde School of Engineering rewards exceptional students by designating their degrees "first class" or "first class with distinction".

First-class standing is normally awarded to students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 7.50 or higher.

With distinction is normally added to the first-class degree of students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 8.00 (A) or higher.

Warnings and Sanctions

Students whose academic record does not meet the degree standards are subject to the academic penalties of academic warning, required withdrawal, debarment warning, debarment and academic probation, as set out below. In sum, students on Academic Warning who do not meet the GPA requirements, in the first instance will be Required to Withdraw from the University for 12 months. Students who return to the University after a required withdrawal, via the reactivation process, or via an approved academic petition, are placed on Debarment Warning. Failure to meet the GPA requirements while on debarment warning will result in students being Debarred for 24 months. Students who wish to return to the University after a debarment decision may petition to continue their studies or must apply to be re-admitted after the 24-month debarment period. Students who return to the University after debarment, via the re-application process, or via an approved academic petition, are placed on Academic Probation.

Academic Warning

Students whose cumulative overall grade point average falls below 4.00 (C), but is equal to or greater than 2.50, at the end of any session receive an academic warning. Students who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 (C) receive an academic warning.

Academic Warning Conditions

Students on academic warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, or be required to withdraw. Students whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.50 after at least 24 York credits have been taken will be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Required Withdrawal

Students whose academic record shows marked weakness will be required to withdraw from their studies for 12 months, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential, and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawal:

  • Grade point average below 2.50: Students whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.50 after at least 24 York credits have been taken will be required to withdraw for 12 months.
  • Failure to satisfy Academic Warning conditions: students who have received an academic warning for a cumulative grade point average below 4.00, but equal to or greater than 2.50, must satisfy the academic warning conditions as specified above or be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Petition to Continue without Interruption

Students who have been required to withdraw may submit a petition to the Lassonde Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee requesting permission to continue their studies on Debarment Warning.

Reactivation after Required Withdrawal

Students who have been required to withdraw may apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request via the Reactivation website. Students who return to their studies after such a Required Withdrawal receive a Debarment Warning.

Debarment Warning

Students who have been required to withdraw in the Lassonde School of Engineering, or the equivalent in another Faculty at York University or elsewhere, receive a Debarment Warning upon continuing their studies in the University.

Debarment Warning Conditions

Students on Debarment Warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which the 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average in order to continue.

Debarment

Students whose academic record continues to show marked weakness will be debarred from their studies for 24 months, during which they are encouraged to continue to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential.

Petition to Continue without Interruption

Students who have been debarred may submit a petition to the Lassonde Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee requesting permission to continue their studies on academic probation.

Reapplying after Debarment

Students who have been debarred and who wish to resume their studies must apply for re-admission through the Admissions Office, and must provide persuasive evidence that they are ready and able to complete a degree program. Students who are re-admitted continue on Academic Probation.

Academic Probation

Students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the University, whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by applying for readmission, receive an Academic Probation. Students on Academic Probation must meet the Debarment Warning Conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be debarred again.

Academic Honesty

The Lassonde School of Engineering fosters a culture of academic integrity, honesty and trust, and expects all students to read, understand and abide by the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty. Suspected breaches of the Policy are taken seriously, as the integrity of our academic community is of paramount importance.

The Lassonde Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards oversees academic honesty investigations in the Lassonde School of Engineering. For further information contact the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

Note: students cannot drop, withdraw late, nor seek course relief for any course(s) in which they have been penalized for a breach of academic honesty.

Petitions

Students may petition on reasonable grounds, in writing, a Lassonde School of Engineering regulation. Students may not petition departmental-level rules (e.g., prerequisites) nor accreditation guidelines (e.g., E/Z section rules for Engineering). In some instances, circumstances affecting a student’s performance in initial University course work will be accepted as grounds for petition. All enquiries about regulations and petition procedures should be addressed to the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

For information regarding petitions for deferred examinations, refer to Deferred Examinations in this section of the calendar. Petition forms must be submitted to the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

Normally petitions for late withdrawal from a course will only be considered if they are submitted within 60 days of the last day of classes of the relevant course. Such petitions may be considered for a period of up to one year if they are based on special circumstances. For information regarding guidelines for the consideration of petitions to remove a course from the transcript, refer to the Withdrawal from Course ("W") Policy and Guidelines.

