Undergraduate Prospectus 2009

Degrees

MMath

BA

BSc

MComp

See also

Core strands for Computing

Our computing degrees consist of various combinations of the core strands described below

The programming strand equips you with the basic skills necessary to realise working systems. In year 1 it focuses on objectoriented programming and design, and in years 2 and 3 more advanced courses introduce the main programming paradigms, including functional, concurrent, distributed and logic programming.

The software engineering strand, much of which is taught in year 2, trains you in the craft of building large systems. You will learn to move from the analysis of required functionalities to the conception of a computer system to deploy them. Teamworking will be important throughout.

The computer systems strand introduces you to the inner working of the main systems currently used in computing. In year 2 this includes courses on computer architectures, database systems, operating systems, compilers and networks. In year 3 it covers advanced fields such as pervasive computing.

The foundations strand introduces the fundamental logical and mathematical principles of computing, allowing you to approach problems in the scientific, systematic manner required for efficient thinking and effective problem solving. Most of the courses in this strand are taken in the first year.

The professional issues strand trains you in skills such as public speaking and technical communication, and allows you to deepen your understanding of the societal impact of computing, as well as of your role in society as a scientist.

The web computing strand introduces leading internet technologies, allowing you to become an internet programmer. The focus will be on web architectures and systems such as web services. Advanced courses cover concurrent programming, networks and distributed computing.

The graphics and animation strand explores key 2D and 3D computer-generated graphics and animation techniques. In the second year you take courses in 3D modelling and rendering, and programming for 3D. You build on this in year 3 with courses in virtual reality systems, 3D animation and multimedia design applications.

The robotics and adaptive systems strand focuses on adaptive robotics, ie autonomous systems that adapt their behaviour according to their environment. It covers topics such as behaviourbased cybernetics and the relationships between robotics and neuroscience, psychology and biology. Later modules study and illustrate in practice stochastic search, learning algorithms and evolutionary robotics.

The intelligent systems strand focuses on the design and implementation of intelligent computer systems. It introduces automated reasoning and machine learning techniques. You also learn to program in a highlevel AI programming language which supports rapid systems prototyping. Further courses cover topics in computer vision and natural language processing.