CS 114Principles of Computing for Science
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Mathematics
- Subject
- Computer Science
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Introduction to basic imperative programming principles; programming concepts including functions, flow control, lists, arrays; numerical accuracy and efficiency; data analysis and general-purpose algorithms. Introduction to object-oriented programming concepts.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- BME121 - Digital Computation (0.50)
- CHE120 - Computer Literacy and Programming for Chemical Engineers (0.50)
- CIVE121 - Computational Methods (0.50)
- CS116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2 (0.50)
- CS135 - Designing Functional Programs (0.50)
- CS136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (0.50)
- CS137 - Programming Principles (0.50)
- CS138 - Introduction to Data Abstraction and Implementation (0.50)
- CS145 - Designing Functional Programs (Advanced Level) (0.50)
- CS146 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (Advanced Level) (0.50)
- ECE150 - Fundamentals of Programming (0.50)
- ME101 - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Practice 2 (0.75)
- MSE121 - Introduction to Computer Programming (0.50)
- MTE121 - Digital Computation (0.50)
- NE111 - Introduction to Programming for Engineers (0.25)
- SYDE121 - Digital Computation (0.50)
- Not completed any of the following:
- Not open to students enrolled in programs offered by Faculty of Mathematics
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6423 | 89 / 100 | TTh 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 002 | 6424 | 80 / 100 | TTh 10:00–11:20 |
| LEC 003 | 6701 | 77 / 100 | TTh 11:30–12:50 |
| TUT 101 | 6425 | 60 / 75 | F 10:30–11:20 |
| TUT 102 | 6426 | 60 / 75 | F 11:30–12:20 |
| TUT 103 | 5931 | 58 / 75 | F 12:30–13:20 |
| TUT 104 | 6504 | 68 / 75 | F 13:30–14:20 |
| TST 201 | 6505 | 246 / 300 | Oct 26 19:00–20:50 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6163 | 0 / 120 | TTh 08:30–09:50 |
| LEC 701 | 2388 | 82 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
| TUT 101 | 6164 | 0 / 60 | F 10:30–11:20 |
| TUT 102 | 6223 | 0 / 60 | F 11:30–12:20 |
| TST 201 | 6165 | 0 / 120 | Mar 1 19:00–20:50 |
Resources
Around the web
Found by uwloo’s link finder, which checks that each page names CS 114.
Reviewed on UW Flow
56% liked it42% easy68% useful
From 99 ratings and 22 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Gregor Richards might be the end of me. I've taught Python before, and I genuinely have no clue why he taught it like he did. I can not see anyone actually learning from his lectures. Midterm average was a 41% so he emailed everyone in the course and said we suck
May 2026 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
As someone who took it last term but withdrew (because I had no coding experience and awful anxiety), I can say that it is an extremely rewarding course WHEN you stay on top of stuff. KEEP UP with content & assignments which requires constant, but low effort. You need to get 50% for assignments and midterm + final separately to pass, but you should be easily be able to get (quite high) on assignments. Coding gets exponentially harder and less rewarding when procrastinating or behind due to small mistakes from lack of practice SO STAY ON TRACK!!!
Jan 2025 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Not a great experience
Oct 2024 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
The course is useful to help kickstart your journey into learning CS and building skills, but the exams do not equal the coursework at all and the course itself is an absolute grind.
Nov 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Took this W26. In class content does not reflect what is being tested on the midterm. The class average for the midterm has always ranged between 40-50%. Do not take this class unless you have to.
Apr 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
35 posts and comments in 28 threads mention CS 114, July 2021 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
Is Module 6: file on cs114 midterm exam 1 point, 1 comment
Spring 2024
is it a dumb idea to do a cs elective 17 points, 13 comments
“hii i’m an incoming arts student and i’ve always been interested in computer science but haven’t really given much time to learning anything, and i heard that the cs courses are introductory, so …”
u/batson2002: “… there are easier courses designed for non math/cs students such as cs105/114 or you could try out the easier cs course math students take (cs115). …”
Coding Project? 1 point, 6 comments
u/NoThisIsPatrick-1671: “… I've learned a bit of python from CS 114, but thats basically it. I dont even know what counts as a project. …”
PHYS 249 Advice/Notes 1 point, 3 comments
“I'm taking PHYS 249 in the fall and I heard it's a pretty tough course. Anyone wanna share their notes with me, or some advice to do well?”
u/singabouttragedy: “I took 249 the first year it was offered (with James Taylor). It's honestly less difficult and more disorganized lmao- I didn't like it much. …”
u/NoThisIsPatrick-1671: “Do you know if there's gonna be a lot of coding? I know CS 114 was a pre-req but coding isn't really my strong suite”
Connecting with a current Physics student at Waterloo 5 points, 6 comments
“I was wondering if there is a current Waterloo student studying physics who could answer some questions I've been having after being accepted to the program. …”
u/eranand04: “1.Research 2.There are research jobs for upper years. Your first coop is likely software/data stuff 3.If u want money go for condensed matter or quantum information/computing. …”
u/eranand04: “Most of my friends who got those roles have taken cs courses beyond cs114 & phys 249(required for all physics majors) A master is good enough for most industry jobs, they're looking for experimentalist($$$) most likely. And for that purpose many ppl I know go for IQC coops”
Materials and Nanoscience? 8 points, 12 comments
“Hi, I am a grade 12 student that is interested in Waterloo’s Materials and Nanoscience program and want to know a little more about what it entails. …”
u/NoThisIsPatrick-1671: “… MATH 127 and 128, PHYS 121 and 122, CS 114, etc.). …”
Winter 2024
Comment something you're working on and I will make you feel smart 11 points, 16 comments
u/InsaneTensei: “Cs136 assignment 1”
u/eranand04: “CS is fucking hard. I took cs114 back in first year and the assignments were hard af. Props to you InsaneTensei for stepping up to doing the work 👊”
Fall 2023
I failed, is there anything i can do? 1 point, 14 comments
“So i failed a course with a 46% Is it possible to email the prof and ask them to possibly round up to 50 or do u guys think thats crazy… idek if thats possible for them to do at this point since the …”
u/Zealousideal_Day3646: “is this for cs115 or cs135?”
u/Jaded-Bicycle-425: “Cs114😭 its supposed to be easy but i hate coding i just wanted to finish this course and be free of it😔”
Cs 234 1 point, 2 comments
“Is the prereq just cs136 or cs136 with 60% + ? Sorry the language on the website was a bit ambiguous so asking here.”
u/Laeriana: “… this comment), the 60% seems to be the minimum grade requirement for those who have taken CS 114 and want to use that course as their chosen CS 234 pre-requisite (with a seeming additional requirement for them to take either CS 115 or 135 if that is the case). …”
Spring 2023
is cs 114 usually also offered in Winter term? 1 point, 0 comments
Winter 2023
Question for Physics & Astronomy Students 1 point, 8 comments
“Hello, I’m a student in grade 12 going into waterloo’s Physics & Astronomy program, and I was just wondering about the computer science course that I have to take in first year, i heard that its in …”
u/chickennalfredo: “… CS 114 was absolute hell until I actually went to office hours (strongly recommend). I did okay overall and I don't think my minimal experience of grade ten coding (during COVID, no less) said anything about it, so you could probably just go into it with no coding experience. …”
Winter Bird Course Recommendations 0 points, 2 comments
u/Secure-Lake5784: “Fine130, cs100 or cs114 if you can, any geog 100 level course especially 100 or 101”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them
Calendar versions
Undergraduate Calendar
- 2021–22
- 2024–25
- 2025–26
- 2026–27 requisites changed (shown here)
- 2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar