Studying Computer Sciences at the University of Tampere

1. Studying Computer Sciences at the University of Tampere Jyrki Nummenmaa jyrki@cs.uta.fi

2. BSc degree • Two degrees, one in computer science and one in interactive technology (HCI) • Most of the teaching is in Finnish. • Some course modules are available also in English. • If you are willing to replace lectures by self-study, then you may go and discuss possibilities with the teacher in charge.

3. MSc programs • An MSc program is available on each special area plus some mixed ones. • Some MSc programs are available in English. For these, we take in separately foreign students, but the course modules are open to all (with enough previous studies). • Because of the above, there is much more teaching available in English on the MSc level.

4. Seeing the teachers • Each teacher has a regular ”surgery hour” (which, of course, may be cancelled due to a trip, illness,...) • It is usually a better idea to settle an individual time for seeing the teacher. • Electronic mail is often the most convenient way to contact the teachers. • The department generally has an open-doors policy.

5. Lectures (Weekly) exercises Demonstrations Coursework Essays Seminar works Group supervision Individual supervision Exams an oral examination may also somtimes be possible MSc thesis work All this requires indivdual work: reading, proglem solving, programming, writing, ... ”Official” forms of study work

6. Lectures • ”Traditional” • Typically not compulsory to attend – but you should somehow be aware of what the lectures contained. • Some (but few) courses have compulsory lectures.

7. Weekly exercises • Exercises are given several days ahead • At the session, the teacher collects a list of who has solved what • Students are to present solutions • When all the exercises are dealt with, the session is usually over • Some percentage of the exercises may be compulsory, or give bonus exam points

8. Weekly exercises / 2 • Sometimes it is possible to hand in written solutions and skip the session. • Sometimes you need to have a reason for this. • If this is necessary for your schedule, contact the teacher in advance. • Weekly exercises are often the main way of learning.

9. Coursework(s) • Separate assignment • Separate schedules • Usually much larger than single weekly exercises • The expected outcome may include program code, documents, essays, evaluations,…

10. Exams (cs, maths, statistics) • Typically the following rules hold: • Exam time 4 hours. • You may leave after 30 mins. • Some exams allow you to have written material and some don’t (both open book and closed book exams are used). • Usually a re-sit possibility at the start of the following term (this is not so handy for visiting students).

11. A typical course module • Weekly lectures • Weekly exercises • Courswork • Exam

12. More information • Go to www.cs.uta.fi -> ENGLISH -> Studies • From there you can also access the information of courses that are given this academic year.

13. Thank you!