computer science 2010 layout 1 · principles of computing and computer science, essential for...

20
Department of Computer Science UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN Computing and Computer Science www.cs.le.ac.uk

Upload: others

Post on 29-Jun-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

Department of Computer Science

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN

Computing and Computer Science

www.cs.le.ac.uk

Page 2: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

2 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Reasons to Study at Leicester

Contents

3 The Department of Computer Science

4 Teaching

6-12 Our Programmes6 Computing

8 Computer Science

10 Computing with Management

12 Europe and Industry

13 Changing Degree

13 Department Activities

15 Student Profile

16 Your Learning Experience

18 Careers and Graduate Opportunities

18 Living at Leicester

19 Applications

ContactFor further information, pleasecontact:

The BSc Admissions Team

Department of Computer Science

University of Leicester

University Road · Leicester · LE1 7RH

t: 0116 252 3887e: [email protected]: www.cs.le.ac.uk

• We provide an exciting educationalexperience, one where you will behappy, and one from which you willprosper in your future career.

• You can choose programmes that buildon your strengths, whether they lie increativity and innovation, applyingbusiness and financial sense,understanding the latest technologiesor learning about scientific foundations.

• Whatever interests you have, we willhelp you to become an individual withdrive, an innovator, and someone whocan think computationally and beadaptable.

• We work together with topresearchers across the world to pushthe boundaries of knowledge inComputing and Computer Science, sothe modules you study are modern,cover state-of-the-art topics and aretaught by experts.

• We will help you develop an inquiringand problem-solving mind that willmake you an invaluable asset to youremployer.

• We provide an academic educationalexperience where you will also learnpractical skills.

• We also provide excellent personalsupport along with comprehensivecareers guidance.

Page 3: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 3

The Department ofComputer ScienceWe are a young and dynamicdepartment that takes a scientific andrigorous approach to Computing andComputer Science. We recognise thisis a vibrant and diverse discipline,ranging from the management andarchitecture of global IT projects,through to the scientific developmentof innovative theories andtechnologies. This modern andforward-thinking philosophy isreflected in our wide range of highquality degree programmes; thedepartment sets excellent academicstandards, but our degrees will alsoteach you the practical skills andknowledge that are sought after byemployers.

The Department offers a wide varietyof programmes but you are alwaystreated as an individual. Our staff arefriendly and approachable, passionateabout Computing, and dedicated toboth teaching and research. There aremany PhD students, graduateteaching assistants and postdoctoralresearchers working on severalnational and international projects.Combined with international visitorsfrom industry and academia, thishelps to create a dynamic and excitingenvironment from which you willprofit as an undergraduate.

The Department of Computer Sciencewelcomes international students: ourstimulating environment attractsstudents and academics from manycountries worldwide, includingcontinental Europe, the Indian sub-continent, China, Singapore, Malaysiaand the Middle East. We accept mostinternational qualifications for entry toour programmes.

“ The Department is a lively and

friendly place, one in which you

can thrive and be happy. We

look forward to welcoming you

to Leicester, and if you need

more information after reading

this brochure please do not

hesitate to contact us.”Roy Crole

Admissions Coordinator

Page 4: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

Teaching

Excellence through ResearchOur teaching is inspired by our research and we aim to help you to become a highlyskilled professional well versed in advanced methods and technologies. Our teachingis focussed on helping you to develop an inquiring and problem-solving ethos, to beinnovative, and to think in a computational way. Our degree programmes are of highquality, and students leave us with a mixture of state-of-the-art practical skills,essential in the modern workplace, together with knowledge of fundamentalprinciples of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow'semployers. You will be sought after by world-class companies, and also be veryadaptable to future advances and changes in technology and science.

