Hi everyone,
This week it's our first Learn to Code class. We'll start off by introducing programming in general, then the Python language and its basic structures. We've had unprecedented demand, so:
This week's talk is by Metaswitch. What's so cool about Rust? A lot. We'll learn how Rust hopes to replace C++ through advances in static analysis and smart type systems, making code with memory bugs uncompilable.
After that, it's our usual Geek Night and a tech talk with Ocado Technology on dealing with legacy software.
You can still register for BAE's Capture the Flag event this Saturday. The location has now been confirmed as Doctorow Hall in Teddy Hall and OUEngSoc has now published a Facebook event.
Finally, the Oxford University's Summer Internship and Micro-Internship programmes have opened for applications, with a variety of opportunities in technology sector. Applications start closing from the middle of February.
Have a great week,
Edward and the rest of the committee
P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the 40th Anniversary Dinner!
19:00 Wednesday 2nd Week – Lecture Theatre A, Department of Computer Science
Rust is a relatively new programming language which is rapidly gaining traction in industry. It aims to replace C++, using a smart type system and static analysis to enforce safe use of pointers while retaining the efficiency required for systems programming. Buffer overflows and incorrect memory management are responsible for a large fraction of recent security vulnerabilities; Rust simply makes these impossible to compile. It’s a great example of how the concepts of Computer Science are making a practical difference to modern software engineering.
Bio: Keith Wansbrough is a Software Engineer at Metaswitch Networks Ltd.
19:00 Thursday 2nd Week – Lecture Theatres A & B, Department of Computer Science
Learn to Code is back! If you've ever wanted to learn the basics of programming, refresh your Python knowledge, or get an idea of what computer scientists actually do all day then this is going to be a great course for you ☺️.
We aren't going to assume any prior programming experience, although to get the best out of the sessions we highly recommend that you bring a laptop so that you can follow along with some of the examples. It doesn't matter whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and in the first session we'll explain how to get started on any of these platforms.
In this course we are going to be using the programming language Python, which is one of the easiest languages to pick up if you've never programmed before and it is widely used in the technology industry – YouTube, NASA, and Wikipedia are just three examples. If you need to learn R at some point during your degree you may find that an introduction to Python will help you pick up basic computational thinking ideas faster.
We do expect demand to be very high for this course, so please try to arrive before the advertised start time as we need to register everyone (for fire regulations). You'll need to enter via the back door on Parks Road; there are CompSoc signs up at the department.
19:00 Saturday 2nd Week – Undergraduate Social Area, Department of Computer Science
Bring your laptop for an evening of relaxing, chatting, games, coding and a selection of food and drink. This week's Geek Night theme is pizza which arrives on time.
By the way, locked out? If you're a member of the CS Department, you can enter after hours by swiping your Bod card and enter the secret code (genuine hint: this plus #).
19:00 Wednesday 2nd Week - Lecture Theatre A, Department of Computer Science
Anna Miedzianowska (Head of Product at Ocado Technology) & Bruno Patriota (Product Owner at Ocado Technology)
Anna & Bruno are passionate product professionals working at Ocado Technology. They are both strong advocates of a user-centric approach and customer dialogue, and in trying to bring a little order to chaos wherever possible.
Their 'Legacy Land' talk will cover - "Why are Legacy systems so frustrating? Why do we ponder about its complexities and constraints? Why does it knock us down so hard when we come across it in our new jobs. Well, we can’t answer all your questions about Legacy Land, but we can surely provide some useful insight on how to deal with it. Most importantly, making it fun and creating the Legacy everyone will talk about."
Anna - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankamiedzianka/) | Twitter (http://twitter.com/@ankamiedzianka) Bruno - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruno-patriota-a8a95292/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/@DigdaProduct)
19:00 Thursday 3rd Week – Lecture Theatres A & B, Department of Computer Science
Learn to Code is back! If you've ever wanted to learn the basics of programming, refresh your Python knowledge, or get an idea of what computer scientists actually do all day then this is going to be a great course for you :).
We aren't going to assume any prior programming experience, although to get the best out of the sessions we highly recommend that you bring a laptop so that you can follow along with some of the examples.
In this second session we will be looking at executing different code based on conditions (if/elif/else) and looping (for/while).
Both Thomas and Sauyon's sessions will cover the same content, but you may wish to go to the same session as last week for continuity.
We do expect demand to be very high for this course, so please try to arrive before the advertised start time as we need to register everyone (for fire regulations). You'll need to enter via the back door on Parks Road; there are CompSoc signs up at the department.
If you're a CS student with a little spare time and enthusiasm, please consider volunteering by contacting the committee.
09:30–16:30, Saturday 2nd Week – Doctorow Hall, St Edmund Hall
OUEngSoc have kindly shared this event with us:
This is a team-based challenge for teams of 2 to 6 players, but individual entries are also fine and teams will be assigned later. The challenges will involve breaking into vulnerable websites, cracking ciphers, forensic searches, reverse engineering and much more. No previous experience of these kinds of challenge is necessary; they are designed for students who like taking things apart and seeing how they work.
Lunch will be provided and there will be prizes for the winners!
For more information or to sign up, email ctf@baesystems.com.
Oxford University’s exclusive Micro-Internship Programme and Summer Oxford University Internship Programme are now open for applications! Whether you’re looking for a short-term, project-based placement or an immersive work experience abroad over the summer, we have a huge range of placements available to suit you.
Micro-Internship Programme
Keen to enhance your CV with work experience? The Micro-Internship Programme facilitates 2-5 day work experience placements in 9th and 10th week of every term. Applications are OPEN and the deadline is midday, Monday 29th January. Please see our handy sector/location lists to browse micro-internship opportunities in the IT and Computing sector.
Summer Internship Programme
The 2018 Summer Internship Programme offers a whole host of exciting summer experiences all over the world. Whether you are interested in consulting in Japan, sustainability research in Chile, teaching in Singapore or working in a castle museum in the Czech Republic, there are tons of opportunities to choose from. See our sector and locations list for highlighted opportunities in the Computing and Technology sector.
You can apply for three internships through the current batch of international internships via CareerConnect, with an application deadline of 19th February 2018. More international internships will be available through the programme after April. Our UK internships will be advertised from 20th February.
Looking for guidance with your application?
The Internship Office offers weekly Application Support Sessions which can be booked through CareerConnect. We also have a comprehensive application support guide to help you with your application. Plus, for micro-internships, previous hosts have given helpful application feedback and advice. Stay up to date with our internship programmes by signing up to the Internship Office email alerts and visiting the Internship Office Facebook page. For any questions please email either micro-internships@careers.ox.ac.uk or internships@careers.ox.ac.uk.
The Oxford University Computer Society (CompSoc) aims to organise meetings and events for our members to use and further their computing interests. See all of our upcoming events on our Facebook Page or visit our Website for more information about the society.
Edward HartSecretary - Oxford University Computer Society