All petitions are to be submitted online via the Lassonde Academic Petitions website. 

Appeals Procedures

Appeals by students and/or faculty members against rulings of the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee must be filed in writing submitted online via the Lassonde Academic Appeals website, within 15 calendar days of the date of official notification of the decision.

Appeals against rulings of the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee will be heard by an independent panel comprised of at least two eligible faculty members and one eligible student representative.

Members shall disqualify themselves if they are involved as a party or witness in the case or believe that they could not be impartial. Where members disqualify themselves, alternate members will replace them.

Appeals are heard only on the following grounds:

  1. new evidence; i.e., evidence that, through no fault of the appellant, could not reasonably have been presented at an earlier level (as a guide, events or performance subsequent to the decisions of the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee are not to be construed as new evidence);
  2. evidence of procedural irregularity in the previous consideration of the case by the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee. This may be understood to include actions taken by the Lassonde School of Engineering, its officers, committees or members with respect to the case which would violate or nullify any of the following:
    • normal and written procedures of the Faculty;
    • recognized custom of the Faculty;
    • the principles of natural justice and fairness.

If the route of appeal has been exhausted at the Faculty-level, further appeals may be made to the Senate Appeals Committee.

Appeals against rulings of the Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards (e.g., academic honesty rulings) must be filed directly to the Senate Appeals Committee. There is no Faculty-level appeals process with respect to academic honesty rulings. Enquiries about appeals of this sort, and the grounds upon which they may be filed, should be directed to the University Secretariat appeals@yorku.ca or 1050 Kaneff Tower, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J1P3.

Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements

The Credit System

The Lassonde School of Engineering operates under a credit system in which a prescribed number of credits, intended to reflect total workload, is associated with each course offered by the University. One academic credit is defined as one lecture/laboratory hour per week per term. At York University course (with the exception of some courses offered by the Faculty of Education), the number of credits in each course is indicated by the number which follows the four-digit course number.

Year of Study Equivalents

When it is necessary to equate credits earned with year level, the following guidelines are used for all Lassonde degrees (except BEng):

Year LevelCredit Range
Year 10 to 23
Year 224 to 53
Year 354 to 83
Year 484+

For BEng, the following guidelines are used:

Year LevelCredit Range
Year 10 to 35
Year 236 to 71
Year 372 to 107
Year 4108+

Residence Requirement

In order to qualify for a York University degree in any bachelor or Honours program, a student must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits at York University and at least half (50 per cent) of the requirements in each major/minor.

Time Limit

There is no time limit for completion of degree requirements in the Lassonde School of Engineering. Students taking a course load of approximately 30-39 credits per fall/winter session can expect to complete a bachelor's degree in three fall/winter sessions or an Honours degree in four fall/winter sessions. A limited number of courses are also available during the summer session.

Although there is no minimum number of credits in which a student must enrol in any session, students who do not enrol in any courses in a fall/winter session must formally apply to have their student record reactivated before resuming their studies in a subsequent session (refer to Reactivation in the Lassonde School of Engineering Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section).

Since the curriculum is constantly evolving through the introduction of new course requirements and/or prerequisites, students are strongly advised to complete their degree requirements in a reasonable time period.

Course Credit Exclusions

The University offers some courses in which at least part of the content is similar to that presented in other courses. To ensure that credit is not granted more than once for similar content, the Lassonde School of Engineering designates such courses as course credit exclusions. The exclusion(s) for a particular course are listed in the course description.

If a student in the Lassonde School of Engineering enrols in and successfully completes two courses which are designated as exclusions of each other, credit is given for only one. Both courses appear on the student's official York University transcript.

A course (or combination of courses) designated as an exclusion for another course may be substituted for the latter (for the purposes of satisfying prerequisite and/or degree requirements) only with Faculty/department/division/program approval. Information regarding approved substitute courses may be found in the program of study requirements in the Lassonde School of Engineering Programs of Study section, in the prerequisite requirements listed for courses in this publication or in the departmental supplementary calendars. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

Non-Science Requirement

The non-science requirement provides a broad perspective on current scholarship and the diversity of human experience. These courses are also expected to enhance students' critical skills in reading, writing and thinking, and contribute to their preparation for post-university life.

