Introduction to Computing Science

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Faculteit Science and Engineering
Jaar 2022/23
Vakcode WBCS005-05
Vaknaam Introduction to Computing Science
Niveau(s) propedeuse
Voertaal Engels
Periode semester I a
ECTS 5
Rooster rooster.rug.nl

Uitgebreide vaknaam Introduction to Computing Science
Leerdoelen At the end of the course the student:
  • has a global overview of the history of computer science.
  • knows the division of computer science into fields
  • knows what the “grand challenges” and other key research questions in computer science.
  • has basic knowledge of computer science concepts such as automata, languages, logic, circuits, processors, computational complexity, etc.
  • can implement a more complicated program than those in Imperative Programming (for example, a simulator for a simple microprocessor).
Omschrijving This course provides a “taster” of many courses taught throughout the curriculum. Furthermore, in the second half of the course, the students will apply programming skills acquired in Imperative Programming to a larger programming problem.

As the name indicates, this course aims to give an overview of computer science, both in terms of research areas and in terms of applications. A further aim is to further mathematical skills required in computer science. The course will answer questions like
  • What is the history of computer science?
  • What fields and subdivisions can be recognized within computer science (e.g., according to the ACM/IEEE)?
  • What are the “grand challenges” and other key research questions in computer science?
  • What are the foci of research within the Netherlands, and Groningen?
  • What skills are needed to tackle key computer science problems, and how are these positioned within the curriculum?
  • What are basic computer science concepts such as automata, languages, logic, circuits, processors, computational complexity, etc.?
The course also serves as an introduction to the computer science staff in Groningen, and a basic training in research skills, including both presentation skills and analytical and programming skills.

During the lectures, material from the book will be presented by different lecturers, extended by examples from research performed here in Groningen, whenever possible. During the tutorial sessions, solutions homework assignments will be presented and discussed (by students). In the first half of the course, students must read an IEEE Computer Magazine article and write an essay on it. In the second half, they must implement a larger program (in pairs).
Week 1 - 8 Lectures, tutorials
Week 1-4 Students write an essay on an articles from IEEE Computer as homework assignment
Week 5-8 Students work on their programming project
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC), Werkcollege (T)
(We will use a mixture of lectures (2h per week), a practical in project-form (40h total), and a tutorial)
Toetsvorm Practisch werk (PR), Presentatie (P), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE), Verslag (R)
(The final grade is based on written exam (40%), the programming project (20%), the essay (20%) and tutor group participation and presentation (20%). Each of the grades must be at least 5.0 to pass. If one grade is below 5.0, the maximum grade is 5.0)
Vaksoort propedeuse
Coördinator Dr. M.H.F. Wilkinson
Docent(en) D. Düstegör, PhD. ,Dr. S.D. Frey , F.F.M. Mohsen, PhD. ,Dr. A. Rastogi , M. Riveni, PhD. , A. Shahbahrami, PhD. ,dr. O.T. Tursun ,Dr. M.H.F. Wilkinson
Verplichte literatuur
Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs
Computer Science, an overview, 11th ed. J. Glenn Brookshear
Articles and background material provided through Nestor
Entreevoorwaarden None
Opmerkingen All CS bachelor courses have limited enrollment:
- CS students can always enter each course, regardless of whether the course is mandatory for them or not.
- A maximum of only 20 places per course is available for non-CS students. These places are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, with priority given to students with a strong CS-related background (e.g., CS exchange students, AI students, etc.). These students need to meet the course prerequisite requirements as mentioned on Ocasys.
- Six weeks before the course starts, the 20 students that can join are selected and added to the course. If you enroll after this date, you will be placed on the waiting list.
For more info about the enrollment procedure, see https://student.portal.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fse/programmes/bsc-cs/general/vakintekening-procedure#cap
Opgenomen in
Opleiding Jaar Periode Type
BSc Computing Science 1 semester I a verplicht
BSc Courses for Exchange Students: AI - Computing Science - Mathematics - semester I a