Master of Applied Science & Engineering:

Computer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
2021–2022

Prof. Dr. Beat Signer

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2 December 2005
 Are You at the Right Place?
Master of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer
Science / Master of Science in de Ingenieurswetenschappen:
Computerwetenschappen (2 years, English)
▪ advanced CS programme, in-depth scientific study of the field
▪ jointly organised by Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering Sciences
and Faculty of Engineering

Master of Science in de Toegepaste Informatica (1 year, Dutch)

▪ applied CS programme
▪ organised by the Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering Sciences

Master of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Applied

Computer Science (2 years, English)
▪ for students without a background in Computer Science
▪ more applied
▪ organised by the Faculty of Engineering

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 2
 On the Menu …

▪ Part 1: Institutions Behind the Master Programmes

▪ Part 2: Structure of the Master Programmes
▪ Part 3: Practical Issues
▪ Part 4: Corona Measures

Download this presentation:

tiny.cc/master-computer-sci-2122

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 3
 Organising Departments & Institutions

VUB

Faculty of Sciences and Faculty of Engineering Faculty of…

Bio-Engineering Sciences

Department of Department of Department of Department of

Computer Science … Electronics …
and Informatics
Software Languages Lab
Artificial Intelligence Lab
Web & Information System Engineering Lab

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 4
 Organising Departments & Institutions …
▪ Department of Computer Science (DINF @ VUB)
▪ dinf.vub.ac.be
▪ Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences (WE)
▪ Building F, 10th floor (SOFT)
▪ Pleinlaan 9, 3rd floor (AI, WISE)
▪ Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO @ VUB)
▪ www.etrovub.be
▪ Faculty of Engineering (IR)
▪ Building K
▪ Multimedia Specialisation
▪ Some courses are organised in collaboration with the
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
▪ French-speaking Sister University
▪ Campus de la Plaine
▪ Campus du Solbosch

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 5
 CS Research Labs @ VUB
▪ Artificial Intelligence (DINF - AI Lab)
▪ ai.vub.ac.be
▪ Multimedia (ETRO)
▪ www.etrovub.be
▪ Software Languages and Software Engineering (DINF - SOFT)
▪ soft.vub.ac.be
▪ Web & Information Systems (DINF - WISE Lab)
▪ wise.vub.ac.be

Professors of these research labs

teach the courses
+
You will most probably do your thesis
work in one of these labs
September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 6
 Acronyms
WE (or WE-BIR) Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering Sciences,
www.we.vub.ac.be
IR Faculty of Engineering, www.vub.be/en/faculty/engineering
DINF Department of Computer Science,
we.vub.ac.be/en/computer-science-department
ETRO Department of Electronics & Informatics, www.etrovub.be
SOFT Software Languages Lab, soft.vub.ac.be
WISE Web & Information Systems Lab, wise.vub.ac.be
DAMA Data Management and Analytics, wise.vub.ac.be/dama/
AI Artificial Intelligence Lab, ai.vub.ac.be
VUB Vrije Universiteit Brussel, www.vub.be
ULB Université Libre de Bruxelles, www.ulb.be

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 7
 Acronyms …
InfoGroep CS Student Association, infogroep.be
Canvas Learning Platform, canvas.vub.be
PointCarré Old Learning Platform (still in use), pointcarre.vub.ac.be
ECTS European Credit Transfer System
4F Secretariat of the Faculty of Sciences (F.4.107)
PL9 Pleinlaan 9
WeAreVub Student Portal, wearestudent.vub.be

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 8
 VIPs
Prof. Dr. Beat Signer Kevin Pinte
Programme Director DINF Coordinator
Exchange Coordinator [email protected]
[email protected]
Prof. Dr. Geraint Wiggins Reen Tallon
Deputy Programme Director Learning Path Counselor
[email protected] [email protected]

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang De Meuter Sharon Eeckhout

Department Chair Learning Path Counselor
[email protected] [email protected]

Prof. Dr. Elisa Gonzalez Boix Marjan Maes

Chair Exam Commission Internationalisation
[email protected] [email protected]

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 9
 On the Menu …

▪ Part 1: Institutions Behind the Master Programmes

▪ Part 2: Structure of the Master Programmes
▪ Part 3: Practical Issues
▪ Part 4: Corona Measures

Download this presentation:

tiny.cc/master-computer-sci-2122

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 10
 Structure of the Two-Year MA Programme
▪ 120 ECTS (~ 2 academic years)
Courses Year ECTS
7 mandatory courses 1* 30
research training & thesis 2 30
mandatory courses from profile 1+2 30 or more
electives from profile
electives from other profiles, other electives 1+2 rest
* You can postpone some of these until year 2
** If you wish to do more than 120 ECTS, you have to pay more and must pass all courses

▪ Exam schedules might play a role in your choice

▪ You can graduate in ((January xor July) or September)
you must register for January!

