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. H

    From Computer Science to Engineering

    Hello all, I am a new member here, but I have come upon Physics forums many times before. So, I have a question: Is it possible for me to gain a Bachelors in computer science and then move on to a Masters in an engineering field? I am presently a CS major, which I love, but I don't know if I...
  2. C

    What computer science class should I take for my math degree? C or C++?

    I need a computer science class for my math degree. Should I take intro to C or intro to C++ . I know nothing about programming.
  3. aleemudasir

    How Does Physics Enhance Computer Science, Particularly in Quantum Computing?

    How far can Physics help me in Computer Science, and in which fields?
  4. R

    From computer science to physics

    Has anyone here completed undergrad or grad degree in one field and then decided to go physics? I have a bachelor's in CS and I'm wondering would i have to go full undergrad again if i would like a degree in physics. I've always loved physics and have completed couple of physics and math...
  5. D

    Computer Science with Pure Math or Applied Math?

    Greetings Physics formus, I am a high school learner currently in my final year of schooling. I have decided that pursuing a double major in math and computer science would be a good option for my tertiary studies, as, my passion lies in the Mathematical Sciences. However, I have not decided on...
  6. G

    What are the focus areas of a Ph. D in Computer Science?

    What do Ph. D student's learn after a bachelors? I mean, I understand that a Ph. D is research oriented, but what do you learn, what would you research? I'm curious about the field and was wondering if there were any Computer Science Grads who could help me out with this, from a first hand...
  7. G

    Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Majors?

    Hey guys! I made an account finally, I've been on here forever, but it is finally time for me to ask this question now that I am in college... For a few years now, almost everyone I have talked to tells me that single majors in engineering are useless, and that double majors are the way to...
  8. M

    Can You Pursue a Master's in Computer Science with a Math Background?

    I have this one question. When you have Master's degree in mathematics, can you do a second Master's degree in computer science without doing the bachelor's degree in computer science first?
  9. alyafey22

    Computer science and mathematical science

    How would you relate computer science to analysis ( real and complex ) ?
  10. T

    Masters in computer science or Masters in applied statistics?

    Crap. I couldn't get everything i wanted in my topic title. Anywho, I'm wondering which masters degree would be better for a career in machine learning / smart data while still keeping other - traditional options available? I would love to do a double major and earn both graduate degrees but...
  11. J

    From Undergraduate Computer Science to Graduate Physics

    Hey everyone, I read the pinned topic in this forum as well as a few other topics regarding whether transitioning from a non-graduate field to a graduate physics program is remotely possible. Most threads suggested that doing well on the physics GRE is necessary to be accepted/prepared...
  12. K

    Applied Mathematics or Computer Science?

    Hi Everybody, I am in my final year of high school, and want to enrol with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa next year, and I will hopefully be going for a Bsc in computer science, math and physics. However, I have been wondering a couple of things over the...
  13. R

    Physicists/Grad students, how much computer science do you use?

    Pretty much everyone in the physical sciences these days has to know programming. C++, fortran, matlab, and what have you. But what about the more core computer science concepts, like algorithms, data structure, numerical analysis, operating systems, etc.? How important are these to those...
  14. A

    Programs A joint major in Computer Science and Engineering

    Hello, I'm about to be a Sophomore in Fall this year and current major is Software Engineering. My school offers a joint major in Computer Science and Engineering (as well as separate CS and Comp. Engr.). I'm looking into it as I don't want to be pigeon-holed as just a programmer but I'm not...
  15. M

    Schools Good universities Theoretical Computer Science Europe

    Im looking for a good university in Europe do to a MSc in Computer Science. I'm especially interested in Theoretical Computer Science, algorithms & data structures and machine learning. Any recommentations?
  16. N

    Programs Do I need Masters degree in Electrical and Computer science?

    I have done my Undergrad in Electrical Engineering and I have close to 8 Years of work experience in PCB design and mostly in Validation. I have done Signal Integrity and bit of Power Integrity validation for boards. I would like to move towards Signal and Power Integrity field. In that case...
  17. G

    Engineering Computer Science or Computer Engineering

    I had a conversation with a friend yesterday(he's writing his diploma thesis in Comp. Engineering at the moment), about which program(if that's the right word) I should choose but he didn't know the Comp. Sci. syllabus so he suggested me to ask here. I'm sure this question has been asked...
  18. T

    Programs Math major - computer science minor or add computer science 2nd major?

    Hi, I am currently a junior working on a math major and a computer minor. I just found out that if I take four more classes in comp. sci, I can earn a 2nd BA (not a dual major - a second degree). This would mean at least one more semester full time or another year part time. I am...
  19. S

    Physics PhD to CS: A Viable Career Move?

