BSc Computer Science
Skills in computer science is a valuable asset in today´s technology-driven society. The BSc programme in Computer Science at RU is strongly influenced by the University´s strong ties with industry. The programme is internationally accredited.
Overview
Credits
180 ECTS.
Length of study
Three years, full time.
Language
Language of instruction is Icelandic. Selected modules available in English for exchange students, please see the online course catalogue for language of instruction for each course. For more information about courses in English, please contact the office of the School of Computer Science:
- E-mail: td@ru.is
- The RU International Office also provides information about study programmes for exchange students.
Available minors
BSc in Computer Science with Business minor.
Accreditation
The BSc programme in Computer Science is accredited by EQUANIE, the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education.
General or research based
Students can schoose between two paths in their BSc programme in Computer Science: General or research based.
Three week intense course
3-week courses (6 ECTS) are taught every semester. The aim of a three week intense course is to expose students to a specialised topic, which is presented by teachers from domestic or international universities or institutions, or teachers from industry. In this way, students are given the opportunity to apply the topics they have been exposed to during the regular semester. The project trains students to:
- Work together in a group
- Write a project report and give an oral presentation
- Apply the individual phases of the software development cycle
- Solve larger problems than are possible in regular courses
Internships
Read about internship opportunities at RU´s School of Computer Science.
RU School of Computer Science
The RU School of Computer Science is the largest of its kind in Iceland. Teachers are accomplished researchers in their field or guest lecturers from other departments or industry. The School collaborates with local industry, e.g. in the form of final projects. Thus, students are well prepared for work and/or further study. The School of Computer Science collaborates actively with international universities and institutions, both in teaching and research.
Careers
Many options
Computer scientists can choose from various work options as their field overlaps with a range of other subjects, such as mathematics, psychology, engineering, bio-informatics, business administration, etc.
Computer scientists are therefore likely to work with specialists from a variety of different fields.
Structure
BSc in Computer Science
Below are typical semester arrangements. If needed, students can follow a different programme structure provided that course requirements are met. Please contact the Office of the School of Computer Science for more information: td@ru.is or view the module handbook.
| 1. semester | 2. semester |
|---|---|
| T-111-PROG – Programming - 6ECTS T-107-TOLH – Computer Architecture – 6ECTS T-117-STR1 – Discrete Mathematics I – 6ECTS T-216-GHOH – Software requirements and Design – 6ECTS T-113-VLN1 – Practical Project 1 (3. Week course) – 6ECTS |
T-201-GSKI – Data Structures – 6ECTS T-419-STR2 – Discrete Mathematics II – 6ECTS T-213-VEFF - Web-Programming – 6ECTS T-202-GAG1 – Databases – 6ECTS T-220-VLN2 - Practical Project 2 (3. Week course) – 6ECTS |
| 3. semester | 4. semester |
|---|---|
| T-317-CAST - Calculus and Statistics – 6ECTS
T-301-REIR – Algorithms- 6ECTS T-303-HUGB – Software Engineering - 6ECTS Elective Course – 6 ECTS Elective Course (3. Week course) -6ECTS |
T-501-FMAL – Programming Languages - 6ECTS T-215-STY1 – Operating Systems - 6ECTS Elective Course - 6ECTS Elective Course - 6ECTS X-204-STOF – Entrepreneurship and Starting New Ventures (3. Week course) - 6ECTS |
| 5. semester | 6. semester |
|---|---|
| T-409-TSAM – Computer Networks - 6ECTS
Elective Course - 6ECTS Elective Course - 6ECTS Elective Course -6ECTS Elective Course (3. Week course) - 6ECTS |
Elective Course - 6ECTS
Elective Course - 6ECTS Elective Course - 6ECTS T-404-LOKA – Final Project (15. Week course) - 12ECTS |
Final projects
The final projects are either traditional projects or research-based projects. In both cases, students are assigned an advisor, with whom they usually meet once a week, and an examiner, who monitors the progression of the project over the project period (15 weeks). It is recommended that students work on the final project in their last semester.
Traditional projects
Traditional projects offers students the opportunity to work on a real software development project in close collaboration with industry. Students work in groups of 2-4, and are normally assigned work facilities at a particular company. The initiative for projects has in previous years come from either individual companies or students. Students are now only allowed to choose from the suggestions sent in by companies.
In order to work on a traditional final project, students need to have finished at least 78 credits, all the practical project courses, and the courses System Analysis and Software Engineering.
More descriptive rules have been made now on how final grades are assessed, where the students initiative and innovation in the final projects are a part of the issues assessed for the final grade. For assisting the students in choosing projects that include innovation, the final projects suggestions from the companies will be grouped in 3 groups by the final project committee before the students choose a project. The groups are: much, average and little innovation.
Research-based projects
A research-based project introduces students to research in the field of computer science, and gives students the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the research faculty. Students work in a group of 1-3, and are often provided with research facilities in the research centres.
In order to work on a research-based project, students need to have finished at least 138 ECTS, and all the practical project courses.
Students organize their project-work in close correspondence with a supervisor from Reykjavik University, that they usually meet once a week. The School of Computer Science provides an examiner that checks status of the project several times during the project work.
Internships
Students may apply for internships and have their work evaluated as their final project.
Admission
Applicants need to have completed a matriculation examination or a comparable education. In evaluating applications, the department takes into account grades on matriculation examination (especially in Icelandic and mathematics), further education, work experience, management experience, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to include everything they feel may help their application. In particular, it is important that applicants state the reasons for their interest in the programme and what their future plans are. Official transcripts of upper secondary school diplomas must accompany applications.
Contact us
If you have any questions or want to obtain more information about studies at the School of Computer Science at Reykjavik University please contact: td@ru.is
