“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited.” Computing Course Talk “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited.”

Computing Course Leader Dr Ambikesh Jayal Learning Centre, LC118 Email: ajayal@glos.ac.uk Tel: 01242714254

In this session Structure of the course Modules Placements Key staff Examples of student work

In Computing you will experience Software development Problem solving and algorithms Programming languages Hardware interfaces Study a range of topics over 3 or 4 years Breath and depth

Structure of the course

Modules You can choose to take particular themes at level 4 (first year of a course) and carry them through at Level 5 (second year) Eg: programming, games, databases There are also other IT related themes such as networks and forensics available to you Your ART will discuss these options with you in more detail tomorrow

Technical subjects you will study These are some of the topics which students often say they’re most interested in They form the main focus of the course C Java Mobile apps Arduino Networks Games Algorithms Web design UX Databases Security Hardware

Arduino: Small computer

Other skills Self-directed learner – keen to update skills A “Graduate” should also have academic skills Ability to research a topic – Google Scholar, Library databases, books, journals Organise the information – notes, structure Write a summary, report or essay drawing on the evidence Employers also want Honesty, integrity Timekeeping skills Team working skills Self-directed learner – keen to update skills

Industry experience Most employers want you to have industry experience as well as a degree It is strongly recommended that you take a placement to gain that experience Grades from your first year modules are key to gaining a successful post Coursework is designed to give you a portfolio to demonstrate your skills to potential employers 30% of students went on placement this year

On the right course? You may feel a bit undecided as to which course you want to study Don’t worry, you can change the course at the end of Level 4 provided you have taken any required compulsories

The main points are: The degree structure is flexible You can change your course But do talk to your Academic Review Tutor if you are considering this

Key Staff Ambikesh: Programming Vicky: Programming Kevin: Networks Andrew: Databases David: Web & QA

Key staff Like you, we all have different, complementary skills, interests and personalities We hope that you will find the course interesting and rewarding The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of the course so… enjoy!

By the third year Employability Communication You will have the skills to work in a team to produce a professional quality application Communication You will be able to communicate ideas clearly to others Note: you will be very employable if you have engaged with your studies

Student projects Typical student projects would include: Mobile apps Desktop executable Web delivered database system Arduino Based Projects

Student projects Netcom: Group project 2011 http://comx.glos.ac.uk/comx11/netcom/ HDCoders: Group project 2013 http://comx.glos.ac.uk/comx13/teams/hdcoders/ Bead Soft: Group project 2013 http://comx.glos.ac.uk/comx13/teams/bead-soft/

University Life “The best part of college is not the classes you take or research you do, but the peripheral things: meeting people, going to seminars, joining organizations, dropping in on classes, and learning what you don’t know.” By Peter Harrington in the book 'Machine Learning in Action'

Any questions?