4 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Our excellence in research has manybenefits for you. As active researchers, atthe cutting-edge of the subject, we canbring a real depth of understanding ofthe subject to our teaching. This isespecially critical in a discipline that is asrapidly evolving as Computing andComputer Science. Our research trainingteaches us to question the status quo,and hones our problem-solving skills. Webring this ethos to our teaching as well.Research projects often enable us tofund postdoctoral researchers and PhD

Page 5: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 5

students, who can provide additionalteaching and support, and mostimportantly bring different perspectives tolearning. Our Industrial Advisory Board,which contains major employers such asATX Software, Bloomberg, IBM,LogicaCMG, Microsoft, Motorola andVodafone, is built largely upon connectionsthat we have made through our research.Their input ensures that our degreesprepare you for the worlds of business,finance, industry and many other areas ofemployment. Our website contains moredetails of our research at www.cs.le.ac.uk

External RecognitionThe degrees are designed to satisfy theaccreditation criteria of the BritishComputer Society (BCS). The BCS hascommended the Department and studentsfor producing excellent project work, andfor the level of support given to students.

The government's Quality AssuranceAgency (QAA) report noted about theDepartment that “they had totalconfidence in the academic standards andquality of learning opportunities”, and“final-year projects are impressive”. Theyalso commended the friendly relationshipbetween staff and students and noted thatstudents’ views are taken fully intoaccount.

Page 6: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

6 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

OverviewOur Computing degrees placeemphasis on practical knowledge, andunderstanding of business andmanagement skills, while adopting anacademic and rigorous approach thatwill support you throughout yourcareer. They are designed to meet therequirements of BCS CITP andChartered Engineer (CEng)accreditation.

We focus on the methods andtechniques through which software canbe developed following rigorousengineering practices, meeting requiredlevels of quality. In addition you learnhow to plan and manage architecturesfor exciting large-scale developmentprojects, coupled with business andfinancial Computing. There is anintroduction to mathematics forComputing, as well as state-of-the-art

technologies including Java, XML, andPHP, and modern programmingdevelopment environments such asEclipse. There is extensive coverage ofsoftware engineering, includingmodelling techniques (UML) andproject management. Hardware andnetworking modules provide you withkey knowledge of modern Computingsystems, from personal computers toworld-distributed computation. Topicsthat build upon these subjects caninclude multimedia and computergraphics (Java 3D), web technologies,internet security, distributed systemsand applications, and software quality.Some of our students also choose tolearn C++ and .NET.

Aims and Objectives • We will help you acquire an education

and training in Computing thatincludes both fundamental conceptsand state-of-the-art trends, and alsoprovides you with a good indication ofthe breadth of the subject.

• We provide opportunities for you tolearn a wide range of skills in theanalysis, design, specification,implementation, testing anddocumentation of computer softwaresystems.

• You can develop your critical analysis,skills in problem solving, writtencommunication, and abilities inpresentation.

BSc ComputingG405 3 years, full-time

BSc Computing (Europe) G406 4 years, full-time

BSc Computing (Industry) G407 4 years, full-time

BSc

Computing

Our Programmes

Page 7: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 7

LEVEL ONE SUBJECTS

• You can acquire experience of bothteam-based and individual projectwork.

• You can develop skills that willenhance your employmentprospects, especially in the ITindustry or other numeratedisciplines.

• You can become familiar with a coreof current programming languages.

• You can have an appreciation of thebusiness and financial aspects ofcomputing.

• You can gain expertise andunderstanding at a level enablingyou to embark upon a taughtMasters programme in computing.

Third year individual project (your own ideas or choose from over 50 topics).

Below are typical options that you may choose from:

Computer security and cryptography.

Distributed systems.

Web technologies.

Software systems modelling.

Software measurement and quality assurance.

Multimedia data compression methods.

Programming, program design, and program development environments.

Databases and web applications.

Study skills, organisation, planning, and professional practice.

Discrete structures and computing foundations.

Web page design and internet technologies.

Supplementary subjects such as management or foreign languages.

Project management and professionalism

Software engineering group project.

Requirements engineering, specification and design.

Human computer interaction.

Networks, operating systems and distributed systems.

Multimedia and computer graphics.

Business and financial computing.

