What is Computer science: Definition and 581 Discussions

Computer science is the study of algorithmic processes, computational machines and computation itself. As a discipline, computer science spans a range of topics from theoretical studies of algorithms, computation and information to the practical issues of implementing computational systems in hardware and software.Its fields can be divided into theoretical and practical disciplines. For example, the theory of computation concerns abstract models of computation and general classes of problems that can be solved using them, while computer graphics or computational geometry emphasize more specific applications. Algorithms and data structures have been called the heart of computer science. Programming language theory considers approaches to the description of computational processes, while computer programming involves the use of them to create complex systems. Computer architecture describes construction of computer components and computer-operated equipment. Artificial intelligence aims to synthesize goal-orientated processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, environmental adaptation, planning and learning found in humans and animals. A digital computer is capable of simulating various information processes. The fundamental concern of computer science is determining what can and cannot be automated. Computer scientists usually focus on academic research. The Turing Award is generally recognized as the highest distinction in computer sciences.

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  1. G

    Taking computer science classes to prepare to physicist

    Hey everybody. I'm a freshman in college thinking about double majoring in physics and math. I think I might want to try to get into physics research as a profession, and I think knowing how to program might help me. Someone, however, told me that computer science courses aren't the type of...
  2. R

    BSc Computer Science: 4-Year vs 3-Year Degrees, Masters & Univ. Choice

    Guys, I need help. I got an unconditional offer for BEng or Bsc in Computer Science from University of York. There are few things I want to know: 1) What is the difference between 4 year bachelor's degree(offered in U.S, Canada etc) and 3 year bachelor's degree(offered in U.K). Is there any...
  3. S

    Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

    Hello ! i am a student from balkan(south-east europe) i have finished high school and now a i can't decide what to study Computer Engineering or Computer Science. I am good in Mathematics,Physics and Informatics. I need a well paying job, but don't know if i can earn more money with CE or...
  4. I

    Physics Computer science in Astrophysics?

    Computer science in Astrophysics?? HI, I'm thinking of majoring in computer science specializing in software engineering, along with a major in astrophysics. My main focus is something in astrophysics (not sure yet), so I was wondering how important would it be get a Masters or PhD considering...
  5. G

    What resources are available for computer science students?

    I think many of you guys here study at a faculty specialized in computer science so here are some online video courses and other useful links that might help you with your studies: http://gunner2bad.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/for-computer-science-students/
  6. H

    Computer Engineering Vs Computer Science

    After many many many...many posts, salary comparisons, opinions,descriptions, and different type of jobs I have read in regards to both degree programs, I still cannot choose between computer engineering and computer science(both been accepted to Uwaterloo). A little about myself: I am a...
  7. P

    Applied computer Science in aerospace

    I am doing my bachelors degree in computer science. but i seriously want to pursue higher studies in aerospace engineering. any cue on how to proceed??
  8. G

    Difference between Computer Science and Software Engineering

    So, when I'm looking at the college I'm pretty sure I want to go to, they offer CS. At some colleges, I've noticed that they have CS AND software engineering. So, is there a difference?
  9. R

    Ph.D. in Computer Science in Germany

    Hi I would like to pursue Ph.D. in Computer Science in Germany. I have completed my Master of Science in Computing from UK. I am finding it difficult to find the universities or the correct way. Will you please help me? Thanks.
  10. M

    Schools University to study Computer Science

    Hello, I am a Dutch high school student. Next year I will be going to University to study Computer Science. This summer I want to prepare for this study. Which books/online courses will help me to have an advantage next year? Thank you! Max.Planck
  11. P

    Computer Science books for self-study

    Hi, I'm a prospective computer science student and would like to get a heads-up on some of the courses that I would most likely be taking at a university. Just to make the distinction, I'm not talking about books like "Teach yourself x in x decades" or "practical guide to data structures". I...
  12. D

    Is computer science right for me?

    Hey everyone, I'm finishing up my senior year in high school, so I'm going through the common problem of trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I've been accepted to RPI as a computer science major, and money isn't a huge issue nor do I care about making $90k/year at...
  13. K

    Moving to computer science from physics

    Hello everybody, I am currently studying for my master in physics in Canada, but I have become really interested in theoretical computer science, especially AI and machine learning, the question is what are my chances of being able to obtain a graduate position in a computer science department...
  14. U

    Programs Phd in Computer science OR Information technology OR in Management Subject?

    PLEASE GUIDE ME... MY PROFILE IS >> BACHELORS IN ENGINEERING [INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY]--FROM INDIA >> 1.5 YRS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AS SOFTWARE PROGRAMMER [SMALL SIZE FIRM] >> M.B.A [MARKETING AS MAJOR SUBJECT AND HUMAN RESOURCES AS MINOR SUBJECT] --FROM INDIA NOW EM IN USA ON SPOUSE...
  15. A

    Computer Science VS Computer Engineering (Academic Research ? Similar?)

