Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Course Learning and Teaching:

The programme is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical and problem classes. Typically lectures provide key information on a particular field of study and identify the main areas for discussion and debate among Computer Scientists. You will be introduced to both basic and advanced concepts, techniques and methods in Computer Science through lectures with associated written and multimedia presentations, and your knowledge and understanding are reinforced in practical and problem classes and through summative and formative assignments.

The balance of these types of activities changes over the course of the programme, as you develop your knowledge and ability as an independent learner. In Year 1 you will take five core Computer Science modules which normally is 10 hours a week of lectures, and five two-hour practicals each week. You will also study an elective module selected from those offered by any Board of Studies across the University. Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to undertake your own independent study to prepare for your classes and broaden your subject knowledge.

The balance starts to shift in Year 2 as you develop your abilities as independent learners. Lectures, typically 12 hours a week, still play an important role in supporting you in developing your knowledge and skills. Associated with the lecture series you will normally attend six two-hour practical classes a week. This move towards greater emphasis on independent learning continues in the third year with the basic material and techniques learned throughout Year 1 and 2 being applied and extended with material in Year 3 being at a much more advanced level.

Some Year 3 teaching is research-led and reflective of not only the research expertise of academic staff at Durham, but also cutting-edge advances in industry. You will normally have eight hours a week of lectures and depending on your choice of modules can have two hours of problem classes or practicals a week. You will undertake an individual project which is a detailed study of a particular area resulting in a significant piece of independent research. This project gives you the opportunity to pursue a chosen topic under the supervision of a member of academic staff with whom you will typically have a minimum of 11 hours of one-to-one supervisory meetings across the academic year. You will normally attend five hours of workshops which prepare you for this work.

Throughout the programme, all students have access to an Academic Adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Typically you will meet with your adviser once or twice per term, in addition to which all members of teaching staff have weekly office hours when they are available to meet with students on a ‘drop-in’ basis.