What is comp sci: Definition and 49 Discussions

Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, and information theory) to applied disciplines (including the design and implementation of hardware and software). Though more often considered an academic discipline, computer science is closely related to computer programming.Algorithms and data structures are central to computer science.
The theory of computation concerns abstract models of computation and general classes of problems that can be solved using them. The fields of cryptography and computer security involve studying the means for secure communication and for preventing security vulnerabilities. Computer graphics and computational geometry address the generation of images. Programming language theory considers different ways to describe computational processes, and database theory concerns the management of repositories of data. Human–computer interaction investigates the interfaces through which humans and computers interact, and software engineering focuses on the design and principles behind developing software. Areas such as operating systems, networks and embedded systems investigate the principles and design behind complex systems. Computer architecture describes the construction of computer components and computer-operated equipment. Artificial intelligence and machine learning aim to synthesize goal-orientated processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, environmental adaptation, planning and learning found in humans and animals. Within artificial intelligence, computer vision aims to understand and process image and video data, while natural language processing aims to understand and process textual and linguistic data.
The fundamental concern of computer science is determining what can and cannot be automated. The Turing Award is generally recognized as the highest distinction in computer science.

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  1. M

    Engineering Producing Dry Saturated Steam in a Fire Tube Boiler

    Stuck with i & ii can somebody please guide me. none of my coursework material has anything similar in to help me work this one out.
  2. Gixer1127

    Engineering Calculating the mass of air in a pressurised air tank

    Hey folks, any help will be greatly appreciated. I have, what I thought, was a fairly simple equation to follow to determine the mass of air in a pressurised air tank. See below question and my attempt at solving using the pV = (m/Mr)RT) equation. A pressurised air tank supplies compressed air...
  3. L

    Engineering Solve Superposition Theorem for R1, R2 Circuit

    i have this question and i just want to make sure i am on the right track as i know there are quite a few steps to this to get to the final soultions i need to find Current at r1 voltage at r1 current at r2 voltage at r2 i have so far split this into 2 drawings so i am dealing with one power...
  4. Wrichik Basu

    Engineering Issue with shift registers — PIPO, PISO, SIPO and SISO

    We are currently constructing shift registers in our practicals, and I am facing an issue with the circuits. Posting this in the homework section because it arose out of college (thus, coursework). We have to construct four types of (4-bit) shift registers — SISO, SIPO, PISO and PIPO. I feel...
  5. carterhanan

    Which Comp Sci Degree Should I Choose for Better Earnings?

    TL;DR Summary: I need help choosing which degree to pursue. Read detailed part and cast a vote. If you feel like telling me some other things to consider please do! Hello I am a sophomore at the University of Arkansas. I did a whole year of Business before switching to Comp Sci. I am...
  6. Ian_at_YorkU

    Math Applied math with physics or applied math with comp sci?

    I'm currently pursuing B.Sc degree with major applied math and minor physics. Do you guys think is it worth to switch to comp sci as my minor in terms of employability?
  7. Hamiltonian

    Admissions Is it realistic to go from an undeclared major to a comp sci major?

    I have been accepted into the comp sci program at the University of California Santa Cruz(UCSC) and as an undeclared major at the University of California San Diego(UCSD). UCSD is ranked higher than UCSC, but UCSC is known for having a pretty good computer science department. If I had gotten the...
  8. G

    Job Skills Recent BS in Comp Sci graduate looking to get into fusion

    Hi all, per the title I'm looking for career advice on getting into fusion. Whether that is working at a fusion company or doing research in the field. The university I graduated from was the best I could get into at the time, due to the poor grades I left there with (~2.5 GPA) from 06-08. I...
  9. S

    Programs Can I go from a Physics Bachelor's degree to a Comp Sci Master's?

