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Project Work

Finding a home in the Level 2 Project lab

One of the major differences or changes I experienced in my third year of studies in ECS was the lack of mandatory lab sessions like we had in the first and second years.  Unlike years 1 and 2, no third year module (apart from one) involved compulsory lab sessions.  This in effect meant I only had to come into the labs mainly for my third year project work especially as mine involved  both hardware and software components. Continue reading →

My 3 favorite projects in computer science at ECS

Over my four years at ECS, I've been involved in a large number of coursework projects, of many different kinds, ranging from the basic essay to creating three dimensional worlds. Many have been enjoyable, many have been stressful, and a lot have been both at the same time. There are some projects that really stood out for me though, projects that in consequent years I wished I was doing again (and sure I will do in the future). Continue reading →

Third Year.

I left second year thinking that the levels of stress could not possibly get worse. After all, I had fewer lectures, the freedom to dictate the course of my work, and of course, no group projects. I think I may have forgotten that I am Yusra Hussain; stress always finds me. I think it aids my productivity, though! Year 3 brought with it many, many things. Continue reading →

The third-year project journey

Though we had heard about it and had friends who had completed the same in previous years, I don’t think my colleagues and I were completely sure of what to expect from the third year project experience.  We were sure of one thing though; it was going to be a whole new experience matched by none other we had encountered thus far in our degree. For sure, it would involve - as does everything else in ECS - a lot of hard work and “(wo)man hours”. Continue reading →

GDP is finished!

A couple of blogs ago I wrote a little about my team’s group design project (GDP). Progress was going well at that point, but we still had a few weeks left of really hard work to make sure we could finish everything and get the monster of a report in on time (24000 words!). Well, I’m very pleased to say that we managed it and now I’m allowed to tell you a little more about what we were creating as well. Continue reading →

Lots of Exams But Christmas Is Coming!

So, I’ve just submitted the last assignment due before Christmas and thought I should update this thing to let everyone know what’s been going on for the past few weeks! We had our ITO sailing trip; it was the best experience so far on our course! We all had a great time… that was until we wrote the assignment on it: / I never thought I would submit a report with nearly 5,000 words in it this semester, but it somehow turned out that way! I suppose that is better than only managing 50... Continue reading →

The White Heat of the Third-Year Project

There is a definite feeling of la fin du siècle* around at the moment. The white-heat of the 3rd year project has a gone and the associated pressure has long since dissipated. Up until this year, there was always a certainly of some form of academic continuation and a mission to accomplish. Now in the fourth year, my primary objective of a good degree is in the bag. I can leave now and graduate with a first class bachelors degree in Computer Science. Continue reading →

The Viva Presentation

The Viva presentation was sorted two weeks ago and all the examinations are now done and dusted. Barring some very unexpected poor results, it should confirm that I have achieved my original aim - when I started back at University - of obtaining a good degree from a quality university. My academic career will continue for another year, which will allow the transformation of that presumed Bachelor's degree into a Master's degree. Continue reading →

What’s wrong with being a PhD Student?

Adam: Musi, we supposed to have a meeting yesterday? Musi: I think, the meeting is scheduled to be every Wednesday? Adam: It was Wednesday yesterday! Musi: No, today is Wednesday! Adam: Today is Thursday, go check your calendar! Musi: (a bit embarrassed.....), Well ... blah Adam: It’s ok, I understand you are a final year PhD.....!!! Well, this was the argument I had with my supervisor a couple of weeks back. Afterwards, I cried, Oh God, what's wrong with being a PhD ... lol. Continue reading →

Project Submitted!

Project submitted! The project report has been handed in: the piece of technical literature which will have the greatest weight on my grade for this academic year. This was, in fact, done nine days ago, but it has taken me this time to recover and find the time to express the event in words. With the stress of the individual project having been lifted, there exists a sort of limbo which feels something akin to the day after the lord mayor's show. Continue reading →