    Hi guys, I am in the second year of physics PhD program. Considering the job market of physics, now I want to switch to CS, does anyone have this experience or suggestions?
  20. P

    Computer Science or Electrical/Computer Engineering?

    Given that I am interested in both fields, which degree would give me the most job options after graduation (the degree is ECE, electrical and computer engineering)? For example, do employers consider applicants with an EE/CE (or in my case, ECE) degree when hiring software developers, or do...
  21. MartinJH

    Exploring Opportunities in Computer Science: What Lies Ahead?

    I have used the search to find topics on this but to no avail. If there are topics asking this question then please advise me. I am due to start a degree in computer science in September, here in the UK. It is a life long passion and a degree course I could have never of dreamed of studying...
  22. E

    Computer science student needing help in solving an exercise

    I even don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this questions, while as long as I know this place is considered for research topics and more advanced topics in physics. The point is that I need to write a MATLAB code for specific question, but first of all I need to solve it, and...
  23. P

    What is the point of computer science?

    Hello, If you are a computer scientist, I did not mean for the title of this thread to offend you. I am genuinely curious as to what I could do if I learned how to code, besides making websites and applications for phones. Also, do you think that this website is a good place to learn...
  24. J

    Applied Math or Computer Science?

    Hello everyone. Most likely, I will soon be transferring to NJIT and majoring in applied physics. NJIT offers double major programs in applied physics and either applied math or computer science. If I had to pick one out of pure interest, I would probably go with applied math; however, computer...
  25. B

    Computer Science Discrete Mathematics Proof problem

    Hey guys, I'm taking Discrete Mathematics and am having a bit of trouble with one of my proofs. If any of you has any experience with that and could tell me where I'm going wrong, I'd appreciate it! Ok, here it is: Prove each statement in 8–23 by mathematical induction: 27. A...
  26. J

    Math, physics, and computer science

    Basically I want to know what the prospects and job conditions of doing research in these three field in academia,research labs, and industry are. And also what grad school work and research is usually like.
  27. C

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science Major?

    Hello, I am a Freshman in College as of right now, and I am looking to decide on a major. I am extremely interested in computers, this includes: how they work, finding new things to do with them, and learning how to develop new software. However, I am not the best at math, if I really study...
  28. K

    Programs Degree in Physics to PhD in Computer Science

    I've read various post on this matter here actually. However I'll do some rant on my story: I'm currently a masters student (quantum physics, with maybe 60-70% programming content). I always had an interest in how computer works but I did not got into the CS degree. Now, I am planning for my...
  29. micromass

    Discrete Concrete Math: Foundation for CS | Graham, Knuth, Patashnik

    Author: Ronald Graham, Donald Knuth, Oren Patashnik Title: Concrete Mathematics: A Foundation for Computer Science Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0201558025/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Calculus Level: Undergrad
  30. C

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science

    I'm a first year engineering student at a Canadian university. I've been interested in programming and computer science from a very young age, and in high school had also become interested in electronics. Entering university, I didn't know if I wanted to do computer science or computer...
  31. Greg Bernhardt

    Foundations of Computer Science by Behrouz A. Forouzan

    Author: Behrouz A. Forouzan Title: Foundations of Computer Science Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1844807002/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  32. C

    Math Double Major in Physics and Pure Math vs Computer Science and Pure Math

    I am currently stuck between the two choices. I have to pick my majors soon, as I am going to third year. I originally wanted to go into theoretical physics, but now I am leaning more towards theoretical Computer Science. I have always loved Physics, but I am just more at home in Computer...
  33. D

    Choosing Between Math and Computer Science: A Scientist's Perspective

    Hi, firstly sorry for my bad English I want to ask a question to you about studying Math or CS in the university. I'm 16 and I've been dealing with CS (programming,algorithms,artificial intelligence etc.) since I was 5. I love programming and mathematics so much, but I'm undecided what I will...
  34. M

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science?

    Sorry for yet another topic on the subject, but my question is very objective. I don't know which one I choose. I'm a programmer with 10 years of experience so I like it and want a degree about it, not hardware. Artificial intelligence, data mining, algorithms and so on. So you'd say CS. The...
  35. D

    Schools Physics or Computer Science? Starting college late and I welcome your opinions

    Hi all! BLUF: I'm starting school rather late (I'm 25) and I'm very interested in Physics and Computer Science. Logically, CS seems like a better fit for me due to my hobbies, but my heart is set on Physics. BACKGROUND: I'm just now starting school at 25 after being in the Air Force for...
  36. E

    Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering vs. Software Engineering

    I'm applying to universities (the deadline is the 16th) and I've decided on engineering, and narrowed my choices down to 5 universities. I'm deciding between computer engineering and software engineering, but I notice that some universities only have computer science and computer engineering...
  37. C

    Computer Science or Software Engineering?

