Honours in Mathematics of Computer Science

The departments of Mathematics and Computer Science offer a joint Honours degree in the Mathematics of Computer Science in the School of Mathematics, course MAM4007W. The Programme convener for this course is Dr. Christine Swart, of the Mathematics Department.

This specialized programme provides the background for a further research career in theoretical Computer Science. A wide range of advanced modules are offered and by the end of the course you will be able to read the relevant literature and formulate further research proposals. Adequate experience and appreciation of the practice of Computer Science is provided by the project which all students have to complete. Emphasis is again placed on the effective communication of ideas and results.

The entrance requirements and available modules are listed in the Mathematics Department Prospectus.

Further Study

The Honours degree could lead to a Masters degree either in the Department of Computer Science or the Department of Mathematics.

Structure

The course structure is similar to the Computer Science Honours Degree. It is being revised and may differ from this description. A 160 course credits were required: made up of course work from the two Departments (at least 60 credits from the Mathematics Department and at least 40 credits from the Computer Science Department) and a minor project from the Computer Science Department counting 35 credits. Students have to complete the Research Methods course from Computer Science which (in a slightly abbreviated form) for 5 credits.

For details see the Mathematics Department Prospectus.

Minor Project

The requirements for the minor project are essentially the same as that for the major project except that a reduced workload is envisaged.

Students are encouraged to team up with Computer Science Honours students to take a smaller role in a project team. However, in exceptional circumstances, if no appropriate team can be found permission may be given to do a single person project.

As with the major project it is a condition that the minor project has a significant Computer Science content and that a staff member from the Computer Science Department supervises the project, possibly in conjunction with an outside supervisor.

Unlike the major project at least 40% must be achieved in the minor project (subject to an overall average of 50% for the year).