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High Achiever Programme (HAP)

Welcome! This information is for students who are enrolled on the High Achiever Programme (HAP) and will be joining the Department of Computer Science at the University of York.

On this page, we have provided useful information to help you with your studies before you arrive, and you'll find out more about what to expect in your first week at York.

Before you arrive: Preparing for computer science at the University of York

To help you transition smoothly into your studies, we have provided a toolkit to help build your confidence and sharpen your skills before you arrive.

Your answers to the quizzes in this pre-study pack won't be graded, and it's not compulsory to complete every single task. However, diving into these resources is the best way to get prepared - and we hope that you enjoy it!

What you need to do first

Download the High Achiever Programme pre-study pack: HAP pre-study pack (encrypted).zip (zip , 13,635kb).

Extract the files with 7-Zip using the password provided in the WeChat message sent to you about your pre-study pack for the University of York.

Guide to the key topics in the pre-study pack

Some external resources listed here may load slowly or require a global network connection depending on your location. Please use a VPN if you encounter any issues when opening links.

Discrete mathematics

Mathematical reasoning is core to computer science. We recommend focusing on graphs, probability, sets, logic and proofs.

  • In your pre-study pack: we have included a few practice tests so you can self-assess your understanding.
  • Other resources: go to the free MIT OpenCourseWare Mathematics for Computer Science for a comprehensive range of materials that focus on mathematical tools and proof techniques useful in computer science.

Algorithm time complexity

Understanding how efficiently an algorithm runs is crucial for building efficient programs. Take some time to refresh or expand your knowledge of Big O notation and time complexity analysis.

  • In your pre-study pack: you will find a slide deck and a couple of quiz sets to test your skills.
  • Other resources: for an introduction suitable for beginners, read through the W3Schools Algorithm Time Complexity tutorial.

Python programming

If you haven't used Python before, then you will need to become familiar with its syntax and essential data science libraries before you start your studies.

  • In your pre-study pack: try the Python programming tests and the exercises covering NumPy and Pandas.
  • Other resources: To become familiar with the fundamental basics of Python, complete the official Python Software Foundation Tutorial.

Tips for success

Please don't worry if some of these concepts are new to you. Use the quizzes as a tool to see where you might need a bit more practice.

  • Simulate test conditions: try to answer the questions without looking up solutions on the internet.
  • Take your time: there is no need to time yourself - work at your own pace.
  • Enjoy the process - and good luck!

After you have arrived: telling us you are here

Your registration tells us that you have arrived in York. Please come to Reception in the Ian Wand Building (Campus East) to complete your registration at the following time: 

  • Friday 25th September between 13:30 and 14:00

When you come to register, please ensure that you bring your University card with you. You'll be contacted by email with further details of when and where to collect your card.

Missed your registration slot? Please don't worry! Attend an alternative session if you can, or come and see us at the Reception desk in the Ian Wand Building.

Your first week

Find out more about induction events taking place in your first week in the Department.

These events will all be in your timetable, so that you know where to go and what to do. You may also be invited to other events taking place in your college or elsewhere in the University.

Mon 21st September 14:30 -16:30: HAP Welcome event

This event is to welcome all the students from the High Achiever Programme who will be joining us for the final year our Bachelor degrees. This will be joint event inviting students from the Department of Computer Science and the School of Business & Society.

At this event, you'll be welcomed by senior leaders and academics from the University of York, and there will be a presentation of certificates to our HAP ambassadors. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for students and staff to meet each other, where tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

Room: RCH/037 and RCH Atrium, Ron Cooke Hub, Campus East

 

Weds 23rd September 14:00 - 16:00: Computer Science social event

Join us for a team-based quiz around the Department. You'll be solving problems, hunting out solutions and getting thoroughly lost - but don't worry, we'll find you!

As part of this session, you'll have a chance to take a look at our display of placement posters. Our latest cohort of placement students has recently returned, and their posters describing their experience are on display in the teaching corridors in the Ian Wand Building. Find out where they worked, what they did and how they got on during their placements. 

At the end of the quiz, each participant in the winning team will receive a £20 Amazon voucher (maximum of six in each team, unless you’re just playing for fun.)

Room: Meet at Reception in the Ian Wand Building, Campus East

Fri 25th September 10:00 - 11:00: Introduction to Campus essentials: Health, Safety and Library

In this session, we'll be welcoming 'guest speakers' who will tell you more about things that are good to know! Find out about the following:

  • Health and Safety in Computer Science: an important overview (Lennon Chappell)
  • Introduction to Library, Archives & Learning Services: how to make the most of it. For a quick preview, see Your library quickstart guide. (Elizabeth Simpson)

Room: Main auditorium (F/100), Central Hall, Campus West

Fri 25th September 14:00 - 15:45: Welcome talk and refreshments for 'advanced standing' students (Year two entry and High Achiever Programme)

At this talk, you will meet other students who are joining us directly into Year Two or Year Three of our courses.

We'll welcome you to the Department and tell you more about how we can support you during your studies. This is your chance to meet key members of the Department team and to ask any questions you might have.

The welcome talk will be followed by refreshments in the Pod, our students' social space in the Ian Wand Building.

Welcome talk: RCH/037, Ron Cooke Hub, Campus East

Refreshments: The Pod, Ian Wand Building, Campus East

Do you have any questions? Get in touch!

If you have any questions, or you need further assistance of any kind, please contact us.

Visit: Computer Science Reception is open 08:30 - 16:30 Monday to Thursday each week, and 08:30 - 16:00 on Fridays.

Email: cs-reception@york.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1904 325500