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 11
 Four Specialisations
Artificial Intelligence Data Management & Analytics
Machine Learning Information Retrieval & Data Mining
Game Theory Big Data Management
Bio-Informatics Big Data Analytics
Natural Language Processing Human-Data Interaction
Computational Intelligence Information Visualisation

Software Languages & Multimedia

Software Engineering Image Processing
Language Design and Implementation Data Compression
Development Tools and Methods Computer Vision
Program Analysis Speech Synthesis and Coding
Program Evolution Video Technology

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 12
 Composing Your Master Programme
▪ Requirements for obtaining the diploma
(verified at the end of 2nd year)
▪ you need to pass for 120 ECTS (i.e. 10/20 or higher for all
courses, no exceptions!)
▪ all mandatory courses (30 ECTS)
▪ all mandatory courses of your profile
▪ at least 30 ECTS in your profile (including the mandatory ones)
▪ thesis & research training (6+24 ECTS) in your profile
▪ Typical first year
▪ take all/most mandatory courses (30 ECTS)
▪ choose other courses, within and/or outside your profile (30 ECTS)
▪ profile choice is only preliminary (final decision in second year)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 13
 Composing Your Master Programme …
▪ Electives (all but 6 ECTS) need to come from the
Computer Science curriculum
▪ www.vub.be/en/study/applied-sciences-and-engineering-computer-
science#programme (or Dutch equivalent)
▪ Some courses have prerequisites and/or require prior
knowledge
▪ carefully read course descriptions
▪ Special electives with limited access (see later)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 14
 Case 1: "I Know What I Want: XX"
First Year
All mandatory courses 30 ECTS
All mandatory courses of the XX profile 24 ECTS
An elective course of the XX profile 6 ECTS
Total first year 60 ECTS

Second Year
Research training and thesis with XX professor 30 ECTS
Electives related to thesis 30 ECTS
Total second year 60 ECTS

▪ Think about the balance between 1st and 2nd semester

▪ Think about prerequisites and/or prior knowledge
▪ Make sure that chosen courses do not overlap in timetable
▪ Postpone courses to the 2nd year if necessary
▪ Do not take too much course work in the 4th semester

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 15
 Case 2: "I Cannot Decide Yet …"
First Year
All mandatory courses 30 ECTS
Some mandatory courses of the YY profile 18 ECTS
Some mandatory courses of the ZZ profile 12 ECTS
Total first year 60 ECTS

Second Year
Research training and thesis with ZZ professor 30 ECTS
Rest of mandatory courses of the ZZ profile 12 ECTS
Electives based on personal preferences 18 ECTS
Total second year 60 ECTS

▪ Think about the balance between 1st and 2nd semester

▪ Think about prerequisites and/or prior knowledge
▪ Make sure that chosen courses do not overlap in timetable
▪ Postpone courses to the 2nd year if necessary
▪ Do not take too much course work in the 4th semester

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 16
 Electives With Limited Access
▪ Certain Master-level electives were already taken by
many students during their Bachelor studies. They obvi-
ously cannot choose them again → "Electives conditional
to the agreement of the examination committee”
▪ However, in case you never took the courses in blue,
you "must" take those in year 1 of your Master pro-
gramme (depending on your specialisation)
▪ Artificial Intelligence
▪ Machine Learning (1002080CNR)
▪ Multimedia
▪ Multimedia Processing Tools (1013729BNR)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 17
 Electives With Limited Access …
▪ Software Languages and Software Engineering
▪ Higher Order Programming (~ Structure & Interpretation of CPs)
(Advanced Programming Language Concepts)
▪ Data Management and Analytics (DAMA)
▪ Web Technologies (1019888BNR)

▪ Registration via the form 'Application electives outside

list' (form.jotform.com/212373299718364/) or contact
[email protected]

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 18
 Master in Toegepaste Informatica (Dutch)
48 ECTS Compulsory Applied Construction
Methoden van Wetenschappelijk of Big Data Systems
Onderzoek
Schaalbare Datamanagementsystemen
Information Retrieval en Data Mining
Informatievisualisatie
Cloud computing en Big Data Processing
Statistical Foundations of Machine Learning
Masterproef (15 ECTS)

