Computer Science Overview

Answer 1

Theoretical Computer Science has its roots in mathematics, where there was a lot of discussion of logic. It began with Blaise Pascal and Charles Babbage in the 1800's. Pascal and Babbage eventually tried to come up with computing machines that would help in calculating arithmetic. Some of them actually worked, but they were mechanical machines built on physics, without a real theoretical background.

Another person in the 1800's was a man named George Boole, who tried to formulate a mathematical form of logic. This was eventually called Boolean Logic in his honor, and we still use it today to form the heart of all computer hardware. All those transistors and things you see on a circuit board are really just physical representations of what George Boole came up with.

Computer Science, however, hit the golden age with John von Neumann and Alan Turing in the 1900's. Von Neumann formulated the theoretical form of computers that is still used today as the heart of all computer design: the separation of the CPU, the RAM, the BUS, etc. This is all known collectively as Von Neumann architecture.

Alan Turing, however, is famous for the theoretical part of Computer Science. He invented something called the Universal Turing Machine, which told us exactly what could and could not be computed using the standard computer architecture of today. This formed the basis of Theoretical Computer Science.

Ever since Turing formulated this extraordinary concept, Computer Science has been dedicated to answering one question:"Can we compute this?"This question is known as computability, and it is one of the core disciplines in Computer Science. Another form of the question is "Can we compute this better?" This leads to more complications, because what does "better" mean?

So, Computer Science is partly about finding efficient algorithms to do what you need.

Still, there are other forms of Computer Science, answering such related questions as "Can we compute thought?" This leads to fields like Artificial Intelligence.

Computer Science is all about getting things done, to find progressive solutions to our problems, to fill gaps in our knowledge. Sure, Computer Science may have some math, but it is different from math. Computer Science is about exploring the limitations of humans, of expanding our horizons and having some fun at the same time.

Answer 2

Computer science is a fascinating subject that is responsible for catapulting the world into the Information Age. It is the science of processing information contained with digital computers. It also deals with the design of computer hardware and software as well as the design of specific computer programs. For undergraduate students with a passion for the subject, undergraduate computer science programs await at dozens of universities across the United States.

Computer science programs are designed to teach the principles of the subject; therefore, since there are so many different fields of knowledge within computer science, students have many courses to take and pass satisfactorily.

Courses in computer science usually deal with various aspects and levels of programming, such as programming languages, computer architecture, etc. in addition to theorectical and mathematical subjects like computational theory as well as practical applications like electronics and embeded computing. These classes can be heavily mathematically oriented due to the mathematical foundations of computer science. Students who do not have math-oriented tastes or skills wil struggle unless they at least make an attempt to master the basics.

A typical computer science degree takes three to four years to complete. This is due to the massive amount of coursework and instruction students have to undertake. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduating student is awarded a Bachelor of Science in Computing. With this degree under their belts, the student can go on to find work in many computer-related disciplines, or even join one of the major telecommunications companies.

Since the mainstream programming language is currently Java, most programming courses are about Java. Similarly, popular computer models have a direct influence on courses about computer architecture, although these classes can also be very abstract and not have anything to do with models actually on the market.

Computer science is fascinating in it’s ability to continually change the technological landscape. Students with computer science degrees have the opportunity to participate in the creation of new technologies. Computer science programs equip students for a constantly shifting job market by giving them the foundation they need to invent their own careers. With that kind of ability, no matter what jobs are available, they will be able to forge their own path.