LEVEL TWO SUBJECTS LEVEL THREE SUBJECTS

“ATX Ltd, BAE Systems, BCS, and Microsoft all generously

sponsor prizes for our very best students.”Professor Jose Fiadeiro

Head of Department“One of the most striking

things about the course was

how incredibly friendly and

approachable the staff in the

Department are ...”Anjali Thalayasingham

Page 8: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

OverviewYou have the opportunity to take themajority of the modules included on theComputing degrees, but there areadditional exciting benefits. ComputerScience will place you in a very goodposition by not only enabling you to learnabout applied Computing and technologywhich will equip you for many careers, butit will also ensure you can gainemployment with the very best companies,including those involved with the researchand development of future technologies.Computer Science does so by also enablingyou to study the scientific and theoreticalfoundations of the subject. This degree isnot only designed to meet therequirements of BCS CITP and CEng butalso Chartered Scientist (CSci).

In addition to the subjects covered inComputing, you will also learn aboutlogic and scientific problem solving whichwill ensure you can tackle the challengesof the workplace in a truly organised

8 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

BSc Computer ScienceG400 3 years, full-time

BSc Computer Science (Europe)G401 4 years, full-time

BSc Computer Science (Industry)G402 4 years, full-time

MComp Computer ScienceG410 4 years, full-time

BSc and MComp

Computer Science

Page 9: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 9

way. You will also be able to understandthe fascinating work undertaken bycompanies such as Intel who use logicto verify the correctness of processors.You can learn alternative programmingparadigms such as functionalprogramming (Haskell): these languagesare also used in the development ofexciting new embedded systems. Youwill be able to choose from a widerrange of third year optional modulesthat typically include algorithms andsecurity, cryptography, compressionmethods for multimedia, advanced webtechnologies, and concurrent processes.

MComp ComputerScienceYou may also study Computer Scienceover four years, leading to the awardof the MComp degree. The first threeyears of study are the same as those ofthe BSc in Computer Science. In thefinal year you take modules at themasters level, which currently coverthemes in advanced softwareengineering, advanced algorithms,financial Computing, and distributedsystems. Further project work ensuresthat you can work in an organised anddisciplined way that will lead naturallyto either further advanced study or tohigh quality employment.

Aims and ObjectivesIn addition to the core aims of theComputing degree, you will gain:

• Familiarity with a variety of modernprogramming languages, and theunderlying principles of programmingparadigms (functional, objectoriented, logical and so on).

• An ability to solve scientific problems,along with an appreciation formathematical and scientific methods,which will provide a lifelong supportfor your career.

• Appreciation of the necessity forrigorous subject foundations, and theneed for logical arguments, whichwill also contribute to your lifelongskills.

• Having expertise and understandingat a level where you could embarkupon a high quality Mastersprogramme in Computer Science, orin the case of the MComp, aresearch degree at Ph.D. level.

LEVEL ONE SUBJECTS

Third year individual project (your own ideas or choose from over 70 topics).

Below are typical options that you may choose from:

Computer security, and cryptography.

Distributed systems.

Web technologies.

Software systems modelling.

Software measurement and quality assurance.

Multimedia data compression methods.

Communication and concurrency.

Algorithm design.

Advanced functional programming.

Programming, program design, and program development environments.

Databases and web applications.

Logic and problem solving; artificial intelligence.

Study skills, organisation, planning, and professional practice.

Discrete structures and computing foundations.

Computer architecture and processors.

Project management and professionalism.

Software engineering group project.

Requirements engineering, specification and design.

Human computer interaction.

Networks, operating systems and distributed systems.

Multimedia and computer graphics.

Automata and models of computation.

Functional programming.

LEVEL TWO SUBJECTS

LEVEL THREE SUBJECTS

Page 10: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

10 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

OverviewThese degrees combine a firm groundingin Computing with significant and in-depth knowledge of management toolsand techniques. As noted byprospects.ac.uk (the UK's officialgraduate careers website) in a recenteditorial: “The key to success in the IT-market lies in choosing a course withcontent relevant to industry and whichnurtures in the undergraduate a businessacumen to supplement technicalknowledge.” The degrees are offered inconjunction with the School ofManagement at the University ofLeicester. The School of Management israpidly emerging as one of the country’stop management schools.

