Congratulations on your study place at BTH!
Welcome to the Master’s Programme in Computer Science, 120 HP
Welcome to the introduction day for new students on Friday 29 August! During the day, you will meet other new students, talk to staff who are there to answer your questions, take part in various activities, and try Swedish fika. Learn more here.
The programme and classes start on 1 September. Make sure to join the programme introduction at 10.00 in room H313 Lövsalen (in the Library).
Make sure to visit our International student guide, where you will find dates for upcoming webinars, practical information and support for your next steps.
Procedure to join the programme
Activate your student account (from 27 March)
You will recieve an email with instructions on how to activate the account. Read more on the on Get started.
Register for the courses (from 25 July)
You must register on-line for the courses to keep your place on the programme. Instructions are on Get started.
Programme start (1 September)
If you cannot participate in the programme introduction, report this by email to the programme manager.
Program and course information
Information about the programme from the programme manager, and information about courses from the course manager can be found on the respective page in Canvas. Attendance at programme and course roll calls is always mandatory. If you cannot attend for any reason, you must inform the programme or course manager.
Courses during the initial semester are:
Preparations
Computer science covers many topics, including big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, distributed computing, cybersecurity,visual and interactive technologies, etc. We find mathematics, programming, operating systems, databases, etc, in their cores. Hence, please refresh these skills before the programme starts. I recommend refreshing your English understanding, reading, and writing. Most of the material (lectures, books, assignments) is in English, and you must write several academic reports during your studies here.
For the first two classes, Programming in UNIX Environment and Applied Artificial Intelligence, I recommend reading the prerequisites for both classes. If you have not been programming for a while, refresh your bash, Python, C, and C++ knowledge. Also, you should review the prerequisites for the next two classes, MachineLearning and Network and System Security, so that you can already start preparing for them.
Learning platform and equipment
BTH expects all students to have access to their own computer. There is only limited access to computers in our computer labs on campus. You also need access to a webcam, headset with microphone and internet connection for digital lessons. Here you can find recommendations on the performance of your computer.
The Canvas External link, opens in new window. learning platform is used in all courses and programmes on campus and in digital education. Once you have activated your student account and registered for a course, you have access to programme and course pages in Canvas. Here you will find more information about Canvas, Zoom and other digital tools that you have access to at BTH.
Given our extensive use of Linux, Virtual machines, and containers, it’s important to be comfortable working with Linux and various tools for Virtualization. Proficiency in Linux is a must, including installing and updating packages, working with scripts and terminals, building software from source code, using Git, and basic SSH. For Virtualization, we utilise different systems and tools. It’s beneficial if your computer has VirtualBox installed and you’re at ease operating it, such as creating VMs and networks, importing and exporting appliances, and understanding how the host and the VM can interact (both via network and shared folders). You’ll need additional knowledge if your daily driver is a Mac (especially an M1 or M2-based device). Typically, our VMs are x86/AMD64 based.
Do you have any questions?
If you still have questions after reading this welcome letter and visiting the International student guide, please contact studentreception@bth.se.
