First internet computing degree in Scotland

Scotland’s first degree in Internet Computing, which will equip students with the skills necessary to exploit the new industrial revolution, is being launched at the University of St Andrews.

The BSc Honours Degree, one of only a handful in the UK, aims to ground students in the technologies which underpin the Internet on both a practical and theoretical level, covering everything from coding theory and Internet tools to the social, moral and ethical issues surrounding Internet technology.

The course will provide students with the expertise to enter into a range of diverse careers including the development of Internet devices such as WAP phones and wearable technology, the management of Internet Service Provision or the delivery of Internet goods and services such as advertising, on-line shopping and ordering. Graduates may also wish to enter into the development of Internet infrastructure or the presentation and integration of complex data from diverse sources such as museum information services or on-line travel and tourist information systems.

The course, which will be officially launched in September 2001, builds on the School of Computer Science’s research strengths in symbolic computing and software architecture and intercepts new expertise, some from recent appointments, in areas such as multi-media, multi-agent systems, graphics, distributed computing and enterprise systems. Students will also benefit from interaction with numerous Internet-related companies which the School already maintains strong research links with, providing students with a practical insight into the industry.

Head of the School of Computer Science Professor Ron Morrison said, “The Internet is changing everybody’s lives more than we could ever have imagined and, like the industrial revolution 150 years ago, the Internet requires a new skilled workforce to exploit it. At the same time, the most important aspect in modern computing systems is that the network services are becoming more important than individual computers.”

Meanwhile, Degree Programme Coordinator Professor Alan Dearle added, “The Internet Computing degree programme will prepare students to operate in this rapidly expanding field. It will be highly relevant to the modern information-based economy and we are confident that graduates from the programme will be in high demand.”

The School of Computer Science at St Andrews is world-renowned for its excellent teaching and research facilities including a wide range of state-of-the-art computers and operating environments. Students have access to excellent research staff and facilities which provide a challenging environment for practical work and, from their second year onwards, students benefit from 24-hour access to laboratory facilities, and, of course, unlimited internet access.

Further information on the Internet Computing degree can be obtained from the School of Computer Science on telephone. (01334) 463253, email [email protected] or from the World Wide Web at http://www.dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/IC.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email [email protected] Ref: internet/standrews/chg/31oct2000