    Hi, I recently graduated with a Physics and (pure) Math double major but I'm having a bit of a crisis on where to go with my life. I'd like to pursue a Physics PhD, but I'm trying to think of a plan B in case that doesn't work out. I have a general interest in math and programming, so I was...
  10. P

    Newbie to physics, a composer, considering comp sci as career

    How did you find PF?: google search Hello fellow explorers in all regards. A bit of background on myself. I am first and foremost a musician and in particular a composer. I went to college at 18 studying music at an art school in the united states. Long story short, I spent a lost of time...
  11. astroman707

    Programs Is a 2nd major in comp sci useful in computational physics?

    I'm majoring in physics and I'm planning on pursuing computational astrophysics in graduate school. Will a second major in computer science/programming look good to graduate schools, and/or will it give me great advantages in the field of computational astrophysics or astronomy?
  12. A

    Which undergrad comp sci courses would be helpful for stats?

    I'm two semesters away from graduating, after which i will get a masters degree in stats. My last semester is basically just one where i take courses I want while i wait for grad school to start, because i will have graduated after the semester after this current semester. Which COMPUTER SCIENCE...
  13. D

    Need help picking university course -- Physics vs Comp Sci

    Hi, so yeah, as the title suggests, I am stuck regarding which uni course to apply to. It is between computer science, and physics (with astrophysics if possible), and was wondering what you guys think, as I genuinely cannot make my mind up. So I'll give you a quick run-down of why I'm stuck...
  14. A

    Comp Sci minor: worth it for a stats major?

    is comp sci minor worth it for stats major? Does it significantly boost value on the labor market? Is it worth an extra year of school? Also, I'm 22 and feel left behind from my peers, who have graduated.
  15. F

    Can I switch from Comp Sci to Aerospace?

    Hello. Currently i am interested on aerospace and nuclear engineering in the usa. However i was just curious about something. Is it possible for a person who has completed BS in computer science and electronics engineering from another country to switch to Aerospace or nuclear engineering for MS...
  16. A

    Pursue a Masters in Comp Sci immediately after BS Math?

    I'm finishing my BS in math this spring. I know a little c++ but not much to say I have mastered it. Is it smart to start a MS in comp sci so soon? Should I wait and do some self study and then apply?
  17. Nous

    Possibilities with Comp sci + math or comp sci + stats?

    I am beginning a second undergraduate degree this fall and am trying to decide on a major but don't think I have enough information to discriminate between my top two choices. My first degree was in mathematics education (where I developed a deep appreciation for math). I have interests in...
  18. D

    Truth table to equation question (comp Sci)

    Homework Statement http://imgur.com/BSntip0The Attempt at a Solution for part a, i got the solution to be F1 = xy'+x'y= x⊕y (XOR) , F2 = x .y (AND) for part b i don't understand how i would derive an equal equation that uses only NAND which is (xy') and inverter which is x'
  19. E

    Physics-based jobs for Masters Comp Sci?

    Is there any type of job that utilizes scientific computation that does not require a PhD? I really enjoy DSP (digital signals processing), yet it seems like most of those do not want anyone aside from an electrical engineer. My educational background is "too much" but I'll explain it as I go...
  20. M

    B. comp sci after b. and m. math

    Hello, I am writing to ask for some academic career guidance. I am interested in doing research in cryptography at the PhD level. At present, I do not have much in the way of formal computer science, but I have programmed during internships/co-op positions and during a few undergraduate...
  21. T

    Can I succeed in Computer Science 1 with no previous experience?

    I have no previous experience with programming or any form of computer science. I am planning to take it this fall along with some basic math classes. I am thinking about taking this course because it is required for my major when I transfer (physics.) I am currently at a community college at...
  22. O

    Is UNLV's Computer Science Program Worth Considering for Transfer?