    Im looking to do a masters program. I am sort of torn between computer science and software engineering. I am interested in software engineering but I am wondering if computer science would be more reputable and give me more job options. I am looking to get a job in either the space or defense...
  38. S

    Sick of brainwashing myself into liking computer science

    So it seems like the most popular career choice for physics major is software development, perhaps because of its gigantic industry, but I hate computer programming. I am taking the easiest computer science course at my university, and although I am getting good marks, I hate every bit of weekly...
  39. T

    Programs Should I major in Physics, Computer Science, or Economics?

    Generally, people hate these kind of posts and will automatically assume the one writing such a thing could be a pretentious 13 year old, I can assure you this is 100% serious, but I digress. I'll make this rather short, I want to choose/narrow down my major choices which can be found in the...
  40. V

    What Degree Should I Pursue for a Career in VFX and Animation?

    I am really interested in the VFX and animation industries and actively pursue learning vfx applications such as Autodesk Maya/3DS/Mudbox, Adobe After Effects, Blendr, and other programs. My university does not offere a real degree in animation or visual effects so which would be best for me...
  41. L

    Is Math the Main Challenge in Computer Science for Late Starters?

    hi guys, i'm new here. this year i started my university degree in computer science. i thought it was going to be more of programming. trust me, i was wrong! everything is MATH! and I'm not so good at it. i finished high school 5 years ago and now doing my first degree. all my math skill...
  42. B

    Meeting Computer Science Department Requirements: GPA and Retaking Courses

    I'm currently pursuing a degree in computer science... my requirements to enter into the department are a 3.0 GPA average in Calc 1 and 2, Eng 1 and 2, and Physics 1 and 2. I currently have B's in everything except calc 2 and physics 1...but i am currently retaking physics 1 at the moment...
  43. 9

    Considering changing from Maths and Physics to Computer Science

    I will in a few weeks be starting my second year of maths and physics and I have been wondering whether I should change to computer science. My reasons are: I have found the course hard and I know there will be a large step up in the second year, and so I know this time constraint means that I...
  44. N

    Programs Considering changing majors from physics to computer science

    I'm majoring in physics right now, but I'm considering switching to computer science. I'm currently enrolled in electromagnetism. Since the class started I noticed something about myself: I'm not enjoying a second of it. I can't stand doing the homework, I'm disinterested in the course...
  45. F

    Physics on its own or a Joint Honours of Physics + Computer Science

    Hi guys I'm new here, looking for advice on what Honours degree to do next year. I left High School at 16 (I am now 23) and have been working in IT for the past 4-5 years, boring IT support kind of jobs. I've been an avid user of Linux(Fedora) for quite some years and have self-taught a little...
  46. G

    Engineering or Computer Science

    I'm wondering whether I should be an engineer or go into computer programming. Both areas do sound interesting to me, so it's a really difficult decision. Can you guys help me, as into give me pros and cons of both. If you are in one of these careers, first-person opinions would be much...
  47. R

    MS in Computer Science: Prerequisites & Advice for Rithish in India

    hii iam rithish iam from India living in the city of chennai .actually i have finished b.e(bachelor of engineering) in India similar to bs in usa. now i am planning for doing Ms in arizona usa.But b.e(bachelor of engineering) in India is very low its quality is very low in standard.because we...
  48. S

    Programs Math & Computer Science Double Major - What Graduate Degree?

    I am heading into my Freshman year in college. I know it's going to be far in the future, but I want to start brainstorming what my 5-10 year goal is. Any help is appreciated. With these majors, I'm planning on getting a masters in Computer Science, but what should I do with the math degree...
  49. M

    Computer Engineering VS Computer Science with very special condition

    Hey Guys, WOW, so I am really into a physics forum! :D Well, a brief introduction first so you can understand my case: I am student who just finished high school who wanted to get into medicine school but didn't get enough grades to it (we have it by percentages and I was .75% lower than...
  50. Z

    Good O-Chem and Computer Science texts?

    I know this is PhysicsForums and all, but I was wondering whether anyone had any recommendations for good Organic Chemistry textbooks,as well as for CS. I don't really know much about texts for the former subject, and the latter, all I can think of is Knuth's Art of Computer Programming series...
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