Program Overview
The University of Leeds' Computer Science BSc equips students with core technical and problem-solving skills in programming, systems architecture, and algorithms. Emphasizing practical and theoretical foundations, the program fosters creativity, teamwork, and professional conduct. Graduates possess a comprehensive understanding of computing and are sought after for their knowledge and adaptability in various industries. They benefit from the program's accreditation, study abroad opportunities, and industry connections.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Computer Science BSc at the University of Leeds is a dynamic and fast-moving program that equips students with the core technical and problem-solving skills to tackle current and emerging challenges in the field. The program emphasizes the development of both technical skills, such as algorithm design, problem-solving, and practical programming, and vital workplace skills, such as collaborative working and project management. Students will be equipped to continue learning and stay at the cutting edge of developments in the field.
Outline:
The Computer Science BSc program is a three-year full-time program delivered on campus. It is structured into three academic years, with each year consisting of 120 credits.
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Programming (40 credits): This module covers foundational programming skills, data structures, algorithms, and data modeling. Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge needed to construct efficient and well-structured software.
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Software Engineering (40 credits): This module establishes the fundamental principles of a systematic approach to software engineering. Students will gain proficiency in contemporary software engineering practices and develop an understanding of the subject.
- Beyond the Core: Advanced Hardware, Operating Systems and Parallelism (40 credits): This module explores the purpose and role of operating systems and networks, allowing students to attribute feature and design decisions to performance and security characteristics.
- Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science II (40 credits): This module builds on the foundations of mathematical and theoretical concepts in computer science to develop the ideas into more complex application domains.
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Professional Innovation and Enterprise (20 credits): This module provides a holistic understanding of professional conduct, legal considerations, and ethical practices in the tech industry. Students will gain vital commercial awareness and insights into professional issues, preparing them for successful integration into the workforce.
- Individual Project (40 credits): This individual project is the culmination of three years of computer science studies and provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate a mastery of the subject. Students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of engineering analysis and design, honing their skills in problem formulation, solution development, and critical evaluation.
- Optional Modules:
- High Performance Computing (20 credits): This module covers the architecture, storage, and programming models integral to the world of advanced computing.
- Artificial Intelligence (20 credits): This module provides hands-on experience with the design, implementation, and evaluation of artificial intelligence systems, together with the underpinning theory.
- Computer Graphics (20 credits): This module covers the core concepts of rendering, manipulating and creating images, and techniques behind 3D graphics.
- Fundamental Algorithms for Scientific Computing (20 credits): This module explores a selection of important classical and modern algorithms in scientific computing.
- Distributed Systems (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices underlying the design and implementation of distributed computing systems.
- Cyber Physical Systems (20 credits): This module teaches the engineering concepts underlying cyber-physical systems as a technology and as a subject of study.
- Algorithms and Complexity (20 credits): This module considers two approaches to coping with computationally intractable problems: fixed parameter algorithms and approximation algorithms.
- Compilers Design and Optimisation (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive understanding of compiler design principles and explores optimization techniques.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed using a variety of methods, including time-constrained assessments, laboratory practicals, reports, problem-solving worksheets, projects, and presentations. Assessment is designed to be contemporary with recent events and developments in computer science, making it interesting and relevant. Both summative and formative assessments are used.
Teaching:
The School of Computing at Leeds offers a diverse learning community where academic staff and students work collaboratively. The program utilizes a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practical labs, complemented by online learning resources and project-based learning. Students are supported by a personal tutorial system, where they are assigned an academic personal tutor who will mentor them throughout their studies.
Careers:
Graduates of the Computer Science BSc program are sought after for their technical knowledge, industrial and commercial awareness, independence, and proactiveness. They find employment across a range of sectors, including:
- Non-governmental organizations
- Government agencies
- Education
- Media
- Technology
- Consultancies
- Finance (& Finance Technologies)
- Public Authority
- Retail
- Research & Development The School of Computing has close links with regional employers who focus their recruitment efforts on the School. The University's Leeds for Life initiative helps students develop and demonstrate the skills and experience they need for their future careers.
Other:
- The School of Computing at Leeds has a successful history of delivering courses accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS).
- The program includes instruction in computing ethics, using real-life case studies and input from specialist ethicists.
- Students have the opportunity to undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities worldwide.
- The University of Leeds and the South-West Jiaotong University have established a Joint School in Chengdu, China, offering students the opportunity to complete a study abroad year at the Joint School without extending their duration of study.
- The program is taught in the Sir William Henry Bragg Building, which offers a wealth of facilities to support learning, including two custom-built teaching laboratories containing high-specification Linux machines and state-of-the-art research laboratories.
- Students will be taught by expert academics, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers.