    I'm looking to transfer to University of Nevada Las Vegas. I've read that the local casinos snatch up CS majors like heroin brownies. Can anybody offer any other input to keep in mind? I've checked and they're ABET accredited. I'm currently attending University of Arizona which was ranked in...
  23. A

    Math Advice on alternative career paths with B. Comp Sci (Maths)

    I've just finished my undergraduate degree, and am enjoying a few weeks of complete bliss with no assignment deadlines! I've been thinking a lot about my future career, and I was hoping to gain some insight and advice on possible directions. I have a B. Comp Sci with a major in Computational...
  24. M

    M.S. Comp Sci thesis on Physical Science `

    Hello, I'm new. I'm 25 yrs old and am currently doing a M.S. in comp sci (after a BA in Chemistry/B.S. in math and concentration in physics). My prof mainly wanted to go for Physical Chemistry; which as alluring as it may be, does not seem viable outside academia. Thus, I chose comp sci...
  25. A

    Ap Physics C and Ap Comp Sci

    Hi I'm an incoming junior in high-school and I am planning on self-studying for the AP Physics C/E&M and AP Computer Science exams since my school doesn't offer these courses. I am buying the Barrons review books but what other study materials do I need? I am also taking Physics B course in...
  26. S

    Comp Sci vs Comp Eng which one to get?

    So I am at the point in my university that if i take 5 Hardware classes ill become a Comp Eng, if i take 3 software classes ill become a Comp Sci. I can't do both since to get both ill have to do 3 classes, in any and then 30 extra credits to get the other one.. So this won't be a option since...
  27. S

    How to really learn c? Comp sci student

    How to really learn c? Comp sci student So i have read about 2 books about c, currentlybtaking a c class but I am having a bit of a learning issue When the class first stared it was very easy, i got everything and was able to do all book excersices without problem, printf, scanf, ifs, for...
  28. G

    Program Switch Comp Eng - Comp Sci

    Hello, I am currently in my Second year of Computer Engineering, but I often find myself not enjoying the electrical engineering courses that we have to take (Electromagnetics, Microelectronics, Circuits and Systems) but I immensely enjoy the programming courses and the Computer Engineering...
  29. J

    Computer Science + Physics: Advice for Double Major

    Hi everyone, I'm thinking about doing a computer science/physics double major. I'm interested in computational physics, so I think it'd be a good match. So I guess I have two questions... 1. If I wanted to do computational physics, would a computer science/math double major be a good...
  30. T

    Comp sci. and set theory

    Homework Statement Given that I have a set W, with a multitude of subsets w1...wn, with arbitrary intersections, worst-case-scenario-unordered, I want to know what would be a good representation in a hash table. Basically I want to have things like A\cupB, A\capB, A - B, etc (the basic set...
  31. D

    Courses Comparing Introductory CS Courses for Physics and CS Majors

    Hi, there's a couple of intro courses of CS that I might take in the Spring. Are these 2 are different or not? Which would be better for a Physics possibly CS major. CSC 116 Logic and Program Design 3 Credits Introduces computer program design using concepts of structured programming and...
  32. B

    How can I design a program to calculate employee hours and pay?

    Homework Statement I have to design a program that will calculate the hours worked by an employee in one day. Then calculate how much money they made that day, including overtime. You enter the times and the pay rate. Overtime pay is 1.5 normal. For example start: 8:50 A end: 11:10 P pay...
  33. M

    Programs Question for comp sci majors or grads

    Do your core comp sci courses require strong working knowledge of mathematics and physics? I am transferring some undergrad credits from a physics program into a comp sci program, but my math and physics classes were about 10 years ago. I got A's in physics 1 and 2, calc 1, 2, 3, and...
  34. Z

    First-Year Undergrad: Comp Sci or Physics?

    Hi. I'm about to be a first-year undergrad student and am having some trouble choosing between two sequences. One of them is an Intro Comp Sci sequence - 2 quarters long - and the other is a first-year Physics sequence - 3 quarters long. My dad wants me to take the CS sequence, reasoning that...
  35. T

    Solving Audio Noise with Multiple Devices: A Comp Sci Major's Challenge

    Okay I talked to all my comp sci friends they can't get this one either. I must go to my poor friends in elec engineering. To be honest I kinda just started using bluetooth headphones to get around this problem and the people living below me told me i can't use my sound system anyways (they get...
  36. L

    What Can Function Prototypes Do Without Parameters and Return Values?

    Just some basic questions i have about function prototypes (functions) What's an example of a code which has no parameters? ie: double func(void) what is the purpose if the thing doesn't take in parameters? also, what if there is keyboard input and screen input what does that mean in the...
  37. F

    Programs Is being good at programming necessary for comp sci major?

