Gregynog: The Annual Undergraduate Student Colloquium

Each year the Department of Computer Science holds an undergraduate computer science colloquium at the University of Wales Conference Centre at Gregynog in Powys. All students taking the Project module, the majority of teaching staff, and a selection of postgraduate students, about sixty people in all, spend three days giving and attending talks on the past, present and future of Computer Science.

In addition, each undergraduate gives a ten minute talk on their final year project to an audience consisting of about 15 students and 3 lecturers; this presentation is an assessed part of their final year project. The Department began this undergraduate colloquium in the academic year 1985-86, and it has proved to be immensely popular and useful.

The next Gregynog will be held:

Monday 23rd - Wednesday 25th November 2009.

The programme of a previous Greynog (PDF) gives an idea of what to expect.

The cellar at Gregynog also houses a bar, which is the focal point of some interesting evening sessions!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gregynog?: It is a big stately home just outside Newtown. It was bequeathed to the University of Wales by two sisters in the '60s. It is now used as a conference centre, and during term time is available to the separate colleges for colloquiums like our own.

Can we use laptops+projectors for our presentations?: Yes, projectors will be available for every group. We will also take laptops (although you may use your own). Due to incompatibilities between various software versions and problems with students' laptops using projectors, simply bringing a pdf of your talk is the best option.

What are you looking for in the presentation?: You will be marked on the quality of your slides - so use a good font, and don't clutter them too much. Using slide making software (e.g. Powerpoint) to make the slides will usually give good results. You will be marked on communication skills - so look at your audience, speak clearly, and don't stand in front of your slides! You will also be marked on the technical content of your talk, and the amount of work you present. You should discuss this part with your supervisor, as it is project dependent.

Are vegetarians catered for?: Yes, but you need to tell Markus in advance, so Gregynog can be informed.

Do we need sleeping bags?: No, bed linen is provided, but you should bring a towel (although I think they are provided these days).

Do we need to bring any food?: You get several meals a day at Gregynog, including cakes at tea-time! You may want to bring some snacks for the coach.

Is there anything to do at Gregynog?: You will get some free periods in which you can walk around the extensive grounds, play football or crouquet (both provided), play darts or pool (in the games room), watch TV - and of course, you can go to the bar in the evening.

Is there a cashpoint at Gregynog?: No. The nearest cashpoint is in Newtown (about 10 miles away). Bring all the cash you think you'll need.