Ritwesh Chatterjee - Artificial Intelligence on Campus

All-round resources and well-designed modules ensured a holistic experience at the university

For someone from a lower middle-class family in Bengal, the wish to study abroad can easily be a “dream too big”. However, when one desires something and is determined to realise the dream, there is always a way. After completing my ISC, I joined Scottish Church College, Calcutta University, to study B.Sc. Physics (Hons). During my first year there, I kept reaching out to various universities and attended education fairs. Despite great marks, my bank account always frowned at the idea. But desperate in my attempt, I applied.

I was elated when I received an unconditional offer from the University of Sheffield. However, coming to Sheffield would have been impossible if not for the India Merit Scholarship, which is awarded to five undergraduate students from India. Being selected for it seemed like a miracle to me.

I have been coding since the age of eight, and technology continues to fascinate me. I applied to study B.Sc. artificial intelligence and computer science with a year in industry. With the present trend in technological progress, AI is surely the future. Unlike what most people think, AI isn’t just about making robots act like humans. Rather, it is also behind every little thing we do, may be even a simple Google search. To work with AI, one needs knowledge in philosophy and psychology, which are a part of the course. The university is one of the few reputed universities to offer this course at the undergraduate level.

I am studying in a department with over 40 teaching staff, and each of them has their own areas of specialisation. Their expertise is reflected in the manner in which they approach topics. How making paper planes can help understand agile methodology of software development, is something I couldn’t have guessed otherwise. Students are provided with all-round resources starting from lecture notes to software. Modules are designed in a manner in which everyone from a beginner to an experienced person can learn from. We learn the most when we learn with the least pressure. However, simply learning will be useless without application. Hence, utmost care is taken so that we are also equipped for the the industry.

I always wanted to study in a place where I can grow as a person and not just a professional. The university and the city provide the best ambience for that. Sheffield is one of the friendliest places to be in, and moreover, the university also founded the #WeAreInternational campaign which celebrates the contribution international students bring to the U.K.

The music scene is amazing for any budding musician. Being a percussionist, I have played at band competitions and pubs here. One can have a perfect night life that suits one’s tastes — be it retro music, reggae night, or the top current club list, there are multiple options to choose from.

The best part here is that it is never just about academics, but also the various opportunities for all-round development. Being an international engineering ambassador as well as an ambassador for the department of computer science has been enriching experience.

Ritwesh Chatterjee is a second-year student of B.Sc. artificial intelligence and computer science with a year in industry, from the University of Sheffield.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador - Ritwesh Chatterjee

Q: A little about me first …

A: I am an undergraduate student studying the course Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with a Year in Industry. I am from India and have, for better or for worse spent my entire life over there before moving to the UK.  I have been awarded one of the five Sheffield Undergraduate India Merit Scholarships and also received an Engineering Excellence Scholarship by the Faculty of Engineering. I love listening to music of all genres, but some psychedelic progressive rock will always get my attention first! An offer for a session of music and gossiping is something I cannot refuse.

Q: Why far away from home? And Why University of Sheffield?

A: I neither did trouble my parents too much nor did they trouble me. So I came to UK of my own free will. The motivation behind this was the system of education that is practiced in the United Kingdom. They manage to teach us a lot more with the least pressure, providing us with capabilities to work in an industry or work in a team of highly qualified professionals.

However, the curricular education isn’t enough. Being a high achiever in exam papers but losing sight of the things that makes us human is not ideal. The cultural history of Sheffield and the ambience is really very influential and makes us grow as a person. Being a Russel group university, the University of Sheffield provides the highest standards of education but also has its own warmth, and is very welcoming to international students. You never feel abandoned or isolated like Mark Watney from The Martian. The staff and students work in unison trying to figure out what’s best for the students and constantly work on developing themselves and the system. I promise you won’t find it difficult to find a home away from home.

Q: What I love about my course …

A: Since I hate clichés, I won’t say ‘everything’. I’ll be specific. I am in a department with over 40 teaching staff. Each of them has their own areas of specialisation. Their expertise is reflected in their way of approaching topics. How making paper planes can help understand Agile Methodology of Software Development, is something I couldn’t have guessed otherwise! The unconventional approaches, yet keeping the flavours and advantages of orthodox methods, blending them to perfection is really an art one admires. Professors of their experience, being open to new ideas coming from students and actually paying attention and helping them to work on those, is also something worth noting. Lack of encouragement is something you can never complain about. I study a curriculum which is designed so that everyone from novices to people with experience in a certain area will have enough to gain from it and not feel deprived in any way. The assignments are planned and designed in such a way that they give us the feel of working in the industry and help us develop each aspect, starting from professionalism to group work.

Q: A typical day in Sheffield …

A: Yes, you do miss your mom or occasionally curse the decision to go abroad when you have to do everything from cooking your own food to buying your own medicines when you are sick. But then rest of the day brings life back to you. Waking up in the morning to rush to lecture theatres … yes, you might want to take a short nap during the lectures but then again, you need to pay attention. A sandwich, a cookie and some Latte from the Diamond Café might just work. The bright smiles and people warmly wishing you good morning might even make up for the morning shivers! As the day goes by you may dread the upcoming exams, but you might also come up with a brilliant logic to make your robots work in the lab. So you end up finishing the two days’ work in one and you feel on top of the world! Just then you are reminded of your upcoming Quiz in the next week but we are students, and that’s what we do. Some lectures make you sleepy, some are better than alarm clocks! But an evening in the café with a cuppa and friends is must. Even better, go to the studios and have a jamming session with friends. The moment I pick up sticks and sit behind the drums with the other guys up with their keys and six-strings, the tiredness fades away! After a couple of hours, you’re tired but recharged at the same time. And if it’s a weekend? There are always clubs and pubs you might want to go to. Sheffield, with its distinctive music culture, is sure to refresh you and get your energy back to ensure you can work even harder the next week!

