Computer Science with Mathematics

Your first year will introduce you to a range of fundamental topics in both computing and mathematics, including computer programming, systems, modelling, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics. This will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you’ll build on your skills in core modules focusing on numerical computation and algorithms.

You’ll also choose from optional modules specialising in one of three key areas:

• Discrete mathematics: exploring the development, analysis and application of algorithms for computationally hard problems from optimisation, graph theory, and logic. This provides the key foundations for developments in computer networking and security.
• Scientific computation: focusing on the analysis and implementation of high-performance and parallel numerical algorithms. Fluid dynamics, combustion and atmospheric dispersion are among the different applications of this area.
• Complex systems: laying the foundation for the interdisciplinary study of the world around us, from genetics to ecology; from neuroscience to social networks; and from finance to the web. As a discipline, it combines the study of dynamical systems with data driven analysis and statistical or computational modelling.

Year 3 will also give you the chance to research a related topic in-depth, when you complete an individual project under the guidance of your academic supervisor.

In your final year you have a wide range of choices from specialised modules in mathematics and computing, which expose you to current research developments and equip you with analytic skills and in-depth knowledge in one of the three specialisms discrete mathematics, scientific computation, or complex systems.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Computing Ethics

You’ll study computing ethics as part of your course. This is taught using real life case studies, with input from specialist ethicists as well as your tutors and lecturers. The team responsible for the ethics taught in computing has produced educational material used to stimulate debate in class about topics such as ethical hacking, open source software, and use of personal data.

Not only will this enhance your reasoning and decision making skills which are crucial to employers, but it will help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you will encounter in your professional life in the IT industry.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Computer Architecture 10 credits
• Computer Processors 10 credits
• Fundamental Mathematical Concepts 10 credits
• Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
• Procedural Programming 10 credits
• Object Oriented Programming 10 credits
• Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10 credits
• Numbers and Vectors 10 credits
• Introductory Linear Algebra 10 credits
• Modelling with Differential Equations 10 credits

Optional modules

• Programming for the Web 10 credits
• Databases 10 credits
• Financial Mathematics 1 15 credits
• Probability and Statistics I 10 credits
• Probability and Statistics II 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Numerical Computation 10 credits
• Algorithms and Data Structures I 10 credits
• Algorithms and Data Structures II 10 credits
• Mathematical Logic 1 10 credits

Optional modules

• Operating Systems 10 credits
• Networks 10 credits
• Formal Languages and Finite Automata 10 credits
...