Ball State University
National Museum of Computing - England

Scotland ~ England ~ Ireland

Computer Science, Education and History:
The British Isles Connection

Summer 2012


See links to related pages at bottom of this page.


Wall Mural - Derry, Northern Ireland
Edinburgh Castle - Scotland

Explore the great cities of Edinburgh, London, Cambridge, Dublin and Limerick with us as we study the history of computing by visiting universities and other historical sites. Walk along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Visit Bletchley Park, where ciphers and codes were decrypted during WW2. Tour King’s College, alma mater of Alan Turing, the father of computer science who was born 100 years ago. Enjoy a day-trip through Belfast and Derry and see the glory of the northern coast of Northern Ireland.

You will have many opportunities to gain an appreciation for, and understanding of, computer science history and to experience the nature of higher education in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Additionally, you will have opportunities to expand your world view by being immersed in the cultures of these countries. A large variety of museums and historical venues will provide insight into the history of computer science and the role the British Isles played in this history. We will visit universities where you may have direct, in-person, interaction with computer science students, faculty and professionals from the area. We will explore similarities and differences in the nature of higher education, the work environment and local culture.

This field study will be led by David Largent, Instructor of Computer Science (RB 375, 285-8641 or dllargent@bsu.edu). A total of 3 credits is available in CS 339. The fee includes all transportation, housing and most meals and activities. The estimated cost of the trip is $4975 plus tuition for 3 credit hours. Note that this estimated cost is believed to be a high approximation based on five students registering for the field study. The cost is expected to drop if more students register.


Early application is recommended.
Registration forms are available in RB 375 or RB 455.

Open to all majors!

Check out the links below for more information.

Babbage's Difference Engine - England
The Colossus computer - England Bletchley Park Bombe - England
Alan Turing plaque - England King's College - Cambridge, England
The EDSAC computer - England The Manchester Mark 2 computer - England
Giant's Causeway - Northern Ireland Westminster Palace, Houses of Parliment - London, England Derry, Northern Ireland

More information can be found here: Course Syllabus ~ Itinerary ~ Photos from previous trip (Windows movie)

Test your knowledge about computers, education, history, and culture
of the countries we'll be visiting on this trip by trying one of the quizzes provided.
~ Quiz 1 ~ Quiz 2 ~ Quiz 3 ~ Quiz 4 ~


Days until the field study leaves BSU:


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