    Computer Science VS Computer Engineering (Academic Research...? Similar?) Are there many overlaps in academic research for CS and CE? It seems that for the schools I've researched (UT, Stanford, CMU, etc...) the "research" sections of their webpages for both CS and CE seemed very similar...
  16. M

    Want to get into computer science Ph.D

    Hello, World! I'm taking computer science courses at undergrad level and want to get into computer science Ph.D. program. I have M.A. in biology, so I'm curious if anybody has good ideas on how to bridge the fields. How much do admission committees care about GRE? What courses in comp sci I...
  17. C

    Which Computer Science Class?

    Hello, I'm looking for some advice over picking a class for my next semester. I am a Biomedical Engineering major, emphasizing in the more computational side of things. I am trying to decide on which computer science elective to take. I can either take Fortran or C++...which one is more...
  18. D

    Relationship between Analysis and Computer science

    Hello everyone, I am new in this forum. I recently have admitted to B.Sc. course in Computer Science and Engineering. I am bound to take a course called "Differential Calculus and Coordinate geometry". Though I am more interested in Math than CS, I can not workout relationship between Analysis...
  19. Phrak

    What is the Fundamental Theorem of Computer Science?

    What is the Fundamental Theorem of Computer Science? No such formally named theorem exists if I do a google search. But I'm very curious as to what students and professors of Computer Science might think it should be. Anyone?
  20. L

    Which Study in Computer Science?

    Im applying to U of T for computer science and these are some of the major within computer science programt. any advice? i know i want to be programming something so would it be software engineering? and what is exactly artifical intelligent ? open for some suggestions Artificial...
  21. J

    Is it normal to have to take computer science to be able to become an engineer

    (to get a B.S. in electr. eng.)? at a 2 year college, but how are these related to the electrical engineering major and would there be MORE computer science classes after transfer to a university ? (Are the required courses at the 2 year college possibly based on which university one plans on...
  22. S

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science?

    I have heard that many of the Computer Engineering hardware jobs are mostly outsourced these days. Is this true? I'm kind of frustrated because I don't mind programming but I like learning about hardware too. But, I know there are tons of programming jobs. Can someone with a CE degree still...
  23. B

    What Is the Best Book for Aspiring Physicists to Learn Computer Science?

    Hi everyone, I was wondering: is there a book out there that can show an aspiring-physicist how to become proficient with a computer? Namely: learning about file-types, how to get programs to "talk" to one another, using data-analysis "things" (?) like ROOT (the one that's C++ based), etc.? I...
  24. K

    Where to Begin with Computer Science for a Physics Major?

    I'm a physics major & am in my third year. The problem is, I never had a computer science course & when I go to fill out applications for various things, everyone wants to know what my computer science skills are. I'm taking comp. sci. 1 next semester, but from now until the next semester...
  25. seouldavid

    Lectures on computer science and engineering

    This is a comprehensive collection of audio/video courses and lectures in computer science and engineering from colleges/universities. http://www.infocobuild.com/education/audio-video-courses/computer-science/computer-science.html The courses and lectures cover a wide variety of subjects...
  26. A

    Accounting vs. Computer Science

    Assuming that you like both of them fairly equally in terms of passion (or lack of), which would you pick based on all the possible criteria?
  27. X

    Computer science - implement a function

    Not sure where to put this thread. I'll just post it here. I need help with the following: Can someone tell me how to do this? I have no idea. I'd really appreciate it.
  28. M

    Schools HElp me to select US University for Phd in Computer Science

    Hi ... I want to do Ph.D in computer science from US . but could not make up my mind to select the US University. Please check my credentials n let me know whether I am eligible to get 100% scholarship in top US university renowned for Computer Science or not. :shy:My credentials...
  29. P

    Computer Science: Planning to Enter the Field?

    Well I am planning in going into this field.If someone is kind enough to explain ill be so overwhelm.
  30. F

    Programs What math is really used from a Computer Science degree?

    Hi all, For those in software, computer science, or a related field, how much of a math background really comes in handy? And specifically, what are some topics you've learned in college math classes, and found yourself successfully applying? I've really enjoyed what math I've taken so far...
  31. P

    Abstract Algebra & Computer Science

    Hi, I have heard a few times that it is beneficial to study abstract algebra if I want to study computer science at advanced level (i.e. upper class, grad school, etc.), but is this true? If so, why would it be so? Thanks
  32. C

    Computer Science undergrad. in Canada - Small uni vs Big uni

    Greetings, Recently, while for what must be the thousandth time, I've rethought my plans for university, and discovered that studying something I've always been very interested in - Computer Science, software design and development - is an actual possibility. For some reason, I've never...
  33. D

    Schools The importance of computer science and math classes for grad school admissions?

