BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
To help you feel prepared for your BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Read on to find out more.
Suggested reading
You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.
In the meantime, there are a couple of suggested books you might like to read, if you can, before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But, if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library, or access online, we’d recommend:
- New Perspective on Computer Concepts 2018: Comprehensive ISBN 13 978-1305951495
- Foundations of Computer Science ISBN 13: 978-1408088418
- Java for Everyone (2nd Edition) ISBN 13: 978-1118063316
Additional books you may find interesting:
- Hello World. Hannah Fry
- Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions. Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths
- New Thinking. Dagogo Altraide
- Machine Learning for Dummies. John Paul Mueller and Luca Massaron
Hardware advice
Throughout your studies you will have access to absolutely all of the facilities and equipment you will need. But, if you would like to purchase equipment before you start your studies, we’d recommend looking into pre-owned options. Items could include:
- Portable Hard Disk Drive. You can store files online (in places such as Dropbox) or purchase a portable disk drive. A 500GB shock proof USB 3.0 self-powered hard disk drive (approx. £50 in 2022) will be sufficient and is invaluable for backing up your work.
- Computer. We have excellent computer labs that you will have full access to. But, if you would prefer to use your own machine we recommend one with the following specification:
- 8GB RAM
- 750GB HDD
- Intel i5 (or equivalent AMD processor)
- (15” Screen Desirable)
Useful websites
- Start to learn how to programme in Python through this free course.
- Use the WIRED website to catch up on the latest developments in computing.
- Explore the current tech job market on IT Jobs Watch and join a developer community on DZone.
- You can explore Google Colaboratory or ‘Colab’ for short, allows you to write and execute Python in your browser, with:
- Zero configuration required
- Free access to GPUs
- Easy sharing
Other useful websites include:
Suggested tasks for summer
Here are a couple of ideas for you to try some computer science related fun:
- Start to tackle a programming language, we recommend learning Python which you can do through the mobile app Solo Learn
- Explore the area of computing you’re interested in via books, blogs and websites
- Develop your own app ideas and explore the tech used to create them
As in all specialised fields of sciences, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence students benefit from basic skills in reading and writing documents along with skills in maths that will be useful in solving problems and programming. Although not essential, making sure you have basic reading and writing skills will help when you need to read moderately technical articles during your studies.