Aspiring future programmers participate in computing camp at AUS

High school students interested in exploring programming and pursuing a career in coding enjoyed the 14th AUS High School Computing Camp held online recently by American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at CEN, the camp saw the participation of 48 students from 33 schools selected out of 140 applicants. Students learned about programming in Python, Internet of Things (IoT), smart homes, artificial intelligence and machine learning, mobile application development, computer networks and games development.

The boot camp was designed to help school students in grades 10 to 12 gain new skills and understand what the discipline has to offer as they prepare for their transition into university and their future careers.

“This was undoubtedly an insightful experience and introduction into the vast world of computing. It was very thorough and clear for me as a beginner. The basics of several disciplines in computer science and engineering were provided and the lessons were engaging, easy to navigate and enjoyable. This boot camp was perfect for someone aspiring to pursue a career in technology and computing and learning what this entails,” said Fareeha Fathima Khan, a grade 12 student at Cambridge International School.

The boot camp also proved to be an educational experience for students who did not have any background in computing and programming. Muhammad Ahmed Durrani, a grade 11 student at Jumeirah College, described his experience in the boot camp as “exceptional.”

“Before joining this camp, I had no clue what computer science involved or what I am truly passionate about. However, after this camp, everything seems clearer to me. The interactive activities made the camp one of the most memorable experiences imaginable. We learned something about everything, from artificial intelligence to mobile application development, all of which will definitely be in high demand in the future,” he said.

Speaking about the camp, Dr. Imran Zualkernan, Interim Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said: “We are excited about our very popular degrees in computer science and computer engineering. We hope that such camps will ignite the passion in these high school students to consider a career in computer science and engineering and chose AUS as their future home.”

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS provides students with a rich and well-rounded educational experience to help them achieve their long-term goals. The curriculum is continuously upgraded to meet the needs of the changing world. The department uses hands-on laboratories to enrich the students’ experience. The department also provides undergraduate and graduate research experiences with students regularly publishing in top journals and conferences.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer engineering, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and minors in computer science and engineering..

AUS is ranked among the top three in the UAE and top ​500 universities globally for ​computer science and information systems, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​2​). AUS engineering graduates have also been ranked as the top choice for employers in the UAE, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (2022).  

For more information, visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.