    Say two students both express interest in becoming experimentalists of some sort. They both have research experience with experimentalists, comparable GPA's and GRE's, even similar letters of rec. However, one of them took two computer science courses, and the other didn't. Would admissions...
  34. C

    Achieving Goals in Computer Science: Finding Motivation

    What is your purpose in field of Computer Science ? Do you have any idealistic aims ? As we know it is the one of the leading fields of world in next years, what kind of targets can be constructed to increase your motivation level to work hard ?
  35. C

    Can computer engineers and scientists drive the future of computer science?

    Hello there, I want to share my views on my field. I am a computer engineering student at a university. After doing some research about the field, i have seen that mostly innovative and new ways of computing technology and algorithms has been found by either mathematicians or physicists (...
  36. thrill3rnit3

    Computer science vs. software engineering

    What is the fundamental difference between the two? Sorry for my ignorance but I was just wondering :smile: I'm planning to do a 2nd major with Applied math and cs/se, if that helps.
  37. N

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science Program

    My university offers 2 programs that I am interested in; Computer Engineering and Computer Science. I am currently a freshman, and recently declared into Computer Engineering. After some more thinking, however, I can't figure out if it will be the right choice, or if Computer Science is what's...
  38. A

    Applied Math vs. Computer Science vs. Statistics

    Applied Math? vs. Statistics? vs. Computer Science? First of all, I enjoy all of these, and was wondering which you would pick based on other factors... Which one will have the most job opportunities in the near future (10 years approx)? Which one will have the most chances for lucrative...
  39. T

    Schools Studying both math/physics and computer science in college

    I'm a junior in high school and I've started with my "plans" early for college and beyond. I'm going to be finishing partial differential equations and introduction to quantum mechanics at Stanford EPGY before I finish my senior year which will put me very much ahead in physics and math, which...
  40. O

    Can an Engineering Physics Degree Enhance a Career in Computer Science?

    I am quickly approaching graduation this Spring with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics and a minor in Math (GPA-3.7, physics GPA-3.9). With the economy the way it is, I don't feel I have much of a chance to get a good job utilizing my degree right now, so I am considering grad...
  41. J

    Courses Computer science vs. Prommaming course

    I'd like to know what are the general differences between a computer science program in university and programing course in a community college and the pros and cons for both.
  42. A

    Pleae help me i am a beginner to computer science

    Hey i am new to computer science have just started taking C classes,i got an assignment its really hard below is the question,and below that i have posted my answer what ever i have done up till now,can somebody help me fix the error and i haven't done function 3 and 5 if somebody could help me...
  43. O

    Programs Question concerning math major and computer science (degree related)

    I originally posted this in the mathematics thread but since I need as many replies asap (because I need to choose my timetable for this semester) I figured I should make a topic instead. Basically, for my degree I'd like to double major in Applied and Computational Mathematics. However I am...
  44. L

    Books/Info on Computer Science applied in Aerospace fields

    Hello, I'm looking for books or websites about computer science/software engineering in aerospace technology. Stuff like, what kind of programming languages are used for stuff, the infrastructure, etc, etc, for satellites, aircraft, rockets, etc, etc... basically any info on...
  45. I

    Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

    I have recently decided to pursue a career in either two fields. I am having difficulty choosing which degree / field I should go into. I would like to be a software engineer and will be going to the University of Arizona. Here's a link to their computer engineering page with a four year...
  46. L

    Can I Get a M.S in CS with a B.S in Applied Math?

    Is it ok to get a B.S degree in Applied Mathematics and then a M.S in Computer Science? You might ask, why not a B.S in CS and then M.S in CS . the answer to this is,, i am already a senior in Applied math and since several courses in CS were required for my degree , ( i.e : Computer...
  47. L

    Is Computer Science physicist friendly?

    I'm soon to be finishing up my bachelors in physics and I'm wondering if it's possible to go into a PhD program in computer science? I haven't taken any courses at my university in the CS department, but I've spent most of my life learning and fooling around with computers (probably more than...
  48. M

    Using Computer Science to Help you Cheat

    I was just thinking, has anyone who's ever taken Cryptography ever thought about making a Cipher for one side of a "crib-sheet" for a non-computer science course? LIke, if your instructor allowed you to bring only one side crib-sheet in which the other side couldn't have anything for the test...
  49. L

    Programs Need advice in choosing PhD topics, combination of physics and computer science

    Hi all, I am just joined, so I am new here. I have a bachelor in Physics, and master in Telecommunication management. I have few years working in ICT projects doing varied stuff start from programming and network design. However, I did not feel satisfied with this kind of work. Since I can't...
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