Special Pilot CS Class

Tsinghua University Special Pilot CS Class Introduction

Tsinghua University Special Pilot CS Class (formerly Microsoft Special Pilot CS Class) was founded by Professor Yao and this class is called “Yao Class� in Tsinghua University. The founding of this “Yao Class� is due to the disparity of education background for undergraduate between China and prestigious universities overseas. Professor Yao, with his long years’ theoretical research and didactical experience, aims to help students from this class to become top CS talents like students from MIT, Stanford and so on.

Professor Yao is not going to cultivate ordinary computer software programmer but to cultivate international top computer talents. Hence, “Yao class� has developed a special teaching model. Theoretical courses focus on fundamental disciplines, to lay a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge for students; while in practice, much importance is attached to creating an international platform for academic exchange and practices, thus to cultivate students’ competence of independent research and practical working ability.

In order to provide students a high-level platform and to get access to the latest development, Professor Yao has developed the following four international teaching programs: (1) the most potential and promising first-year students will be chosen to form an advanced class and be educated individually, hence to acquire a horizon as a future scientist; (2) all of the third-year students will go to Hong Kong University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong for academic exchange; (3) the best students will be sent annually to prestigious universities overseas for exchange study and short-term courses; (4) all of the fourth year students have chances to go to renewed scientific research institutes for field study.

The teaching concept and achievements of “Yao class� are highly acknowledged and supported by leaders of China and Ministry of Education. The latter has set up a special fund, to give financial support to this “Yao Class� for annual innovative practice and international exchange program, encouraging students to do their research interest and broaden their horizon.

We hope every student willing to devote himself to computer software and theoretical scientific research would join us!