Computer Science 1 [Cambridge: 4A* (+ 1 A at AS)]

Draft 18/18 [3972]

I love coding because it gives you the ability to look under the bonnet of
technology and have a fiddle. However, I hope that studying computer science at
university will also teach me to innovate – to look forward and see what could be,
rather than just improving what is. Specifically, I'm really looking forward to being
part of the paradigm shift that will accompany the rise of quantum computing (not
least in terms of security and encryption). I know that a lot of hard study lies
ahead, but it will surely be worth it if even a small part of the future flows from my
fingers.

To learn more about the nitty gritty of coding I arranged a placement at Delphi
Diesel Systems. The intensity of this environment was a shock to my somewhat
'relaxed' teenage routine, but I soon adjusted and relished the challenges
involved. Every hour had to be spent wisely, and I really enjoyed learning how to
be rapid yet precise when developing code. Moreover, the placement helped
confirm that problem solving is not just about getting to the answer, but rather
getting there efficiently using the different talents within a team. It also taught me
that older languages still have a lot to offer, despite not having been intended to
cope with the demands of a modern programming environment. In this context I
am very interested in the release of Swift – Apple’s new coding language. Having
broadened my C programming knowledge by learning Objective C specifically to
develop iOS apps, it is now exciting to be in at the ground-floor of a whole new
language, particularly one that has been specifically designed for a post-internet,
palm-top processor age.

Having seen first-hand how important mathematics is in computing I decided to

study FP3 rather than M3 as part of my Further Maths A-level, as it was clear that
this module would better prepare me for my degree. At first, I often found myself
frustrated when problems arose, having no tutor to turn to (as my school lacked
the expertise to deliver the course). However, I soon started to enjoy the
challenge of finding solutions on my own, particularly the way in which repeated
assaults on difficult questions encouraged me to be more creative in my problem-
solving (albeit alongside a certain amount of heuristic flukiness in some cases).
At the very least I am hoping all the long hours and saturation have done
something helpful to my brain (!). Certainly I am really looking forward to passing
on some of the techniques I’ve learned to students during my gap year (in which I
will return to school as a teaching assistant for a few months before starting a job
at Netcraft in Bath). Having learned the value and satisfaction of independent
study, I’m eager to nudge others towards a more autodidactic approach to
learning. I’m also interested in whether the ability to code (and especially
algorithmic thinking) is in some way hard-wired or can in fact be developed by all.
To this end I have run several ‘gifted and talented’ schemes within the school,
teaching Java and C# in order to create android apps, and some students do
indeed seem to have a natural aptitude far exceeding that of their peers. Equally
interesting, however, is that different students seem far better suited to certain
languages, despite having had no previous experience of coding. Perhaps this
will become more prominent as neuroscience becomes ever more entwined with
computing.

Beyond school, I like to play a lot of chess. Competing in tournaments has improved
not only my logical reasoning, but also taught me how to think clearly under
pressure. Growing up with a younger brother who is not physically robust has also
been interesting as we have tended to compete intellectually. This has often been
rather humbling, but has certainly taught me to think in different (some might say
'sneakier') ways. I hope that studying a degree in computer science will develop this
mindset further . . . and maybe even help me beat my brother at chess once in a
while.
Draft 1/18 [5268]

‘In fact what I would like to see is thousands of computer scientists let loose to do
whatever they want. That's what really advances the field.‘ A quote that
represents the field in its true beauty. Computer science has grown exponentially
over the last decade and is continuing to do so. New, spontaneous ideas become
revolutions and the field advances with every passing second. Growing up in this
face-paced technological advancement has kept me intrigued in the subject for
many years. Now has come the point where i wish to embrace this fully and be a
part of this revolution. Computer science is very important and is everywhere in
today’s world. Almost everything we use is a computer of some form. So i feel it
is crucial that this subject is embraced with upmost integrity and passion.

I am very happy with the recent soar of computing at a gcse level. This allows
kids of a younger age to become familiar with the fundamentals which will later
be crucial. This lead to me allocating spare time to duties in the school and
helping in a range of areas. I regularly participated as a TA in a year 9 and 10
GCSE computing class, Helping the younger years. This was a very rewarding
experience seeing the students embrace such a bold subject. This ventured
further and i partly ran a gifted and talented scheme for a particular year in the
school in which i helped teach java to the students, so they could build up skills
to create a simple android application. Learning java and c# in my own time
proved also very rewarding and allowed me to embrace my independent learning
and then implement this into a teaching situation.

Being very academic, i like to succeed and work hard, but i also understand the
importance of time away from work. Chess is a game i like to play a lot in my
spare time, it involves strategical, problematic thinking within every move that is
made and makes you think ahead at every possible outcome. Aspects that
actually highly coincide with computer science. This is something i wish to bring
to university by organising a chess society if there isn’t one already. I believe it’s
a great past time and keeps the brain engaged, a great hobby for fellow
computer scientists.

Mathematics and the problem orientated nature of it also appeals to me. The link
between mathematics and physics with computing is an interesting one, also
very important. Topics such as quantum computing are mind boggling, yet
undoubtedly significant. As my studies progressed i found mathematics to be
increasingly interesting, watching how everything slowly pieces together into one.
Wanting more simply for the enjoyment and stimulation, i decided to take up
further maths A level during the summer and second year of study. This will allow
me to embrace again, my independent side, self teaching and learning efficiently.
The history and philosophy around these areas are also gripping. How
mathematics and computational sciences has evolved.

This interest brought me to attend a maths lecture by the royal mathematics

society at the institute of education. Dr Vicky Neale’s presentation on addictive
number theory was incredibly stimulating. Concepts that surround pure maths,
for example theorems about prime and square numbers and how patterns arise,
proved to look simple when abstracted but indeed reveals many complex ideas
that capsulate simple math. Joseph LaGrange’s theorem was one of these,
stating that every positive whole number can be written as a sum of 4 primes.
Professor Ray hill’s talk on mathematics in the courtroom represented how maths
and statistical probabilities complement crime investigations and jury processes.
This was very interesting to see ideas in statistics were brought to crime case
scenarios and how formulas (suchs as baye’s formula for evidence and
innocence) arise and apply maths to real world situations.

In the summer of 2010 i did a week of work experience in programming industry,

with a company called Delphi diesel systems. The company deals with both the
software and hardware programming behind the engines inside 18 - wheeler
Lorries.

Mechanics and engines is not an area that really appeals to me but this work
placement proved that the problem solving that programming implements, makes
the field exciting in any area. I was lucky enough to be taken to London for a field
test day on a real engine. This taught me how things are gone about in industry
and the importance of team work and communication. (Also the problems that
can be encountered). During the week i was set a task to automate an
environment program. I had no programming background and so i set off,
teaching myself how to do things i wanted to perform in the automation software,
via the help files. I also used the people around me as resources, feeding off
their knowledge in programming industry. This whole experience taught me that,
as well as independence, a team working skill set is also very important.
Computer Science is a subject that is diverse and complements many key areas.
This field is growing and i wish to be a part of the movement in computational
sciences. My hard working ethic and thrive for success will help drive this, whilst
my passion and intrigue will complement creativity and advancements.