Magdalene College, Cambridge

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Computer Science

Director of Studies

Dr John Fawcett

Student Numbers

Magdalene currently has 2 undergraduates studying Computer Science.

Applicants

Magdalene admits 1 or 2 undergraduates each year to read Computer Science. There are around 4 applicants per place.

The Course

Computer Science extends from the physical principles upon which digital computers work to the mathematical understanding of the semantics of computation. In Cambridge, Computer Science covers the principles of programming, operating systems, computer networks, artificial intelligence and numerous other topics.

The study of Computer Science is also concerned with understanding the theoretical basis of the subject. In consequence, the course is designed to provide not only advanced practical experience but also to give an understanding of fundamental principles which will outlast today's technology.

In the first year, the course provides a thorough grounding in two programming languages (ML and Java) and Discrete Mathematics and Software Design.

In the second year; a wider range of topics is covered. A number of major exercises are set and assessed; these include a Group Project where undergraduates are given an opportunity to work in very much the same way as they would in an enlightened software house.

In the third year, a number of advanced applications are covered and a substantial Project is undertaken which culminates in the writing of a dissertation.

Further information can be seen via the Computer Laboratory web page:

http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/UoCCL/teaching/teachintro.html

Teaching and Other Arrangements

First-year Computer Science students attend 12 one-hour lectures each week and undertake about 6 hours of formal practical work. Typically they will have four College Supervisions each week in addition. Most students undertake a good deal of informal practical work as well.

The pattern continues in the second and third years but the amount of formal practical work decreases. By contrast, the amount of informal practical work, including project work, increases.

Subject Requirements

The main prerequisite for Computer Scientists is to have a good A-Level qualification in Mathematics; double subject Mathematics at A2-Level is a significant advantage. Physical science subjects such as Physics or Chemistry are also desirable. There is no requirement to have Computer Science at A-Level and an A -Level in Information and Communications Technology is not as useful as the subjects mentioned above.

A sensible plan is to take Mathematics, Further Mathematics, a physical science and one further subject (a second science, a modern or classical language, or a mathematically-based technological subject) to AS-Level in Year 12, then to take three of these through to A2-Level and to supplement them with a further AS-Level (or continue the fourth to A2 level) in Year 13. Most applicants will take Key Skills tests or General Studies in addition to these. However, we recognise that different schools have different policies on these matters and we will not penalise students who are not able to follow this plan because of a school policy.

Typical Offer

The College may make an unconditional offer to a post-A2-Level applicant with a strong academic record (A*AA in appropriate subjects or equivalent) and strong interview performance. The typical conditional offer for A2 entry in 2012 or deferred entry in 2013 will be A*AA. In general A2-Level subjects should include Maths, Further Maths and a physical science (eg Physics or Electronics). Applicants are encouraged to take Advanced Extension Award Mathematics, particularly if their school is unable to support teaching of Further Maths to A2-Level. Whilst offers will take into account personal circumstances, we strongly encourage applicants to pursue Maths to the highest level possible and to show a strong interest in mathematical/physical sciences.

Applicants with other qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers) are also welcome. Conditional offers equivalent to A2-level offers will generally be made. Please consult the Admissions Tutor for further information.

Deferred Entry

The College has no strong policy on deferred entry for Computer Scientists but always takes special notice of applicants who intend to spend a gap year working for a high-tech company in a non-English-speaking country.

Re-application

The College has no strong policy on re-applications by Computer Scientists. Some very successful Magdalene Computer Scientists have been admitted over the years. Many just missed offers elsewhere and re-applied during their gap years.

Mature Students

Mature applicants are admitted from time to time. If you wish to be considered as a mature applicant for Computer Science you should be engaged on, or have recently completed, a course such as A-Level, Open University or an Access Course.

If you are in any doubt about your preparation for a university course, or your choice of College, you are advised to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances before making your application.

Special Access

We encourage applicants from all types of school and college background and although the information about offers given above indicates a typical requirement, each candidate is looked at in the light of his or her individual circumstances.

Admissions Procedure

The subject interviewer will not assume great computing expertise. Very much more interest will be taken in signs of mathematical aptitude and enthusiasm for problem solving. One or two mathematical problems (which may be obliquely relevant to Computer Science) will be presented during the interview.

Careers of Recent Graduates

Cambridge Computer Sciences graduates are currently in great demand. A good many have an entrepreneurial bent and a fair proportion of the local science-based industries were founded by our graduates. A number go into academic research and others find their way into the City.

Undergraduate Application