Thinking of Studying Computer Science? Choose UiB!
Are you thinking about studying computer science and uncertain where this field could lead you? With a wide range of masters programs, competitive PhD positions and six internationally-recognized research groups, the Department of Informatics at UiB has you covered.
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What is computer science?
Computer Science is the science behind any software, from computer software, mobile applications and games, to large IT systems, databases and web portals. Computer Scientists are needed in all phases of the development of such software: problem formulation, problem solving, design, development and programming.
Computer Science students will start by learning to program, i.e. to get computers or mobile phones to perform exactly what we want them to do. This way, as early as their first semester, students will be able to create their own programs. Students will then study in depth the steps that precede actual programming and will learn the skill necessary to develop IT systems and software, to troubleshoot effectively, and to design and development algorithms.
Computer scientists are not only highly sought after in the job market, but there is also a great shortage of computer scientists. Our society has become dependent on information technology. Computer Science is integral to many different types of work, so that this type of education can be used in such diverse fields as medicine, finance, space research, oil and gas, entertainment, and clean technology.
Why study computer science at UiB?
UiB´s Department of Informatics is rated as one of the top ICT institutes in Norway by the Research Council of Norway, and was rated as the best institute in 2012. Most recently, the “Joint Master´s Programme in Software Engineering,” in cooperation with Bergen University College, is the country´s highest ranking masters degrees in scientific and technical subjects according to Studiebarometeret.
The department´s goal is to maintain an internationally recognized level of excellence in both research and teaching. The department fosters a diverse academic environment where it´s students and faculty are given the tools and support necessary to be the best they can be. Through outreach activities, it plays a leading role in integrating quality Computer Science education throughout various communities in Norway.
What study programs are offered at UiB?
UiB offers several data-oriented Bachelor programs taught solely in Norwegian. However, there are two Masters programs, which are both taught exclusively in English. Remember the application deadline is April 15th every year.
Master´s Programme in Informatics: This program provides a thorough introduction to scientific work methods and extensive training in executing challenging technical tasks. Studies are focused on a specific research field, but students will gain a good overview of all other research fields. Within the Masters´ Programme in Informatics, candidates are admitted to one of the following specializations/pragramme options: Algorithms, Visualization, Secure and Reliable Communication, Optimization, Bioinformatics.
Joint Master's Program in Software Engineering: This is a joint degree with the Bergen University College. There are two possible specializations:
Programming theory: The graduated candidates should have gained solid, scientific based knowledge and skills in informatics. They should be introduced into scientific methods and they will be trained to work independent with complex and challenging problems. They will gain great competence in programming, on one side, - theoretical and practical, and a good overview over other areas, on the other side.
Software development: The study offers a specialization in software development. The emphasis lies on training and use of advanced system and software development methods and technologies. The objective is to educate candidates with a great competence in advanced software technology with focus on practical problems. After finishing the program the students should be well-prepared to develop all types of software and software systems as well in technological areas as in administration.
What are the research groups at the Department of Informatics?
There are 6 research groups and one Research Center, the Computational Biology Unit, associated with the department. Each group supervises masters student projects and offers diverse and exciting PhD and research positions.
Algorithms
Algorithms research aims to develop efficient algorithms that increase the speed of computer software. It focuses on computationally difficult, so-called NP-complete, problems and attempts to find practical algorithms for these.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics develops applications for biotech issues in close collaboration with molecular biologists, biologists and researchers in medicine. Techniques from algorithm theory, artificial intelligence, database theory and statistics are used in Bioinformatics.
Optimization
Optimization is used in financial and technical contexts to determine the value of unknown variables, so that a specific criteria can be minimized or maximized.
Programming Theory
Programming Theory is the basis of software development. The field ranges from purely theoretical to the development of new programming techniques for supercomputers.
Reliable Communication
Reliable Communication develops secure wireless communication. Using coding theory to protect digital transmissions against loss from noise (e.g. atmospheric disturbances) and to reduce transmission time by packing data efficiently. Cryptography is used to protect information from disclosure and unauthorized modifications.
Visualization
Visualization allows people to explore and analyze complex data using 3D technology, for example, to present data from medical scans or seismic surveys.
The Computational Biology Unit
The Computational Biology Unit (CBU) aims to conduct competitive bioinformatics research and to expand the interface between bioinformatics and experimental biological and biomedical research. The six research groups explained above are currently associated with CBU with projects that include sequence and structure analysis, molecular evolution, genome annotation and genomics data analysis. CBU also provides services and contributes to bioinformatics education primarily through training courses.