BEng Requirements

Complementary Studies Requirement

A total of 12 credits of complementary studies courses, with no more than 6.00 credits at the 1000 level, must be taken, as identified below by a thematic area. At least 3 of the 12 (maximum of 9 credits) credits must be taken in the humanities or social sciences, defined by the following areas of study: Anthropology, Humanities, English, History, Linguistics and Languages, Philosophy, Social Science, Modes of Reasoning and Gender and Women's Studies**. Asterisked courses below in the Science and Technology Studies thematic area are also considered to meet this requirement.

Entrepreneurship

9.00 credits from:

  • SB/ENTR 3400 3.00 Business Essentials for Technology Entrepreneurs I
  • SB/ENTR 3600 3.00 Business Essentials for Technology Entrepreneurs II
  • SB/ENTR 4500 3.00 Entrepreneurship and Technology Ventures
  • LE/TECL 3033 3.00 International Entrepreneurial Engineering Immersion 

Plus: 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

Environmental Studies

  • EU/ENVS 2151 3.00 (follow-on to EU/ENVS 2150 3.00)

6.00 credits from the areas of:

  1. Environmental Management: Policy Resources and Conservation:
    • EU/ENVS 3130 3.00 Energy and Environment
    • EU/ENVS 3230 3.00 Restoration Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3420 3.00 Environmental Law
    • EU/ENVS 3430 3.00 Environmental Assessment
    • EU/ENVS 3440 3.00 Resource Management
    • EU/ENVS 3505 3.00 Business and Sustainability
    • EU/ENVS 3510 3.00 Environmental Economics
    • EU/ENVS 3520 3.00 Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4230 6.00 Design for Sustainability Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4400 3.00 Fundamentals of Renewable Energy
    • EU/ENVS 4401 3.00 Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency
    • EU/ENVS 4402 3.00 Climate Change Mitigation (EU/ENVS 3130 3.00 recommended prerequisite)
    • EU/ENVS 4430 3.00 Impact Assessment Processes and Practice (EU/ENVS 3430 3.00 prerequisite)
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
    • EU/ENVS 4442 3.00 Environmental Auditing
    • EU/ENVS 4446 3.00 Protected Area Management
    • EU/ENVS 4520 3.00 Geographic Information Systems Applications in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4523 3.00 Systems Thinking in Environmental Studies
  2. Urban and Regional Environments
    • EU/ENVS 3222 3.00 Urban Infrastructure
    • EU/ENVS 3226 3.00 Sustainable Urbanism: Environmental Planning and Design
    • EU/ENVS 3230 3.00 Restoration Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3520 3.00 Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 3710 3.00 Landscape Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 3740 3.00 Urban Ecology
    • EU/ENVS 4210 3.00 Global Populations: Critical Environmental Perspectives
    • EU/ENVS 4220 3.00 Urbanization in Developing Countries
    • EU/ENVS 4225 3.00 Urban Sustainability
    • EU/ENVS 4230 6.00 Design for Sustainability Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
    • EU/ENVS 4442 3.00 Environmental Auditing
    • EU/ENVS 4520 3.00 Geographic Information Systems Applications in Environmental Studies
    • EU/ENVS 4700 3.00 Urban Ecologies Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 4800 3.00 Urban Development Processes
  3. Environmental Politics: Development, Globalization and Justice:
    • EU/ENVS 3151 3.00 Environmental Politics and Advocacy I
    • EU/ENVS 3160 3.00 Race/Racism and Environmental Justice
    • EU/ENVS 3340 3.00 Global Environmental Politics
    • EU/ENVS 3410 3.00 Environmental Policy I
    • EU/ENVS 3420 3.00 Environmental Law
    • EU/ENVS 3510 3.00 Environmental Economics
    • EU/ENVS 4011 3.00 Food, Land and Culture
    • EU/ENVS 4161 3.00 Social Movements, Activism and Social Change
    • EU/ENVS 4210 3.00 Global Populations
    • EU/ENVS 4312 3.00 Global Justice and Humanitarian Internationalism
    • EU/ENVS 4315 3.00 Humanitarian Crises and Action
    • EU/ENVS 4320 3.00 Gender and Development
    • EU/ENVS 4440 3.00 Environmental Disasters
  4. Environment and Culture
    • EU/ENVS 3122 3.00 Community Arts Practice Preparatory Workshop
    • EU/ENVS 3125 3.00 Popular Education for Environmental and Social Justice
    • EU/ENVS 3150 3.00 Human/Non-Human Animal Relations
    • EU/ENVS 3170 3.00 Indigenous Environmental Thought
    • EU/ENVS 3320 3.00 Sex, Gender, Nature: Ecofeminist Perspectives
    • EU/ENVS 4100 3.00 Environmental Literatures
    • EU/ENVS 4140 3.00 Environmental Thought
    • EU/ENVS 4161 3.00 Social Movements, Activism and Social Change
    • EU/ENVS 4420 3.00 Environment, Media, Culture and Communication

