Gonville & Caius College

Computer Science is the study of information and computation. It asks questions about the nature of information and the operations which can be performed on it. The Cambridge course roams widely across the field of computing. It considers information acquisition, handling, retrieval and presentation. It looks at the design of machines on which these operations can be performed, the facilities required by these machines, and the myriad uses to which they can be put. It investigates the mathematical underpinnings of the whole edifice and the practical problems faced in getting the machines to do what you want them to.

Computer Science in its current form has developed since the 1940s when the stored program electronic computer was invented. It is a broad subject: when concerned with hardware design it can overlap with electrical and electronic engineering. The development of circuits made directly on silicon chips gives a link to solid state physics. Formal methods for the construction, analysis and validation of software can on the other hand involve much mathematics. Between these extremes there is a large body of challenging material relating to both theoretical and practical aspects of computer systems and applications.

The Cambridge course provides balanced coverage of the various aspects of Computer Science. It provides opportunities for hands-on practical experience of both advanced hardware and software, while providing a thorough coverage of theory. Graduates emerge with an understanding of principles that will outlast today's technology.

See the Computer Laboratory's Web pages and the University prospectus for details of the course.

In particular, see the Web page on myths and preconceptions if you are confused about studying at Cambridge.

Peter Robinson

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