Q: Something I would like to say …

A: Before I sign off, a few final words. If you are a new comer, make as many friends as possible. The first year of your undergraduate education is going to be the easiest. You should try and join as many Societies that interest you and get actively involved. Time will fly. Try and make the most of each moment as university life is something you won’t get back. And please, don’t study so much that you forget to enjoy life. Grades are important but so is fun! Have a passion to pursue. Who knows, your passion might one day be your profession someday!

The Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society - by Lucas Wai Lau

The creation of 'smart' machines is the epitome of modern technological developments.  Though a century ago the concept of devices capable of possessing self-governing intelligence existed only in the realm of science-fiction, it is indubitable that the widespread application of such 'intelligent' machines in our times have now dominated the operation of modern human civilization.

It was only in the 1950s when a proposal of testing the possibility of artificial intelligence was conceived, the Turing test or the ‘Imitation game’ laid the foundation of an exciting field of research that many tech pioneers, including Google and Facebook are currently pursuing.

Though seeming like an unrealistic pursuit for undergraduates, students from the University of Sheffield will now have the opportunity to delve into that innovative field, a recent interview with the president of the ‘Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society’ Teddy Edmond Benkohen revealed. The society, founded in early 2016 is now ready to open its doors to AI enthusiasts clawing to delve into this innovative field.

“Many people, when they hear the word ‘artificial intelligence’, will instinctively relate it to robotics. That’s simply not true! Our society strives to broaden the scope of artificial intelligence beyond mere robotics. We do this by offering as wide of a range of activities as possible and allow our members to explore their passion through the projects,” Teddy pointed out.

Many activities are in store for all members of the AI society, including eye-opening talks hosted by the society and industrial speakers about the various aspects of artificial intelligence.

Craving for some hands on experience? Teddy reveals that a course has been prepared for its members on the operation of cutting-edge NAO robots, and at the end will see members being capable of programming them for a fully autonomous NAO robot football match.

‘Of course, we’re also looking forward to having more social events for our members.’, he said after sharing his experience on the society’s recent Star Wars: Rogue One screening social.

When asked about the vision of his artificial intelligence society, he explained

“Being student-led is what makes our society special, and being so we’re more keen on nurturing our members and allowing them to explore their creativity through our projects. In the future, we hope to expand and allow students to handle their own projects and secure opportunities to provide research experience to all our members.”

The doors will be wide open for new members beginning on the 6th of February. As AI enthusiasts take the step into this innovative new realm of technology, we shall keep our eyes on their contribution in making the ‘singularity’ a possible reality.

For more details, contact Teddy Edmond Benkohen for more details on the Sheffield Artificial Intelligence Society at tebenkohen1@sheffield.ac.uk.

Department of Computer Science @Sheffield

By Muhammad Shuja

This blog is to give you more information about the Department of Computer Science at Sheffield and the variety of courses it offers.

Sheffield’s Department of Computer Science, hosting about 140 undergraduate students every year was founded in 1982 and is a member of the Faculty of Engineering. It’s situated in the Regent Court building.

The Department offers a huge variety of courses to both undergraduate and postgraduate students so that students can explore every opportunity possible. Though most of the courses might start of the same to lay the foundation for you, they do drift apart eventually. 

Most students tend to go with Computer Science, a fantastic course which mostly deals with addressing a variety of problems in the field alongside understanding the theoretical concepts to tackle them. You are educated to graduate as an analytical thinker with an insight into working as a team. 

Sheffield also offers more Computer Science courses with more emphasis on particular aspects of the field depending on your interests. You could choose Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science if you fancy working with robots or dream of building your own Baymax to fist bump you! Not sure about Baymax but Sheffield does have really cool robots you get to play with in some of the modules! You’re taught “biologically inspired algorithms” along with various specialization opportunities like robotics or speech recognition. 

The Department also offers Computer Science and Mathematics, where you get a chance to realize and appreciate the role of Mathematics in Computer Science and how the involvements of Mathematics have resulted in huge advances for Computer Science. This course is taught in collaboration with the School of Mathematics and Statistics. In summary, you get to experience the mathematical and theoretical side of the field with a taste of hands on engineering as well. 

Another course offered is Physics and Computer Science. As the name suggests, you study a combination of modules from both fields giving you a platform to showcase you skills in a multi-disciplinary and practical environment. This and CS and Mathematics are few of the dual honours offered at Sheffield. 

If you think you’re interested in Computer Science but have an edge in management, we’ve got ITMB (Information Technology Management for Business). This course is Sheffield’s fascinating blend of Computing with business and project management skills where you get a chance to work in a business to get real-life experience of dealing with clients and building business management software. Another similar course is Software Development for Business, which deals more with marketing and business strategy.

Last but not the least, we’ve got Software Engineering, where you learn concepts like software design and work collaboratively in teams through project management techniques to complete projects for clients to develop your team-working skills. In your 2nd year, you get to choose in specializing in 3D graphics, computer security, forensics and many others.

Of course, most of the courses come with an option of a placement year, foundation year and also MEng and MComp degrees. Hence, there’s literally no limit to the number of options you can explore, and this applies to all departments including Computer Science!

More details on the department webpage: https://www.shef.ac.uk/dcs