Plus: 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

Fine Arts

9.00 credits from:

  • FA/DANC 1340 6.00 Introduction to Dance Studies
  • FA/DANC 2340 3.00 Dance History: 20th Century and Later
  • FA/FILM 1401 6.00 Introduction to Film (for Non-Majors)
  • FA/FILM 1701 3.00 Hollywood: Old and New
  • FA/FILM 2401 6.00 Film, Television and Society
  • FA/MUSI 1500 6.00 The Music of Bollywood Films
  • FA/MUSI 1510 6.00 The Musical Experience
  • FA/MUSI 1520 6.00 Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk, and Rap
  • FA/MUSI 1530 6.00 Rock and Popular Music
  • FA/MUSI 1540 6.00 Popular Music of the World
  • FA/MUSI 1550 6.00 Latin and Caribbean Popular Music
  • FA/THEA 1500 6.00 Aspects of Theatre
  • FA/VISA 2110 6.00 Introduction to the Study of Western Architecture
  • FA/VISA 2620 6.00 Modern Art: 1750 to the Present
  • Select one from:
    • FA/ARTH 1900 3.00 Art in the City
    • FA/DANC 1900 3.00 Dance, Film, and Culture
    • FA/DATT 1900 3.00 Art Science: At the Intersection of Arts and Science
    • FA/FILM 1900 3.00 Anatomy of the Feature Film
    • FA/MUSI 1900 3.00 Music in the City
    • FA/THEA 1900 3.00 Intercultural Theatre and Performance in Toronto
    • FA/YSDN 1900 3.00 Design and Contemporary Culture

Plus: 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

Global Engineer

Languages (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish)

  • 12.00 credits in languages and culture courses with the same rubric, with a minimum of 6.00 credits of language skills and a minimum of 3.00 credits culture course (counts as humanities/social sciences)

French Studies

  • 12.00 credit certificate in French or French for Business, plus 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

General Studies

Students may choose 12.00 credits from all the courses listed in the other areas, subject to prerequisites, the humanities or social sciences requirements, and some other restrictions. Up to 9.00 credits of humanities or social sciences (as defined above) may be used to satisfy this requirement.

AP/ECON 1000 3.00 and AP/ECON 1010 3.00 and HH/PSYC 1010 6.00 and AP/SOCI 1010 6.00 and other specified courses in the thematic areas may also be taken.

Law

  • Up to 9.00 credits of Osgoode ‘Perspectives’ courses, such as LW/LAW 3040X 3.00 (Comparative Law: Privacy & Access to Information)

Plus: 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

Public Policy

Choose one of three areas:

  1. The Canadian State and Public Administration:
    • AP/PPAS 2110 3.00 Canadian Government
    • AP/PPAS 3190 6.00 Public Administration
  2. Public Law
    • AP/PPAS 2200 3.00 Communities and Public Law
    • Choose two of the following:
      • AP/PPAS 3000 3.00 Politics, Policy and the Law of Minority Rights;
      • AP/PPAS 3135 3.00 Public Law I: The Constitution and the Courts in Canada;
      • AP/PPAS 3136 3.00 Public Law II: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Limits of Public Administration
  3. Science, Technology and Public Policy:
    • AP/PPAS 2110 3.00 Canadian Government;
    • AP/PPAS 3120 3.00 Science Technology and Public Policy;
    • AP/PPAS 3122 3.00 Science Policy in Context

