Do you enjoy mathematics and are you good with digital technology ? Would you like to read Computer Science at Cambridge ? If so, check out the following information for prospective students:
Computer Science at Cambridge is a half-time subject in your first year and is full time for each of your second and third years. When accepted by Corpus, or any other Cambridge College, you are granted automatic admission to the world-famous Cambridge Computer Laboratory. You must enjoy mathematics, and have at least one, and preferably two, A-levels (or international equivalents) in mathematics.
An evening of applied mathematics and computing science around the topics of
`Mathematics of Sounds: Synthesis and Perception.'
Host: Dr David Greaves, Director of Studies in Computer Science,
xxth July 2009,
McCrum Lecture Theatre, Corpus Christi College,
Cambridge, UK.
How many songs can I store on my iPOD and why? Why are there eight notes in an octave? What is the formula for 'flanging' or reverberation? How does MP3 trick the ear? How can I synthesise a duck's quack or a whole farmyard? What frequency range can I hear in mono and stereo? How many bits per second are needed for recognisable music ? What is a decibel ? Why should a submarine captain be interested in cheap downloads ? How can a record company clamp down on file sharing?
Dr Greaves will illustrate the answer to each such question using a mathematical formula and a computer program that implements the formula, giving an audio result. Using a sequence of demonstrations, he offers insight into the close relationship between sound technology, computing and mathematics.
In a break-out session, groups of students can tackle some similar questions from a help sheet using calculators, pen and paper. Then in the concluding session, the answers can be tested out.
About the speaker: As well as teaching Computer Science at Corpus, David Greaves is active in the field of audio electronics and sound synthesis. He has designed equipment used in many studios and by famous artists and his `Nature Sound' synthesiser is used in hospitals to relax premature babies and soothe accident victims in casualty departments.