University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Welcome to the CL
The department of
Computer Science in the University of Cambridge.
Computer Laboratory
• Staf
– 38 academic staf, – 25 support staf, and
– 40 affiliated research staf.
• Students
– 154 research students (PhD),
– 30 Mphil Advanced Computer Science, – 20 Mphil in Speech and Language,
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Interactive Formal Verification
• Professor Mike Gordon
– Viper Microprocessor 1985 – Fast Ring ECL Chip in 1986
– ATM Switch Chip in HOL 90 in 1994 – Formal model of ARM 6 in 2002
– Embedding PSL/Sugar in HOL 2004
– Embedded Crypto Algorithms (ongoing)
EDA Spinouts
• Qudos – E-beam rapid prototyping, • Virata – Broadband Modems,
• Tenison – RTL to C++ modelling, • Azuro – Clock tree synthesis,
• Embecosm – TLM Debugging.
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Welcome to the CL
• The UoC Department of Computer Science
– Some history of our department – Admission
– Undergraduate Taught Courses – Postgraduate Courses
– Research Areas – Supporter’s Club
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
The Mathematical Laboratory
• Founded 1937, Sir MV Wilkes.
• EDSAC ran first stored program 1949 • Thenceforth provided a computer
service
• Titan, IBM machines, Phoenix • Diploma started in 1953
• Undergraduate Tripos in 1969 • Moved to WGB in 2001
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
William Gates Building
• A split with the Computer Service
• All research under one roof
• Two lecture theatres,
one practical laboratory. • Intel, Optronics and LCE
currently on top floor • Microsoft MSR out the
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Undergraduate Courses
• 25% Computer Science (with 75% maths)
• 50% Computer Science (with 25% NST) • Full time for years 2 and 3 leading to BA. • Part II General - A one year part II
Admission
• Undergraduates admitted by Colleges • Admission requirements:
– A-level Maths
– One other science A level (pref Further Maths)
– A third A-level or international equivalent
• Postgraduates (PhD) must find a
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
What is Computer Science ?
• It is not how to use Microsoft Excel
• It is not how to design web sites
• It is not how to be an
diferences between programming
Example CST Subject Areas
• Continuous Maths • Discrete Maths
• Software Engineering • Programming
• Operating Systems • Compilers
• Databases
• Information Theory and Coding
• Computability • Semantics
• Hardware
• Processor Design • Business
• Communications
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
3 year Tripos Practical Work
• Ia: Java ticks • Ia: ML ticks
• Ia: Hardware ticks
• Ib: ECAD and Architecture ticks • Ib: Group Projects
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
ML programming demo.
• ML is the first language our students see
• It is functional (not imperative)
• One of the most-advanced languages ever becoming mainstream (almost mainstream).
• Aim to teach fundamentals, not arbitraryness.
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
ML: Three Ways to Add Up
(* Mathematician *)
fun intsum1(a, b) = (b-a+1) *(a+b) div 2;
(* Engineer *)
fun intsum3(a, b) = if (a=b) then a else let val midpoint = (a+b) div 2
in intsum3(a, midpoint) + intsum3(midpoint+1, b) end
;
(* Computer Scientist *) fun intsum2(a, b) =
Postgraduate Courses
• PhD in theoretical computer science
– Can be in any area researched in the department.
• 1986: M Phil in Speech and Language Processing (with dept of Engineering)
• Fourth Year in School of Technology ?
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Current Major Research Areas
• Programming Languages, Compilers
• Security - Smart Cards, Trusted Computing • Systems - OS, Processors, Middleware,
Trust, Networks, H/W.
• Rainbow - Graphics, HCI, Asynch H/W • Natural Language and Information
Retrieval
• Theory & Semantics - Quantum, Computability
• Automated Reasoning - HVG, Protocols
• Projects with MSR, LCE and Intel Research.
Research Area Map
Security
Language HCI
Theory and Semantics
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Example: Pervasive
Computing
Trusted computing infrastructure Mobile applications
Security of smart cards
Correctness of Network Protocols XML Ontology for personal
information
Rules for control of the home Alternative HCI devices for real-time control and generating
Supporter’s Club
• 10 to 50 Local Industry Fund Contributors
• Originally for local companies • Library and consultancy access • Frequently funds PhD Students • Specialist Lecture Series
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Women in Computer Science
• Sometimes seen as a male profession ? • WICS mission to redress balance.
• Currently 4 or so female out of 30 lecturers.
• Only 5 to 10 percent of undergraduates • 15 percent of postgraduates ?
• WICS regular meetings, open agenda • Women frequently come top in Tripos.
• 2002: 26.9% of the 52 female applicants to Cambridge
Graduate Association
• Recently established, 2002
• 200-300 members • Annual update and
dinner
• Advice and consultancy • Should become
self-funding
University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory DJG 2004
Local Industry
• 28,000 Hi-tech employees in Cambridge • 14,000 of them in computing/electronics • New companies are always being founded
by our alumni
0
1978 1984 1985 1986 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
F
Manufacture Telecomms Consultancy (software)
• Thank-you and any questions ?