Plus: 3.00 credits in humanities/social sciences

Science & Technology Studies

6.00 credits from:

  • SC/STS 2210 3.00 Technology in the Modern World
  • SC/STS 3500 3.00 The Global Information Society
  • SC/STS 3600 3.00 Technological Failure
  • SC/STS 3726 3.00 Technology, Experts and Society
  • SC/STS 3765 3.00 Natures of Experiment
  • SC/STS 3790 3.00 Science and Technology Issues in Global Development

Plus: 6.00 credits from (counts as humanities/social sciences requirement):

  • SC/STS 2110 3.00 Revolutions in Science*
  • SC/STS 3170 3.00 Philosophy of Science*
  • AP/HUMA 3226 3.00 Representations of Nature: Cultural and Historical Perspectives*
  • SC/STS 3561 3.00 History of Computing and Information Technology*
  • SC/STS 3725 3.00 Science and Exploration*

Restrictions & Notes

  • The following course(s) contain a substantial overlap in content with engineering core material and hence may not be taken for degree credit by BEng degree candidates: AP/PHIL 2100 3.00 Introduction to Logic.
  • No more than 6.00 credits may be taken at the 1000-level.
  • Quantitative courses focusing on techniques of mathematics or statistics cannot count as general education courses.
  • Courses which are cross-listed as SC courses or which are eligible for SC credit cannot count towards this requirement, except the specific courses identified in the Science and Technology Studies cluster.
  • **Excluding gender and women's studies courses which are cross-listed with natural science courses.

Note: Many 3000 & 4000-level courses are eligible for complementary studies credit. Students must meet the listed prerequisites and be confident in their ability to complete course work in that subject area at a third/fourth-year level.

BSc, Honours BSc, iBSc requirements

All degree candidates in the above programs must complete a minimum of 12 credits from two different areas of study, including at least three credits from each area, subject to the restrictions noted below.

For the purposes of this regulation “different area” means offered by different academic units such as divisions, departments or Faculties.

Non-science course areas

Subject to the restrictions listed below, courses in the following areas may be taken:

  • anthropology
  • classical studies*
  • English
  • economics
  • French studies*
  • gender and women’s studies ***(except for courses cross-listed with natural science (NATS))
  • geography**
  • history
  • humanities ****(except for courses cross-listed with science and technology studies (STS))
  • languages, literature and linguistics*
  • modes of reasoning
  • philosophy
  • political science
  • social science (except for courses cross-listed with science and technology studies (STS))
  • sociology

The following courses offered by the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

  • EU/ENVS 1000 6.00;
  • EU/ENVS 2100 6.00;
  • EU/ENVS 2150 3.00.

The following courses offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

  • FA/DANC 1340 3.00;
  • FA/DANC 2340 3.00;
  • FA/FACS 1900 6.00;
  • FA/FILM 1401 6.00;
  • FA/FILM 1410 6.00;
  • FA/FILM 1701 3.00;
  • FA/FILM 2401 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1500 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1510 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1520 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1530 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1540 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1550 6.00;
  • FA/THEA 1500 6.00;
  • FA/VISA 2110 6.00;
  • FA/VISA 2540 6.00;
  • FA/VISA 2550 6.00;
  • FA/VISA 2620 6.00.
Restrictions (for BSc, Honours BSc, iBSc Candidates)
  1. Courses which are cross-listed as SC courses or which are eligible for SC credit cannot count towards this requirement. (e.g. science based geography courses)
  2. *Courses whose major focus is increased facility in the use of a language cannot count towards this requirement. Such courses are offered in the areas marked with an * above.
  3. Quantitative courses focusing on techniques of mathematics or statistics cannot count towards this requirement. For example, this applies to some economics courses.
  4. **Geography courses cannot be used to satisfy the requirement for students with a second major or minor in geography.
  5. ***Excluding gender and women's studies courses which are cross-listed with natural science courses.
  6. ****Humanities and social science courses cross-listed with science and technology studies (STS) courses cannot count towards this requirement.
Notes (for BSc, Honours BSc, iBSc Candidates)
  1. Courses taken in fulfilment of this requirement may not be taken on a pass/fail basis (refer to Pass/Fail Grading Option in the Lassonde School of Engineering Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section).
  2. Students may not take for credit any more than three humanities/social science foundations courses (27 credits).
  3. Non-science courses are normally taken at the 1000 or 2000 level, but higher-level courses are acceptable, subject only to prerequisites and course access specifications for enrolment.