12 ECTS Electives
Software Architecturen
Security in Computing
Natural Language Processing
Declaratief Programmeren
(mits goedkeuring: stage, reparatievakken)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 19
 Exchange Semester Abroad

University of Warwick, University of Potsdam, CY Cergy Paris University, Technische Universität München, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya
United Kingdom Germany France Germany (UPC), Spain

▪ Possibility to study a semester abroad

▪ best during 3rd semester of Master studies
- follow most of the mandatory courses at the VUB during first year
▪ top European universities via Erasmus+ programme
- University of Warwick, UPC, CY Cergy Paris University, TU Munich,
University of Konstanz, Bauhaus University Weimar, Potsdam University
▪ non-EEA destinations
- Brazil, China, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Chile, Morocco
and South Africa
September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 20
 Exchange Semester Abroad …

Bauhaus University, Weimar, University of Konstanz,

Germany Germany

▪ General courses or specialisation in areas not offered at

the VUB (e.g. security)
▪ Opportunity to widen your horizon
▪ Explicitly mentioned on your final diploma

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 21
 Exchange Semester Abroad …
▪ General information event later this year (November 9)
organised by IRMO
▪ Information about possible destinations (also non-EU)
▪ https://student.vub.be/en/destination/facwe#computer-science
▪ General information
▪ https://student.vub.be/en/exchange
▪ Contact persons
▪ Faculty coordinator for internationalisation, [email protected]
▪ DINF exchange coordinator, [email protected]

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 22
 On the Menu …

▪ Part 1: Institutions Behind the Master Programmes

▪ Part 2: Structure of the Master Programmes
▪ Part 3: Practical Issues
▪ Part 4: Corona Measures

Download this presentation:

tiny.cc/master-computer-sci-2122

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 23
 Appointment
Message to ALL students

! who did NOT do their

Bachelor (or 'Schakel') at
the VUB

Make an appointment with Kevin Pinte

[email protected]
To check your background knowledge
for the Master courses
September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 24
 Enrolment & Becoming a VUB Student
▪ student.vub.be/en (tab 'Administration')
▪ Enrol via the online application or via the student
administration centre
▪ deadlines: 1st semester: October 8, 2nd semester: February 15
▪ Get your student card
▪ Create your VUB NetID
▪ e-mail address
▪ student SelfService (cali.vub.be)
▪ online learning platform Canvas

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 25
 Registering for Courses
▪ Register for your courses
▪ via the student SelfService
▪ via [email protected] (special cases)
▪ deadlines: 1st semester; October 15, 2nd semester: February 28
▪ Problems?
▪ check student.vub.be/en/course-registration and/or
student.vub.be/en/helpdesk-course-registration#tips
▪ contact [email protected] if problem persists
▪ Deviations from standard curriculum
▪ application form (e.g. 'Special Electives With Limited Access')
available at form.jotform.com/212373299718364
▪ trajectory counsellor: Ms. Reen Tallon or Ms. Sharon Eeckhout
([email protected])
▪ International students travelling with VISA
▪ MUST register for at least 54 ECTS per academic year!

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 26
 Thesis & Research Training
▪ InfoGroep organises "Get to Know the Labs"
seminars in March/April
▪ Thesis topics will be published in late April/early May
▪ In May, an open lab day will be organised
▪ You can only register for the thesis after you acquired at
least 48 ECTS (~ "2nd year")

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 27
 Academic Calendar
▪ 1st semester
▪ 1 week without classes (ULB)
▪ 13 weeks of classes
▪ 2 weeks winter holiday
▪ 1 extra week for studying
▪ 3 weeks of exams
▪ 1 week without classes
▪ 2nd semester
▪ n weeks of classes
▪ 2 weeks spring holiday
▪ 13-n weeks of classes
▪ 2 weeks for studying
▪ 4 weeks of exams
▪ 2nd exam session
▪ 4 weeks of exams
vub.be/en/academic-calendar

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 28
 Timetables

HOC=lecture

weeks 2-7 & 9-14

F.4.111=building.floor.room

WPO=lab, exercises

WPO1="group 1"

ma = maandag = Monday do = donderdag = Thursday student.vub.be/en/timetables-and-exam-schedules#timetable

di = dinsdag = Tuesday vr = vrijdag = Friday
wo = woensdag = Wednesday za = zaterdag = Saturday

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 29
 Exams
▪ Type of examination /evaluation specified in
course description
▪ vub.ac.be/en/study/applied-sciences-and-engineering-computer-
science/#programme
▪ scroll to the bottom and select the appropriate programme
▪ carefully read the course descriptions!
- written or oral (or both)?
- online or on-campus?
- open or closed book?
- projects(s), written assignments?

