BSc in Computer Science

Year 1

You will undertake five computer science modules, which cover programming, the characteristics of computers and computing systems, and the mathematical foundations of the subject. You will also be introduced to the concept and philosophy of computational thinking and explore cutting-edge technological applications of recent research. All students undertake an elective module, which may be from elsewhere within the Department, Faculty or University. Students completing the first year will have had a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of computer science and to the principles, practices, and methodologies that make computer science unique as a scientific subject. You will also have had a glimpse at aspects of computer science research that have enabled major technological advances in society.

Compulsory modules

• Programming
• Computational Thinking
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Computer Systems
• Mathematics for Computer Science

Year 2

You will study six modules covering a core set of topics. One module Software Engineering (double module) involves a team software development project and enables you to usually work with external organizations and gain practical software development experience. Other compulsory topics include, for example, computer networks, parallel and distributed computing, concurrency, data structures, algorithms and complexity, image processing, different programming paradigms, systems programming, security, human-computer interaction, aspects of artificial intelligence, and computer graphics. The topics undertaken in the second year will prepare you with an excellent grounding in a wide range of fundamental subjects within computer science, ready for subsequent specialization in your final third year. By the end of the second year, you should be in a position to make informed judgments as to which particular aspects of the subject you might wish to focus on.

Compulsory modules

• Networks and Systems
• Programming Paradigms
• Software Engineering
• Software Methodologies
• Theory of Computation

Year 3

A key element of the third year is the individual project (which is a double module). This is undertaken under the direct supervision of a member of staff and gives you the opportunity to tackle a specific computing task in much greater depth than is possible for other modules. At the end of the project, you will write a technical paper describing your findings. You are given a considerable amount of choice as to the subject of your projects; indeed, you can suggest specific projects themselves. In addition, you will get to choose the four other modules that you undertake in your final year. A wide range of modules is offered (many reflecting current research interests of staff) for example, previous modules have included: theoretical computer science, software and software systems, computing methodologies, applications and contemporary computer science (with the latter topic engaging with modern research within computer science that is highly relevant to current technological advances and applications). There is also the opportunity to follow specific modules offered such as a module involving the teaching of computer science in schools, giving an early taste of teaching computer science to those interested in pursuing it as a career or on other career pathways where a public understanding of science is required.

 

We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year and will publish finalized core requirements for 2019 entry from September 2018.

Study Abroad

Computer Science is an international discipline and living and working in another country is a valuable addition to your CV. We are part of the SOCRATES/ERASMUS and University Exchange program, which encourages you to study for part of your course in a university worldwide. You can request to transfer onto the BSc Computer Science (with Year Abroad (G408) program at the beginning of your second year and will spend the third year studying at another EU or worldwide university, and then return to Durham for your final year.

Options Available:-

• 4 Year With Foundation Year