General Regulations

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Programs

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified co-requisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/co-requisites under Advising in the Lassonde School of Engineering Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.

BA Degree Options/RequirementsMinimum Credit Requirements
Minimum Number of Major or Minor Credits:
(including, where applicable, iBA options)
BA Major30 credits; including 12 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Honours BA Major42 credits; including 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Specialized Honours BA Major54 credits; including 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Honours Double Major Interdisciplinary BA36 credits; including 6 credits at the 4000 level in each major.
Honours Major/Minor BA42 credits, including 12 credits at the 4000 level in the major and 30 credits, normally including 6 credits at the 4000 level, in the minor.
Upper-Level Requirements:
90-credit BA18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including 12 credits in the major as above.
120-credit Specialized Honours BA and Honours BA degrees36 credits at the 3000 or 4000-level including at least 18 credits at the 4000-level. This includes the 3000 and 4000 level credits in the major and minor listed above.
General Education Requirement21 credits chosen from humanities, natural science and social science courses, with the constraint that at least 6.00 credits must be chosen from each of humanities, social science and natural science areas, but no more than 9.00 credits should be in any one of the three areas.
Outside the Major Discipline Requirement(s)At least 18 credits outside the major3. Not applicable to double major and major/minor programs.
Residency RequirementA minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per-cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.

c) Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Lassonde School of Engineering Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules.

d) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Lassonde School of Engineering Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree Programs

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified co-requisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/co-requisites under Advising in the Lassonde School of Engineering Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.

BSc Degree Options/RequirementsMinimum Credit Requirements
Minimum Number of Major or Minor Credits:
(including, where applicable, iBSc options)
BSc Major30 credits; including 12 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Specialized Honours BSc Major54 credits; including 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, with at least 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Honours BSc Major42 credits; including 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, with at least 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Honours Double Major BSc42 credits; including 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, with at least 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Honours Major/Minor BSc42 credits, including 12 credits at the 4000 level in the major and 30 credits, normally including 6 credits at the 4000 level, in the minor.
Upper-Level Requirements:
90-credit BSc18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including 12 credits in the major as above.
120-credit Specialized Honours BSc and Honours BSc degrees42 credits at the 3000 or 4000-level including at least 12 credits at the 4000-level. This includes the 3000 and 4000 level credits in the major and minor listed above.
Laboratory Requirement6 credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000-level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (Biology, Chemistry and Physics programs require 6 additional credits outside the major).
General Education Requirement27 credits in total as follows:
  • 12 credits in human enquiry outside of science disciplines;
  • 6 credits in math at the 1000 level (excluding remedial courses);
  • 3 credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
  • 6 credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000-level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics.
Science Requirement Outside the Major Program:
90-credit BSc24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.
120-credit Specialized Honours BSc and Honours BSc degrees
Not applicable to double major and major/minor programs
24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.
Residency RequirementA minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per-cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.

c) Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Lassonde School of Engineering Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section.

d) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Lassonde School of Engineering Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Specialized Honours Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

The Specialized Honours Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) program requires at least four years of full-time study and at least 140 credits:

  • Specialized Honours with one declared major in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering or space engineering.
  • Specialized Honours Dual Degree in engineering (BEng) and international development studies Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Honours and Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Honours and Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs require at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits and may involve varying degrees of concentration in one or two declared subject areas:

  • Specialized Honours with one declared major in, computer science, computer security or digital media. Specialized Honours programs may not be combined with other majors or minors.
  • Honours Major with one declared major in computer science. Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science and a second major in earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and a second major in environmental studies.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science and a second major in one of dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science and a second major in one of health studies, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and with any second major in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies with the exception of information technology.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Science inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science and a second major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies or statistics.
  • Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and a minor in earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and a minor in environmental studies.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and a minor in one of dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and a minor in one of health informatics, health management, health policy, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde / Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in computer science, and with any minor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies with the exception of information technology.