    I used to think that computer science was all coding and making software. That displeased me greatly since I'm not the greatest at coding. Certainly not one of those people who started at 10 or even 16. It's not that I'm fundamentally bad at it, but I just tend to dislike it. Yet I am drawn to...
  38. A

    Programs Why is Comp Sci such a controversial major?

    It seems that 50% of the people I know say "Do Comp Sci! It is the future and you can't go wrong with it no matter how things look right now." The other 50% say "If you major in CS, you will be driving trucks no matter how good you are. If not, you will definitely get replaced by the time you're...
  39. A

    Comp Sci. background then move to Physics

    Hello! (First 2 paragraphs are explaining my situation so feel free to skip them! :redface: ) I've studied computer science in college.I live in QC, Canada where we have an extra step between high school and university called Cegep which is basically either a 2 year program leading to...
  40. C

    Nanotech Academic Advice for Comp Sci Undergrad

    Hi All, I've got a Computer Science undergrad from top 20 US university. I want to move into nanotech research. My CS degree was done through an engineering program. My GRE scores are good (1400+), but my GPA suffered a bit during my last year do to a family trauma (from 3.5 to 3.0). I have...
  41. C

    What should I consider before majoring in Computer Science?

    What courses will I expected to be taking? I'm more of a straight up Maths guy myself, but would I have to take large amounts of science classes (eg. Physics/Chem)? As interesting as I find these classes, I struggled with them in 11th grade (now 12th.). The thing is, I LOVE programming...
  42. C

    Courses Bioinformatics (Which math and comp sci courses to take?)

    Hello, I am starting university this winter and I have a question for those of you who know a little bit about bioinformatics. My school allows me to take 3 minors (Math,Computer science,Software engineering) and turn them into an applied science Bachelor's degree. This allows me to skip a lot...
  43. G

    AP Chem or AP Comp Sci A for College Major?

    I'm going to be a senior in hs this fall and am still fretting over my schedule. It's either IB Chem or AP Comp Sci A. I can't take ap chem because i don't have space for the dbl pd class but ib covers most of it and with a little self-study (i have had friends who successfully done this...
  44. N

    Print Prime Numbers 1-100 in Pseudocode

    Homework Statement The problem is to find all the prime numbers between one and one-hundred and print them out in pseudocode. Here is my attempt. The problem is that when it's false, isPrime will be false but when it tries to divide by the next number and it is true, it makes isPrime true...
  45. N

    Programming: Calculate Change for Purchases Under $20

    Homework Statement (Programming) A customer brings purchases worth less than $20 to the till, and hands over a $20 bill. Write a program that prompts a user for the purchase total, then figures out what change the customer should receive -- i.e., how many $10 bills, how many $5 bills, how many...
  46. R

    Programs Physics Major/Minor in Comp Sci

    Hi, I'm currently a sophomore at Mt. San Antonio College, CA, and I'm thinking about what to major in. I'm interested in a lot of stuff on physics as well as computer science. I'm wondering if Minoring (or double majoring) in computer science would help me in what I want to do as far as...
  47. C

    How to Multiply Two Positive Integers Using Recursion | Comp Sci Questions

    Hello all If we want to write a recursive method that multiplies two positive integers using repeated additions, we know that: a\times b = a + (a\times(b-1)) Would this be correct: // pre: a and b are positive // post: returning the product of a and b. public int mult(int a, int b...
  48. C

    MergeSort Algorithm for Sorting Arrays - Step by Step Guide

    Let's say you want to write an algorithm for MergeSort given the following: public void(int[]a, int n1, int m, int n2) I know the algorithm: MergeSort 1. If array has 1 element don't don anything 2. Split array in two halves 3. Sort the first half and the second half 4. Merge both...
  49. Y

    Suggestions for interdisciplinary subjects w/ comp sci major

    I was interested if anyone had suggestions of fields of study to couple with a computer science major. Thanks -Yoss
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