Aims and Objectives• You will acquire an education and

training in Computing that includesboth fundamental concepts and state-

BSc Computing with ManagementG4N1 3 years, full-time

BSc Computing with Management(Europe) G4NF 4 years, full-time

BSc Computing with Management(Industry) G4NG 4 years, full-time

BSc

Computing withManagement

Page 11: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 11

of-the-art trends, and also provides youwith a good indication of the breadthof the subject;

• You will learn a wide range of skillspertaining to the analysis, design,specification, implementation, testingand documentation of computersoftware systems.

• Your intellectual development will bestimulated and you will develop powersof critical analysis, skills in problemsolving, written communication, andpresentation.

• You will acquire experience of bothteam-based and individual project work.

• You will develop skills that will enhanceyour employment prospects, especiallyin the IT industry or other numeratedisciplines.

• The course will expose you to therealities of managerial experience.

• You can develop skills that will allowyou to interact with and fulfil roles of amore managerial nature withinorganisations.

• We will teach you about businesses,communication, change anddevelopment.

• You will have expertise andunderstanding to a point where youcould embark upon postgraduate studyin business studies, management andcomputing.

LEVEL ONE SUBJECTS

Third year individual project (your own ideas or choose from over 50 topics).

Below are typical options that you may choose from:

Computer security, coding and cryptography.

Distributed systems.

Web technologies.

Software measurement and quality assurance.

Global marketing and business ethics.

International business with corporate strategy.

Programming, program design, and program development environments.

Databases and web applications.

Study skills, organisation, planning, and professional practice.

Discrete structures and computing foundations.

Introductions to management and marketing.

Project management and professionalism.

Software engineering group project.

Requirements engineering, specification and design.

Human computer interaction.

Networks, operating systems and distributed systems.

Multimedia and computer graphics ORBusiness and financial computing.

Marketing communications, managing organisations and resources and understanding changes and developments.

LEVEL TWO SUBJECTS LEVEL THREE SUBJECTS

“ l’ve gained a huge range of skills, from basic management techniques to

complex technical areas. As an overseas student [I am from Sri Lanka]

I have had a really good time in Leicester.”Anjali Thalayasingam

Page 12: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

12 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

These courses follow the same structureand modules as the main subject degreefor the first two years.

If you take the Europe option you willthen spend your third year studying at apartner university in Europe. Our partneruniversities are currently Université HenriPoincaré (Nancy, France), UniversidadPolitécnica de Valencia (Spain) andUniversità degli Studi di Roma "LaSapienza" (Italy). You will receive a grant

under the Erasmus Scheme and freelanguage training before taking youryear in Europe. You will then return tothe University for your final year whichfollows the same structure andmodules as the main subject degree.

If you take the Industry option you willthen spend your third year working inan industrial/commercial environment.The Department and the Universityoffers advice and assistance to students

Europe and Industry Degrees

and you can get considerable guidancefrom the Department’s IndustrialAdvisory Board. The placement enablesyou to enhance your profile with theknowledge and experience that comesfrom working for a year within acomputing company before returningto the University for your final yearwhich follows the same structure andmodules as the main subject degree.

“The Department's Industrial

Advisory Board (IAB) ensures our

curricula match the requirements

of modern industry; and we in

turn offer a research potential of

international standing. You will

benefit from our IAB

collaboration through industrial

projects, placements and career

opportunities.”Reiko Heckel

Industrial Liaison

Page 13: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 13

Changing Degree

COMPUTINGWITH

MANAGEMENT

COMPUTERSCIENCE

COMPUTING

SEMESTER1 2 3 4

• If you enter on the Computer Sciencedegree (green pathway) you maychange to the Computing degree (blue pathway) after Semester 1, 2 or3; from semester 4 onwards you mustremain on Computer Science. If youchange to Computing after semester1, you can take either a Computing ora Computer Science module insemester 2, but you must take aComputer Science module in semester3 (grey arrows). If you change toComputing after semester 2, you mustalso take a Computer Science modulein semester 3.

