Information for new Computer Science undergraduate students
Congratulations on securing your place at The University of Manchester! We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the Department. Here you will find all the information you need to get started at the University, including all of the available events happening over Welcome.
All these sessions are mandatory and will take place online.
Week 1 - week commencing 21 September
Your induction session was on Monday 21 September, but don't worry if you missed it - all sessions are being recorded so you can watch it back at your convenience in your programme's Blackboard area.
The rest of the University sessions this week are available to book on the What's on page.
Week 2 - week commencing 28 September
During this week there will be several events that you will need to attend as a new undergraduate student. All links to these events can be found on your personal timetable as well as on the Welcome Week intranet page.
"Meet" your lecturers in our latest blog
Find out who'll be teaching you in your first year, and what to expect from your team project.
- Welcome to the Department, a session to welcome you to our Department featuring a welcome message from our Head of Department, Undergraduate Director and First year Tutor. You will also be given a more in depth look at the programme you will be studying.
- Bootup Labs Clinics will be running on Monday and Friday at 4pm. It is important that you attend one of these sessions so that we know you are here and that your accounts are set up correctly. Lab scripts will be shared during the scheduled labs.
- Computer Science and Maths students have additional activities arranged by the Department of Mathematics which will include meet the Department of Mathematics, meet the Computer Science and Mathematics Tutor, how to study Mathematics and two introductory lectures
- Mandatory Online Assessments which are assessment on Health and Safety and Academic Malpractice which you are required to complete in Blackboard in the UG Community page. These modules are compulsory for all new students and you must complete these before starting any lab based work in the Department.
- Introduction to SSO, Support Services, Societies, PASS and Student Wellbeing where we will be introducing you to the Student Support Office and introducing our societies in Computer Science. Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are for all 1st Year students. This scheme is a great way to get help with your studies from your peers and make some great friends along the way. Our PASS sessions are fun and engaging and this session will let you meet your leaders and meet students from your programme. This session will also include a guide to some wellbeing support available to you throughout your studies.
- Meet your Tutor, a member of academic staff you will assigned who can help you during your studies. This session will help you understand what you can expect from your academic advising sessions. You will be put in tutor groups and meet your tutor on Wednesday 30th September. Your tutor will send you out a zoom link for you to join them on Wednesday afternoon.
- COMP10120 First Year Team Project Group activities which are group activities for your First year Team Project. You will complete these in your tutor groups. These will take place at various times on Thursday 1 October and Friday 2 October
- SSO drop in Q&A sessions, a chance to ask any questions about registration, course unit selection and anything else you might want to ask.
- Future Climate Change Challenges in Engineering, a Climate Change lecture delivered by Professor Alice Larkin, to discuss the challenges engineers face when it comes to climate change and how we can make a difference.
Personal timetable of events
Once you have activated your account and confirmed your attendance you will be able to gain access to the University Student Portal ‘My Manchester’ where you will be able to access a personal timetable that will include all the events that you will need to attend for your programme during the welcome and induction period. There will also be further information available to you in your Departmental Blackboard Area.
Getting started with your studies
You can also get ahead with some of your recommended reading and find out more about our Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) below.
Recommended reading
ARM Assembly Language: An Introduction, 2nd Ed
- Author: J.R. Gibson
- Used in: Computer Architecture
If you haven't met assembly language before, you might find this helpful.
The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction
- Author: William Shotts
- Used in: Operating Systems
Good introduction to the power of the Linux command line, which we cover in the First Year labs, and throughout the course.
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
- Author: Richard P. Feynman
Not a book on Computer Science as such, but rather about having a love for your subject, being curious about how things work, and pursuing an education to be proud of.
Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction
- Timothy Gowers
- Used in: Mathematical Techniques for CS
Not specifically for computer science, but there are many topics here that a curious computer scientist should find interesting, especially if you are applying for our CS+Maths courses
How to Think Like a Mathematician: A Companion to Undergraduate Mathematics
- Author: Kevin Houston
- Used in: Mathematical Techniques for CS
This is a book that is eminently suitable for students who want to prepare for the move from A-level maths to university level mathematical thinking.
What is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods
- Author: Richard Courant (et al)
- Used in: Mathematical Techniques for CS
An excellent book for those who can't wait to get their hands on some serious mathematical material that is developed from elementary ideas. A classic.