Computer Science

Computer science is about understanding computer systems and networks at a deep level.

Computers and the programs they run are among the most complex products ever created; designing and using them effectively presents immense challenges. Facing these challenges is the aim of computer science as a practical discipline, and this leads to some fundamental questions:

A typical week

During the first part of the course, your work will be divided between about ten lectures and two tutorials each week, in addition to about two practical sessions.

In tutorials you will discuss ideas in depth with an experienced computer scientist, usually with just one or two other students.

You will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time developing your own understanding of the topics covered in lectures, answering questions designed to check your understanding, and preparing for tutorials.

As the course progresses, you will also begin to work in small classes of up to ten people on more specialised topics. Class sizes may vary depending on the options you choose. There would usually be around 8-15 students, though classes for some of the more popular papers may be larger.

In the second year you will take part in a group design practical, which may be sponsored by industry.

In Years 3 and 4 about a third of your time is spent working on your chosen individual project.

Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by experts in their field, who have years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postdoctoral researchers or postgraduate students who are studying at doctoral level.

To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.

Courses

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Assessment

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• Core courses (100%):
  • Continuous mathematics
  • Design and analysis of algorithms
  • Digital systems
  • Discrete mathematics
  • Functional programming
  • Imperative programming
  • Introduction to proof systems
  • Linear algebra
  • Probability

Four exam papers

Common roles for graduates include computer programmer, software designer and engineer, financial analyst and scientific researcher.