• If you enter on the Computing degreeand choose to take Computer Sciencemodules as options, you can change toComputer Science after semesters 1, 2

and 3; from semester 4 onwards youmust remain on Computing.

• If you enter on the Computing degreeand choose to take Managementmodules as options, you can change toComputing with Management aftersemesters 1 and 2; from semester 3onwards you must remain onComputing.

• If you enter on the Computing withManagement degree, you can changeto the Computing degree afterSemester 1 or 2; from semester 3onwards you must remain on theComputing with Management degree.

• These rules also apply to changing froma Europe or Industry variant of a degreeto the same variant of another degree.

Department Activities

The iCS Newsletter.

We produce iCS, a short newsletter forstudents and teachers, with the aim ofencouraging young people to enterthe fascinating world of Computingand continue within the profession.The idea is to introduce readers to thereal subject of Computer Science andwiden their knowledge of it.

At Leicester we are inspired byComputer Science, and find it fun,interesting and also challenging. Wehope that readers of iCS will feel thesame way, and the newsletter aims toshow you just how exciting andthought provoking Computer Sciencecan be.

www.cs.le.ac.uk/admissions/BSc/iCS/

[email protected]

Page 14: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

14 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The 100,000th graduate

Katerina Argyrou graduated in summer2009 with a first class degree inComputer Science, and was theUniversity's 100,000th graduate. Of herexperience at Leicester she said:

This is a student society – run by students for students. The society's aim is to providesome added value to the academic degree programmes. Amongst our offerings areeducational talks and social outings, and we organise a range of events which attractstudents interested in Computing from across the entire University, as well as fromthe Department. We endeavour to provide enjoyable events some of which provide aframework for students to learn from and help each other. The Committee isdemocratically elected each year, and all society members are eligible to run forelection. Please join the society and get involved!

The University of Leicester Computing Society

“ The academic experience I had here at the University of Leicester was

great. My personal tutor was always there to support me, giving me

advice and guiding me. The Department was organised and the lecturers

very helpful and approachable – always there when we needed them.”Katerina Argyrou, BSc in Computer Science

Page 15: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 15

Student Profile

Luana FagarasanBSc Computer Science, 1st year

Why did you apply toLeicester? Being from Romania, I chose to apply toLeicester because of its very goodreputation. But what made me chooseLeicester as my firm choice was thefeeling that the admissions teammanaged to give me: I belong here.

How do you find theDepartment?What I think makes the Department ofComputer Science stand out are thewarm, approachable and professionalstaff. The lectures, laboratories, helpsessions, meetings with your personal

tutor, the Student-Staff committee: theseare all designed to help you gather asmuch knowledge and as many skills asyou can. I find the course to bechallenging and well designed, preparingyou to work in the real world.

Why did you choose ComputerScience? I decided to study Computer Sciencebecause it came naturally to me, beingvery interested in mathematics andprogramming. Now, after one year, I canhonestly say that I have enjoyed all themodules that I have studied. And this isbecause, despite being difficult at times,somebody was there to explain and guideus. And believe me, when youunderstand a concept or a module

deeply, you can’t help saying that youenjoyed it!

How did you find your firstyear?The Department of Computer Sciencemade my first year at university a greatexperience that I wouldn’t evenconsider changing. I was surroundedby people who care, that help you getthrough difficulties and try to offer youas much of their knowledge aspossible, in order to help you progress,understand the real world, discoverand feel confident about yourself. So,my advice is to come to University ofLeicester and enjoy every second ofyour higher education experience,because it is amazing.