▪ Exam schedules
▪ student.vub.be/en/timetables-and-exam-schedules#exam-schedule
▪ read emails and Canvas message carefully

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 30
 Exams …
▪ An academic year has 2 exam "sessions"
(~ 2 attempts)
▪ 1st exam session
- 1st exam period in January (1st semester courses)
- 2nd exam period in June (2nd semester courses and full-year courses)
▪ 2nd exam session
- all courses, unless description explicitly mentions that there is no 2nd session!

▪ Scores announced at the end of exam session

▪ score ≥ 10/20 → course passed, you obtain the ECTS
▪ score < 10/20 → course failed

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 31
 Exams …
▪ I failed a course
▪ redo the exam in 2nd session
▪ take the course (or alternative) in the 2nd year
▪ (you can do a 5th semester if necessary, requires extra enrolment)
you must register to finish in January
▪ Rescheduling in case of force majeure
▪ only allowed in specific situations (vub.ac.be/en/regulations)
▪ if you get ill, always ask your doctor for a certificate and submit it
to the Faculty secretariat @4F

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 32
 Plagiarism

▪ Any exchange, copy or reuse of "artefacts"* without

proper referencing will be sanctioned by the faculty
▪ Dedicated tools are used to screen your artefacts!
*image taken from Google :-)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 33
 Facilities: WiFi
▪ VUBnet
▪ university-wide hotspots provided by the VUB
▪ use VUB NetID
▪ IG-Airlines
▪ best option in computer rooms in building E
▪ use VUB NetID
▪ Eduroam
▪ hotspots at many universities (in Belgium and abroad)
▪ use VUB NetID
▪ append "@vub.ac.be" to username when not at VUB/ULB

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 34
 Facilities: Canvas
▪ VUB Learning Platform, canvas.vub.be
▪ use your VUB NetID
▪ automatic access to workspace for registered users
▪ announcements by professors and teaching assistants
▪ download documents (course notes, slides, …)
▪ uploading & handing in assignments
▪ registering for oral exam slots
▪ …

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 35
 Facilities: Student Organisation
▪ InfoGroep
▪ building E, 1st floor, infogroep.be
▪ Services
▪ maintenance of computer rooms in building E
- Windows / Linux and macOS
- for lab sessions and individual use
- use your VUB NetID
▪ supply copies of course notes, slides, …
▪ offer some books at discounts rates
▪ can provide help with certain computer-related issues
▪ nerdy stuff & social integration with DINF

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 36
 Facilities: Library & VUBtiek
▪ Library access is free
▪ buildings B and C, 1st floor
▪ student.vub.be/en/library
▪ student card can be used to borrow books
▪ online access to scientific journals
▪ Course material (e.g. books)
▪ Standaard student shop, building B ground floor ("VUBtiek")
▪ bol.com
▪ amazon.de
▪ …

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 37
 Representation in VUB Structures
▪ VUB is a democratic university
▪ student participation at all managerial levels
▪ Studentenraad (Dutch)
▪ student.vub.be/studentenraad#nieuws
▪ International Student Platform (English)
▪ student.vub.be/en/international-student-platform#news
▪ Opleidingsraad / Programme Board
▪ if you are interested, please contact the programme director
([email protected])
▪ Other boards and councils
▪ Faculty, PR, department, …

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 38
 Getting Information
▪ About a specific course
▪ teaching assistant, professor, canvas.vub.be
▪ Timetables, exam schedule, forms, …
▪ Faculty of Science and Bio-Engineering Sciences, we.vub.ac.be
▪ room F.4.107 (secretariat "4F")
▪ Exceptions to curriculum, special electives
▪ Reen Tallon and Sharon Eeckhout, [email protected]
▪ International students & Erasmus exchange
▪ Marjan Maes, [email protected]
▪ Remaining questions (after using the 4 sources above!)
▪ Kevin Pinte, [email protected] (DINF coordinator)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 39
 On the Menu …

▪ Part 1: Institutions Behind the Master Programmes

▪ Part 2: Structure of the Master Programmes
▪ Part 3: Practical Issues
▪ Part 4: Corona Measures

Download this presentation:

tiny.cc/master-computer-sci-2122

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 40
 Students With VISA Issues due to COVID
▪ Mandatory courses (30 ECTS) are all in the first
semester and can be attended remotely (online)
▪ 1st semester can be followed remotely (register for right courses)

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 41
 Distance Learning (Streaming/Recordings)

Accessible via Canvas

September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 42
September 27, 2021 Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Beat Signer 43