Honours International Bachelor of Arts (iBA)

Honours International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) program, which requires at least four years of full-time study, at least 120 credits, and one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement, and may involve varying degrees of concentration in one or two declared subject areas:

  • Honours with one declared major in computer science.
  • Honours Major/Minor with a declared major in computer science, and a minor in earth and atmospheric science. In addition, the declared major in computer science may be taken with an inter-faculty minor from the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science, or the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs, which are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and involve a concentration in only one declared subject area:

  • Bachelor with one declared major in computer science or digital media.

Honours and Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Honours and Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study, require at least 120 credits and may involve varying degrees of concentration in one or two declared subject areas:

  • Specialized Honours with one declared major in computer science, computer security, earth and atmospheric science, international dual degree-computer science.
  • Honours Major with one declared major in computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with declared science majors in computer science and earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Health inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in computer science or earth and atmospheric science and a declared health major in health studies, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Double Major (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in computer science or earth and atmospheric science and any declared Liberal Arts and Professional Studies major with the exception of information technology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science, and a declared science minor in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science, and a declared minor in environmental studies.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science, and a declared fine arts minor in one of dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Health inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science and a declared health minor in health informatics, health management, health policy, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science and any declared liberal arts and professional studies minor with the exception of information technology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Lassonde School of Engineering / Faculty of Science inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science, and a declared minor in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, environmental biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, and statistics.
  • Honours Science with no declared major.

Honours International Bachelor of Science (iBSc)

Honours International Bachelor of Science (iBSc) programs, which require at least four years of full-time study, at least 120 credits, and one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement:

  • Honours Major with one declared major in computer science. Honours International Bachelor of Science programs may not be combined with other majors or minors.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs, which are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and usually involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area:

  • Bachelor of Science with one declared major in computer science, earth and atmospheric science, international dual degree - computer science.
  • Bachelor of Science with no declared major.

Notes:

2. Choice of major and minor is subject to timetabling constraints. Some combinations may require more than 120 credits.

Program Combinations with Other Faculties

Inter-Faculty Double Major and Major/Minor Programs

The Lassonde School of Engineering jointly offers Honours Double Major programs with the following Faculties: Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (with BA options only), Faculty of Health, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, Faculty of Science, and the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (with BA options only). The Lassonde School of Engineering also jointly offers Honours Major/Minor programs with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science, and the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design.

A student in the Lassonde School of Engineering who has completed 24 credits in an Honours program and satisfies the Lassonde School of Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a major in the Lassonde School of Engineering, and a major or minor in the other Faculty. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible subject combinations, refer to the Undergraduate Degree Programs above. To apply to change your program to include a second major or minor, please refer to the Lassonde Program Change website and the Program Change page on the Manage My Academic Record website.

Lassonde and Education

A student wishing to obtain the professional certification required to teach in Ontario schools may take both teacher training and an undergraduate academic program concurrently. This does not shorten the time required to gain the qualification but provides a better chance for the student to relate theory and practice and to have more opportunity to gain practical experience than is possible in a one-year program.

Students interested in the entering the BSc or BA through the Lassonde School of Engineering concurrently with the Bachelor of Education (BEd) through the Faculty of Education can apply to both programs as a high school applicant or as a current student in the Lassonde School of Engineering. The specific program of study of each student is subject to the approval of both Faculties. For more detailed information on the concurrent BEd program, please consult the Faculty of Education's academic calendar or website. To apply to change your program to include the BEd, please refer to the Program Change page on the Manage My Academic Record website.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements for the degree in the Lassonde School of Engineering, and of the required education courses, a coregistered student is awarded a BSc, Honours BSc, BA or Honours BA and a BEd.

Certificate Programs

York University undergraduate certificate programs are open to all undergraduate students, subject to student eligibility and course availability. The following certificates are offered by departments affiliated with the Lassonde School of Engineering. Please refer to the certificates as linked below for eligibility and requirements:

Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) Concurrent Certificate

Concurrent Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Concurrent Certificate in Meteorology

Dean:J. Goodyer
Vice Dean:D. Palermo 
Associate Dean:J. Moores
Office of the Dean:Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, 416-736-5484
Assistant Dean, Students:M. Burnie
Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre:Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, 416-650-8215