Page 16: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

16 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Your LearningExperience

FacilitiesThe Department has 24-hour accessgeneral-purpose laboratories, containingfully networked Windows/Linux dual-bootPCs and Macintosh computers, andwireless access for laptops. Departmentaltechnical support officers maintain thelaboratories. A networking laboratorymakes available specialised wired andwireless equipment. We also havededicated MSc laboratories, which areused by undergraduate students for partsof their project work. We have alaboratory dedicated to level two andlevel three students.

Teaching Methods and SupportOur approach to teaching includeslectures and laboratory classes togetherwith small group tutorials. Lecturesinclude innovative softwaredemonstrations as well as moretraditional presentations.

We have a team of graduate teachingassistants. These are PhD students whoalso organise computer laboratories andassist staff in their teaching duties. Theteaching perspectives of our graduateteaching assistants can be of enormousbenefit to our students, having onlyrecently completed their own batchelorsand masters degrees. Teaching assistants

Page 17: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 17

also run regular help sessions thatprovide additional student support. Wealso employ full time teaching fellows.Each fellow normally holds a PhD andprovides valuable high-level teachingsupport for our undergraduates.

Our academic staff are friendly butprofessional, and are always happy tohelp you with queries regarding thecourse material outside of classroomhours.

All students have their own personaltutor who advises them about welfare,academic progress and careersdevelopment. You can see yourpersonal tutor at any time byappointment or office hour – they arehere to help you!

ProjectsCompanies tell us that project work isvital as a preparation for employment,and it is a prominent part of thedegrees. In the second year project, youwill be part of a team of students

working together to develop softwarethat has been commissioned by a realclient. These projects have been praisedby the BCS and allow you to gain a realinsight into realistic design andimplementation techniques andprofessional project management.

The third year individual project is achance to follow your own particularinterest in much greater depth, withone-to-one supervision. Popular recentprojects have included 3-D games,internet telephony, programmingrobots, and sophisticated e-commercesites for managing stock portfolios orauctioning cars. Students’ own ideashave included software for gardenlandscaping and a guitar tablatureeditor. Some students code complexsoftware such as a theorem prover and

investigate how these tools are usedwithin international companies such asIntel.

AssessmentState-of-the-art web-based materials,automated feedback and markingsystems, on-line tests and electroniccoursework submission all provide anexcellent modern learning environment.Coursework contributes to your marks,especially in practical modules. Apartfrom project work, which is assessed bycoursework only, all modules areassessed partly by coursework andpartly by examination. Usually thecontribution of coursework increases inmodules that are more practical innature, and can constitute up to 50%of your final module mark.

“My second year project which

involved working in a team was

an excellent experience. It

certainly has given me a good

grounding in terms of working in

a team.”Victoria Hinds

Page 18: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

18 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Some of our graduates go on to studyMScs in Computer Science, managementor management and IT, at Leicester orelsewhere. The Department offers one-year advanced taught MSc courses inAgile Software Engineering Techniques,Computer Science, ComputationalMethods, Distributed Systems, SoftwareEngineering, Software Engineering forFinancial Services, and Web Applicationsand Services. We have MPhil/PhD studentsdoing research in diverse areas such asadaptive socio-technical systems, algebraicmethods and design techniques,concurrent and distributed systems,evolutionary computing, formallanguages, model-driven softwaredevelopment, optimisation problems incommunication networks, service-orientedcomputing, system re-engineering, orvisual languages.

Our Computing graduates experience abreadth of lucrative and rewardingcareers, working in large companies, suchas Accenture, BAE systems, Bloombergand LogicaCMG, through to small start-ups. Many apply their knowledge directlyas software engineers or systems analysts;others apply their IT skills and problem-solving abilities in finance, marketing andgeneral business. Those with ComputerScience degrees are also especially well-suited to working in the research anddevelopment of new cutting-edgetechnologies.

Living at Leicester

About the University

Some universities consider their primarypurpose to be high quality research,others concentrate on excellentteaching. Here at Leicester we think thatthe two are not only complementary,they’re inseparable. We believe thatteaching is more inspirational whendelivered by passionate scholarsengaged in world-changing research –and that research is stronger whendelivered in an academic communitythat includes students.

