Getting Started

Welcome to the Department of Computing Science! We are located in Athabasca Hall (ATH) and the Computing Science Centre (CSC). The information below is intended to assist new undergraduate students in our department in getting started.

Orientation

Week of Welcome

• During the first week of classes, there is a clubs fair, pancake breakfast, and beer gardens to welcome you back!
• The Students' Union also runs a one-day orientation for new students

Courses and Registration

Bear Tracks

Bear Tracks is the University of Alberta's hub for student and employee information — it is used for registering for courses, checking your marks, reviewing your exam schedule, checking your fees, and more.

• You should receive your CCID and password for Bear Tracks prior to arriving at the University
• This will allow you to register for courses after early June

Your ONEcard

The ONEcard is the official University of Alberta identification card used on campus.

• You need a government-issued Photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your 7-digit U of A ID Number to pick up your ONEcard
• For quicker pickup, submit your photo online
• Check the ONEcard website to see when you can pick yours up

Technical Resources

Computing Accounts

You will automatically receive a Campus Computing ID (CCID) from the U of A that provides a secure gateway to University services. In addition, CS students also receive access to Computing Science Resources from the Department.

• Learn about your accounts
• Questions regarding your accounts can be directed to Information Services & Technology (IST).

Resources for Learning

eClass Moodle

eClass powered by Moodle is the Course Management System used by the University of Alberta. You will find that a lot of your undergraduate courses will have websites in Moodle. There is a link to the eClass login at the top of most university webpages.

• Tip Sheet: Getting Started in Moodle (PDF, 135k)
• Tip Sheet: Participating in Courses (PDF, 131k)

Your First Lab

You should have information on your lab in your course syllabus or on your course website. Lab instructors and TAs will be there to teach your lab and help you with lab activities. You can consult with them during your lab or by email.

Prior to your first lab, you should have received an email which will have taken you through the steps to create a CCID password. If you are having trouble logging in, consult the account troubleshooting tips and be sure to have your ONEcard accessible so you can be assisted by the Help Desk.

Note:

• You can attend other labs but students enrolled in that lab get precedence (you may have to give up your seat)
• No food or drink is allowed in the labs — please be aware of other lab policies

Assignment Submission

Find starter guides on ASTEP (assignment submission) and a variety of languages in our Teaching and Learning section.

Check Your Marks

You can check your Computing Science marks on the CS Student Info page.