Faculty of Science and Technology

Students had just four days to plan and present their ubiquitous computing projects

Students interested in pursuing a career in Computer Science got a taste of student life at Lancaster University's Intel sponsored Headstart course (4th to 7th July).

Fourteen students attended a series of lectures and workshops designed to give them a taste of a Computer Science university degree.

The theme of Ubiquitous Computing was used to demonstrate the creative and multi-faceted world of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The Departments of Engineering, Communication Systems and Management Science also contributed with lectures and workshops demonstrating how the disciplines are related. The sessions explored key technologies such as the engineering of embedded sensors, wireless communication and associated programming challenges, aspects of human interaction and also a session on innovation and E-Business.

Throughout the course the students worked in teams to design a Ubiquitous Computer System in one of four environments: the school classroom, the home, the underpass bus stop, the mobile phone. James Scott from Intel together with Gordon Blair, Head of Computing Department judged the teams and awarded the winning team of four an Ipod Shuffle each.

"I was very impressed by the exceptional standard of all the teams' work," said James Scott, Intel. "It has been a pleasure to sponsor a scheme which encourages such enthusiastic and talented students."

Tue 11 July 2006

Associated Links

• Getting a Headstart in Lancaster - LU news article
• Headstart - official information on the headstart scheme
• Headstart 2006 - The Computing Department's Headstart site, with pictures and videos of the 2006 event