Frequently Asked Questions for Computer Programming

What do you have to do to qualify for co-op?

Students who maintain a college-prescribed academic standing and who possess the appropriate level of business communications skills may take part in a cooperative placement at the end of Level 3. Co-op students work in two back-to-back, 15-week paid work terms before returning for their final level.

Is it a paid co-op?

Yes.

What is computer programming?

Computers are part of most aspects of our everyday lives; however, computers operate due to the instructions provided by computer programs. Rather than using English directions, the computer programmer uses programming languages like Java, C#, SQL, JavaScript, PHP, COBOL, etc. to communicate with the computer.

 

The program recently introduced a new course in Level 1, “Foundation of AI-Assisted Development” and we wanted to address some specific questions around this course:

Do I need to already know how to code?

No. This is a foundation course. You’ll start by understanding how modern software fi tstogether — from tiny devices to giant cloud data centres — and learn to work alongside AI tools as you go. Curiosity and awillingness to problem-solve matter more than prior experience.

What will I actually be able to do when I’m done?

You’ll be able to:

  • Write clear, precise instructions (“prompts”) that get useful results from AI coding tools
  • Read AI-generated code and spot the mistakes — including the convincing-but-wrong ones
  • Test and verify code so you know it actually works
  • Use AI to help debug, document, and automate routine tech tasks
  • Use AI safely — protecting passwords, keys, and private data
  • Make smart, ethical calls about when to trust AI and when a human has to step in

Is this just “let the AI do my homework”?

The opposite. AI can write code in seconds — but it also makes things up, introduces security holes, and breaks in ways beginners don’t catch. The valuable skill is judgment: knowing how to guide AI, evaluate what it gives you, and take responsibility for the final product. That’s what this course builds, and it’s what employers are hiring for.

What kind of hands-on work will I do?

Lots. Through labs and assignments, you’ll practice real workflows: turning a plain-language idea into a spec an AI can follow, generating and testing code, debugging with AI help, securely connecting to an AI service, and chaining AI steps into simple automated “agentic” workflows.

Why does this matter for my career?

Every software employer is now asking the same question: can this person work effectively and responsibly with AI? This course gives you a head start on the most in-demand skill in tech — and it counts toward your Computer Programming diploma at Algonquin.

Will I learn about the risks and ethics too?

Yes — and that’s a core part of it. You’ll cover AI security risks (like data leaks and”prompt injection”), privacy, fairness and bias, copyright and licensing of AI-generated code, and the laws and regulations shaping how AI can be used in Canada. You finish knowing not just
how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly.

Get More Information