FOC is a fantastic introductory subject for anyone pursuing a major in Data Science or Computer Science. The course covers the basics of algorithms, programming (Python), and computational problem-solving. It provides a strong foundation for more advanced topics like data structures and software engineering. The teaching team was excellent, with lectures that were engaging and well-paced. Tutorials and practical sessions reinforced the concepts effectively, with ample opportunity to ask questions and practice coding. Assignments were challenging but manageable, requiring logical thinking and problem-solving skills. They were instrumental in solidifying the concepts taught in lectures. The final exam was fair, with a balance of theoretical and practical questions. However, consistent practice throughout the semester is key to success. As someone who scored an H1 (96), I highly recommend approaching the course with curiosity and a willingness to experiment with code. Utilizing resources like lecture notes, forums, and group discussions made a huge difference for me. Overall, FOC is a must-take for anyone looking to develop a strong computational foundation.

This is a great subject if you have 0 experience. After this subject, you will have done 2 fun coding projects, and you will know for sure if you like coding or not, and you'll definitely have a strong grasp of programming fundamentals.

Did this subject with minimal coding experience, really good introductory subject that teaches you the basics of coding. I'd say this subject is more of a practical subject where you actively get used to writing code, there was little to no theory that was introduced. Assignments were interesting and engaging, they teach you how to write clean and efficient code.

I took this after already having coding knowledge, but found things were presented in a simple and accessible way and it filled in some gaps in my knowledge. Assignments were interesting, some tricky bits but not huge in terms of volume.

Grade: 91. Just as a disclaimer, I did have some previous coding knowledge though it was rather minimal and nothing significant (literally anyone could learn what I knew in under 10 hours). As for the subject, if you're someone that likes logical thinking and hates memorisation, this one is for you. this is literally the anti-biology. Content itself was very easy and all the Grok worksheets cover 95% of the content and were released at the start of the semester. The worksheets themselves take like no time to do. I barely watched the lectures. Also, the first week and final few weeks go into content which isn't even in the exam so really you only have like 8 weeks of content. As for the Grok worksheets, I personally finished them all within the first 2 weeks only by spending tops a few hours a day. And the assignments each only take 1 day to do so it is rather easy. However, for those that want a big challenge, for each assignment theres 2 bonus marks which u can get (so really you can get up to 104) in this subject. But tbh, these are much much harder (I only got 0.9/4) with the task requiring knowledge which isn't even taught in the subject. Exam itself was quite fair. Just the last part of the last question was difficult. Other than that, very solid subject.

Overall a pretty good subject. If you have no experience in programming like I did the subject teaches you the basics and the foundations (hence the name of the subject) through Python, though you do have to keep up or else you will fall behind. Alistair and Chris are good lecturers. Grok Worksheets 8/10 - Good practice in programming, some are easy, some are challenging. MST 4/10 - Very hard, even the lecturers said it was too hard, might just have been this semester though. Projects 8/10 - Challenging but fair. Our projects were simple games. You had ample time to complete the project but some sections of it were quite difficult. Exam 7/10 - Not too bad, some parts were hard but others weren't too bad. If you didn't know what you were doing you probably wouldn't be able to scrape a pass though.

Did this subject in the summer. The Grok worksheets are easy enough to work through by yourself and you can skip tutorials if you are confident enough. I found tutorials useful because I had no previous coding experience and the tutors were supportive and encouraging. The projects were a huge struggle to be honest and tutors would sometimes give conflicting advice. I spent DAYS trying to do each single question and it was really frustrating because the coordinator would release information and the assignments later than when she said and she was difficult to get in contact with because she was overseas at the time. The first project was delayed and the due date was not extended for us. The second project was delayed a bit as well but we did get a couple more days to do it. It was due the night before the exam so it was a pick your poison with either trying to fix your project or study for the exam. The MST was also a bit pressed for time and there were a few question formats that I couldn't do so if you do this subject I would suggest learning how to do the different question types just in case it comes back on the exam. Particularly the ones where you have to unscramble the lines of code and fix the indentation to make the program work. This subject is good if you are interested in starting to learn Python but I wouldn't recommend it otherwise.

I did it in the summer so it was 3/7 days a week with one lecture and one tutorial a day (so three lectures and three tutes a week) and honestly it was pretty tough. If you have no coding experience like me and you get left behind in the lectures you must must must catch up because then youll get lost in the tutorials. If you follow along the Grok worksheets are quite easy to get full marks in so complete them on time. MST is also close to practice MST so make sure you understand. However in contrast to Grok, the projects are SO FKN HARD like i don't know anyone (who had no coding experience) who did the project by themselves without the help of someone who is studying computing or has computing experience. So pls dont be stubborn like me and actually get someone to help you if you want to get a good score. Ended up with an H3 but I'm pretty sure my exam got scaled up because there was no way I did good in that.

Grade: 99. It was a subject worth doing, teaching Python coding but also problem-solving. The content was well-organized and the Grok platform made coding easy to learn. The project - though quite tough and required loads of hours - was fun in hindsight. To do well, do all Grok exercises and make sure you understand what all of it means, and review tutorial material (no need to actually attend, they're a waste of time).

An excellent introduction to programming and Python. Material is presented very well.