Computer Laboratory Diploma in Computer Science Syllabus - The Diploma course

Computer Laboratory > Diploma in Computer Science Syllabus - The Diploma course

The Diploma course

The course was founded in October 1953 as The Diploma in Numerical Analysis and Automatic Computing, and was the first taught course in computing to be instituted in Britain. It has continually evolved as the subject has developed and expanded, and now provides students with good opportunities to follow their particular interests, especially in the areas of systems software and computer design. It acts as a conversion course and is intended for graduates of Mathematics, Natural Science or Engineering, who want to become computer professionals. It is not really suitable for those who want a data processing qualification in order to write programs in a business setting: important topics in, for example, systems analysis for such applications are not dealt with. The course is not a preparation for IT managers.

The course takes ten months of full-time study, near the end of which candidates are required to take a written examination and submit a dissertation on a subject of their choosing. The written papers take place in late May/early June and the dissertations must be handed in at the end of July. Oral examinations (based on the dissertation) are sometimes required by the Examiners, and these take place in early August, so students should be prepared either to stay on or to return to Cambridge if they are called for an oral examination. The dissertation project normally comprises practical work on one of the computers in the Laboratory, but can sometimes include the design and construction of new equipment. Candidates who acquit themselves especially well in the examination are awarded a mark of distinction.

The first term of the course is largely devoted to ensuring that all students possess adequate background knowledge of computing techniques and programming practice.

Many lecture courses are on subjects regarded as essential core material. Additionally, a selection of more advanced courses are available which can be regarded as options for those with, perhaps, a specialist mathematical or engineering background. Personal supervision is arranged by the student's college and forms a feature of the course. There are also opportunities to become acquainted with some of the research work in progress in the Laboratory.

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Page last updated on 14-Sep-2004 at 10:59 by Chris Hadley