We think that a university should beabout empowering people to explorewhat they don’t know. We achieve thisthrough passionate, dedicated researchand teaching. When we were namedUniversity of the Year for 2008-9 by theTimes Higher Education, the judgesapplauded Leicester’s very differentapproach, calling us “elite withoutbeing elitist.” Of Britain’s top 15universities only one – Leicester –exceeds its government benchmarks forinclusivity. Our dedication to providingan excellent student experience can beseen in our consistent performance inthe National Student Survey. In 200892% of our full-time students weresatisfied with their course. This is a levelof satisfaction exceeded only by

Cambridge amongst mainstreamuniversities teaching full-time studentsin England.

With these ideas at heart, Leicester isre-framing the values that governacademia and re-defining what auniversity needs to be in the 21stcentury; we are constantly finding newways of being a leading university.

About the city of Leicester

Leicester is lively and diverse with all theactivities and facilities you would expectfrom a major city. This is combined witha friendly and safe atmosphere.

Developments in the city have includedthe opening of the Curve Theatre withits unique ‘inside out’ design where thestage is visible from the street. Furtherdevelopments in the city’s cultural

Careers and Graduate Opportunities

Page 19: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE 19

required. Two AS levels considered inplace of one A level. General Studiesaccepted. Keys Skills may be considered.Typical offers are:

• BSc Computer Science ABB

• BSc Computing BBB

• BSc Computing with Management BBB

• MComp Computer Science ABB/AAB

Europe variants usually have similaroffers; ABB is required for any of theIndustry variants.

Access to HE course: Pass relevantDiploma with some credits at distinction.

European Baccalaureate: Pass with68% overall.

International Baccalaureate: PassDiploma with 30.

BTEC Nationals: Full Diploma with DDD.

Other Qualifications: Other national andinternational qualifications welcomed.

Additional Information

Mature students welcomed:Alternative qualifications and workexperience considered.

Second Year Entry: Admission toComputer Science or Computing possiblefor those with advanced qualificationscompatible with our degree structure.Second year entry to Computing withManagement is not permitted.

*A profile of high quality results is preferred.

quarter will join the existing museumsand galleries within the city, and help tocement Leicester’s reputation for culture.

Leicester is a city for individuals and thisis shown throughout the city; from theindividual shops and boutiques of theLanes area, which rub shoulders withthe larger stores and designer shops ofthe Highcross Leicester shoppingdevelopment; to the festivals held withinthe city throughout the year, includingthe Summer Sundae Music Festival.

This diversity is also celebrated throughthe city’s wide range of restaurants,cafés and music venues which providesomething for every taste.

We are passionate about our city withmany of our students choosing to locatehere after graduation.

Applications

Applications to the courses should bemade via UCAS. Applicants are notnormally interviewed. All applicantsreceiving an offer will be invited to visitthe Department. These degrees are notavailable on a part-time basis.

Entry Requirements

(Typical Offers are given and are forguidance only)

GCSE:* Mathematics Grade C or aboveis required for all degrees. MathematicsGrade B is preferred forG400/G401/G402/MComp. EnglishLanguage Grade C or above is usuallyrequired for G4N1/G4NF/G4NG.

A/AS levels: Three A levels usually

Page 20: computer science 2010 Layout 1 · principles of Computing and Computer Science, essential for adapting to tomorrow's ... financial Computing. There is an introduction to mathematics

© University of LeicesterLeicester LE1 7RHUK

www.cs.le.ac.uk

For further information please contact

The BSc Admissions Team Department of Computer Science

University of Leicester University Road · Leicester · LE1 7RH

t: +44 (0)116 252 3887 · f: +44 (0)116 252 3915 e: [email protected] · w: www.cs.le.ac.uk

2734_0910

This brochure was printed by Print Services, University of Leicesterusing vegetable based inks on FSC certified stock