Thread: Software Engineering

  1. #1
    i get my own title?
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    Software Engineering

    hiya guys,
    i got accepted to software engineering at waterloo a few weeks ago. when i did and talked to someone already in that program, he said it was preety hard to get coop placement for it because noone graduated from it yet and the employers dont know how the students will perform. i was wondering if any of you guys here go to waterloo or know about that program to give me some details about how correct my contact was (i think he was a little biased). any info would be great.
    thanks a lot

  2. #2
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    Goin' to Waterloo next year, but in CS co-op. I've got a bunch of friends going there too, but none into Software Engineering, but supposedly for all co-op courses overall they have a 95% placement rate, so I wouldn't worry about it. BTW, what residence are you gonna stay in?
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  3. #3
    i get my own title?
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    that's good to hear. 95% is better than the 70% i was told before.
    i'm not to sure about the residence though, i didnt select the preferences yet. thinking about doing it tomorow with a friend. i know a bunch of people going to waterloo too, but with stuff like engineering (all sorts) and one with actuarial(sp?) science... no softeng. gonna see where this goes.

    PS. my first choice would've been the mackenzie king place, but that's missing from my preferences list.

  4. #4
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    In that case, you just choose UW Residences, and you request MacKenzie King online between June 21st - July 2nd.
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  5. #5
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    WTF... would someone mind telling me the difference between "Software Engineering" and "Computer Science"? It's the same damn thing! Why have 10 names for it?

  6. #6
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    From what I heard from an instructor, Software Engineering specifically looks at proving (or disproving) that a program or algorthim works for all test cases. So it is different from Computer Science.

  7. #7
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Well why in the hell would you want to take that as a major? Unless you're planning on being a software tester (not many jobs, and nothing a CS major couldn't land), this seems like a pointless major.

  8. #8
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    I'm sure I didn't do it justice w/ that description, but I haven't heard anything that would would make me think it was a really good major.

    Edit: Cut and paste time
    From:http://www.google.com/search?num=100...re+engineering

    The system of applying of an engineering discipline to the design, implementation and maintenance of software systems.
    http://www.cs.ukc.ac.uk/people/staff.../glossary.html

    Software Engineering is an engineering discipline which is concerned with all aspects of software production from the early stages of system specification through to maintaining the system after it has gone into use.
    www.resolveit.co.uk/glossary.htm

    This term refers to a movement, methods and techniques aimed at making software development more systematic. Software methodologies, like the OMG's UML, and software tools (See CASE tools) that help developers model application designs and then generate code are all closely associated with software engineering.
    www.bptrends.com/resources_glossary.cfm

    A disciplined approach for constructing information systems through the use of common methods, techniques, or tools.
    http://myphliputil.pearsoncmg.com/st...pGlossary.html

    A collection of theories, techniques, and tools which enable fallible humans to design, construct and maintain large software products in a reliable and cost effective manner.
    http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jonmc.../glossary.html

    A disciplined and standardized approach to program development, both in its managerial and technical aspects.
    cs.uhh.hawaii.edu/cs/courses/cs100/glossary.htm

    WEAPONS EFFECTS AND COUNTERMEASURES
    www.sew-lexicon.com/gloss_m.htm

    Application of software design principles to the process of creating software.
    http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/la/...s/glossary.htm
    Last edited by Thantos; 06-09-2004 at 08:06 AM.

  9. #9
    l'Anziano DavidP's Avatar
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    I like that weapons effects and countermeasures definition
    My Website

    "Circular logic is good because it is."

  10. #10
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    In the case of Waterloo, Software Engineering is basically a combination of Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  11. #11
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    sooo... why not just go Computer Engineering? It's like taking Computer Science with a few engineering courses.

  12. #12
    C++ Developer XSquared's Avatar
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    Again, Waterloo is different. They don't take any CS courses at all, just specifically CE ones. http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infoucal/ENG/comp_eng.html
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

    You. Fetch me my copy of the Wall Street Journal. You two, fight to the death - Stewie

  13. #13
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Waterloo is whacked.

    http://www.ece.uwaterloo.ca/~www_info/whatis_ce.html

    According to that page, Software Engineering is a specialization for Computer Engineering.... which leads me to the question: Why would you major in something that is merely a specialization for another major?

  14. #14
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Also... I tried to go to your link XSquared, but it never displayed anything. You're telling me that CEs at Waterloo don't do ANY programming or take ANY algorithm theory courses (IE Operating Systems, Discrete Math, Differential Equations, etc)????

  15. #15
    & the hat of GPL slaying Thantos's Avatar
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    From that page that XSquared linked:
    ECE 103 Discrete Mathematics for Engineers
    ECE 250 Algorithms and Data Structures
    ECE 222 Digital Computers
    ECE 241 Circuit Analysis and Design
    ECE 251 Programming Languages and Translators
    Plus some other math classes and such.

    Does seem kinda light on the programming side though. I know for me I have to take one more programming class (C++) and then take discrete structures and so other advance algorthim design class, plus all my math classes up through linear and differential equations. And thats just to transfer into the 4 year's program

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