lawyer

#Computer Science

What is 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:

• How can we capture in a precise way what we want a computer system to do?
• Can we mathematically prove that a computer system does what we want it to?
• How can computers help us to model and investigate complex systems like the Earth’s climate, financial systems or our own bodies?
• What are the limits to computing? Will quantum computers extend those limits?

The theories that are now emerging to answer these kinds of questions can be immediately applied to design new computers, programs, networks and systems that are transforming science, business, culture and all other aspects of life.

Computer Science at Oxford

Computer Science can be studied for three (BA degree), or four years (Master of Computer Science). The fourth year allows the study of advanced topics and an in-depth research project. Everyone applies for the four-year course and chooses their exit point at the beginning of the third year.

The course concentrates on creating links between theory and practice. It covers a wide variety of software and hardware technologies and their applications. We are looking for students with a real flair for mathematics, which you will develop into skills that can be used both for applications such as scientific computing, and more importantly for reasoning rigorously about the specific behaviour of programs and computer systems. You will also gain practical problem-solving and program design skills; the majority of subjects within the course are linked with practical work in our well-equipped laboratory.

Careers

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

A 2014 Sunday Times report revealed Oxford Computer Science graduates to be the country’s top earners, six months after graduation.

Related courses

Course outline

Computer Science can be studied for three years, leading to the award of a BA degree, or for four years, leading to the award of Master of Computer Science. The fourth year of the Master of Computer Science degree provides the opportunity to study advanced topics and undertake a more in-depth research project. You do not need to decide between these options when you apply; you can choose at the beginning of your third year whether to stay for either one more year or two.

A typical weekly timetable

During the first part of the course, your work is divided between lectures (about ten a week), tutorials (about two a week), and practical classes (about two sessions a week).

In tutorials you 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 (up to ten people) on more specialised topics. In the second year you will take part in an industry-sponsored group design practical. In years three and four, about a third of your time is spent working on your chosen individual project.