Computer science Definition and 584 Threads

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. 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...
  2. 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...
  3. I

    What is the Future of Computer Science?

    Hi! I want do my major in COMPUTER SCIENCE. Can anyone tell me the future in computer science. I want to know if there are good chances of getting job computer programming or in software engineering. Thanks for any help in advance!
  4. E

    Category theory and Computer Science

    There is a similar thread below, but I think it is more appropriate to make a new thread because it asks totally different questions. I am new to category theory and thinking about its possible application to computer science. Deductive systems based on first order logic (sound and complete)...
  5. P

    Does Computer Science include Pascal ?

    Does Computer Science include "Pascal"? Im going to major in Computer Science Engineering but someone told me that CS is all 'bout C++, Java, HTML and stuffs that I have never learned. And I am pretty sure that I am not interested in them.('cuz they look scary) However, I learned some 'bout...
  6. A

    Financial Analysis vs. Computer Science

    If you had a choice between becoming a financial analyst or a computer scientist (artificial intelligence, more specifically), which would you pick and why?
  7. S

    Computer Science, COmputer Engineer or Electric Engineer

    Which carree should i study?? Computer Science, COmputer Engineer or Electric Engineer. I am working on computer science now, but i get really bored programing, so i may want to change to something else. I have a interest in building things, like processors, motherboard, or computer parts in...
  8. V

    Undergraduate Physics & Computer Science Advice

    Hey guys, I am currently taking Physics 2 with Calculus at my local community college and transferring to the university as a Physics major in Spring 2009. Furthermore, I am also taking COP2220 (C+ Programming) as a requirement for any transfer student seeking admission into the university's...
  9. A

    Engieneering and Computer Science

    Hey guys, Im going to be a senior this year in high school so I've started the application process this summer. I am looking to major in aerospace engineering but also have a love for computer science and chemistry. I was considering double majoring in CS and AE but I am not entirely sure...
  10. N

    Undergraduate research in computer science

    I'm an undergraduate student studying computer science.I am interested in doing some research in discrete mathematics or theoretical computer science.Can anyone tell some interesting research topics or open problems on which i can work on?
  11. V

    From computer science to theoretical physics

    Hello all. Without further ado, my situation is this: I graduated with a Master's in computer science from the University of Turku, Finland earlier this year. It's equivalent to a UK MSc. I have a strong maths and physics background; I started as a physics major, but switched over to...
  12. S

    Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science

    Hey everyone, I am going to be starting my Junior year in Aerospace engineering this fall. I am hoping to focus on the space applications of Aero, more specificly propulsion systems. :biggrin: I enjoy most of the topics involved, but a part of me is still drawn to Computer science. My freshman...
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    Programs Can I apply for an EE Masters degree with a Computer Science BS?

    I dropped out of an Electrical Engineering major in my old school, and now I'll be studying Computer Science in another school. Does this pretty much leave me stuck in CS for a Masters? I didn't even finish the basic EE stuff in my old school, like the introduction to circuit analysis stuff...
  14. L

    Computational math vs. computer science

    i want to get into computers but i want to major in math some schools I'm interested in offer things like computational math for example, a school i might attend offers a few math majors pure math applied math math-computer science and math-scientific computation the latter...
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    Self teaching basic computer science

    I wanted to teach myself computer science, but I don't know any great beginning books that give a solid introduction. I am a complete novice. Could someone provide some names? I am trying to learn C. And is windows good for doing C or is another operating system more preferrable? Appreciate...
  16. R

    Computer Science for Non-CS Graduates with a Science Degree

    Hi all, I just recently graduated from college with a degree in physics. I'm not interested in pursuing a graduate degree in physics. I like computers and would like to study them, but I don't have much programming experience or any CS courses under my belt. I was wondering if anybody knew of...
  17. L

    Physics or Computer Science? Which Degree Should I Choose? [Urgent]

    Physics or Computer Science? [Urgent] Hi, I just received my ranks in IITJEE and AIEEE (Indian entrance exams for technical education). As it stands, I have the option of pursuing an Integrated M.Sc. in Physics from an IIT (Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur probably) or B.Tech. in...
  18. M

    Considering a Math PhD & Computer Science Professorship: Pros & Cons

    Hi. I have a question about careers. I'm graduating this semester with a bachelors in pure math. I've been accepted into a computer science masters. I plan to study AI for my masters, and hopefully some applied math. What I would like to do is this, go for my Ph.D. in math...
  19. D

    Which Degree Should I Choose: Math or Computer Science?

    Who makes more money:bugeye:, because i love math and computers, but i am having a tough decision to choose which one i want to major in:confused:. I mean its not about the money but hey i want to live comfortable:biggrin:. And i love technology. :!)
  20. J

    Computer Science profession - what's it like?

    Alright, just spoke with a few individuals about technology, theory, and whatnot related to CS. So far, I like their answers. Now I need more information from total strangers. Please keep in mind I'm not looking for your typical programming job; I want to work on state-of-the-art technologies...
  21. S

    Spring Graduate Question ( Computer Science )

    Hello all, Currently, I am finishing up my Masters degree in Computer Science. With a not so good GPA of 3.333 mostly due to the fact I work and just couldn't keep up with the demand. Does anyone know any computer science programs that except student for the Spring Semester? So far I only...
  22. Q

    Computer Science and Engineering

    I'm currently in my junior year high school and thinking about majoring in either Physics, astrophysics, Electrical/chemical/mechanical/or nuclear engineering. I heard that computer science is a huge part of engineering. I'm currently taking AP Comp Sci A in school and find it really hard. It's...
  23. C

    Find the median of a set of sorted lists, Computer Science

    Homework Statement Given a set of sorted lists {X1, X2, ..., Xn} each Xi is in R^n , devise a divide and conquer algo that finds the median of X1\bigcup X2 \bigcup ... \bigcup Xn efficiently. (n * log(n), n^2 is not acceptable, also no probabilistic, expected runtime) Also, Xi \bigcap Xj =...
  24. J

    May I post an computer science forum website address in here?

    I have a question before posting something: can I post an computer science forum website address in here? I don't want to break any rules in this forum, so I'm just asking.
  25. B

    Programs Double major in computer science and math?

    I'm currently majoring in computer science, though I'm starting to really like math. I've only taken calculus. I will take Linear Algebra and Differential Equations next quarter. It seems that most people who major in math dedicate a lot of time to that particular subject, but computer science...
  26. S

    Computer Science + Math: Double Major, Pure vs Applied Math?

    I am considering doing a double major in computer science and math. What better compliments computer science, pure math or applied math (most likely with an emphasis on physics)? If it depends, then on what? Is proof-writing really useful for computer science?
  27. W

    Computer science nested loop problem

    Homework Statement This is for exam review but this question is the only one I havn't gotten. I just got this tonight and the exam is tommorow and I can't ask the teacher for the solution. The language we are using is turing but I don't think that should matter. d) Use a nested loop to...
  28. Y

    Programs Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science

    Hi, I'm currently doing a BsC in Computer Science in Leuven (Belgium). I'm in my second year and although I know I still have some few years to go, I already started wondering about whether or not to pursue a PhD in Computer Science after I get my Master's degree. I have pretty good marks and...
  29. C

    Questions about writing a computer science paper

    So I'm writing a computer science paper and i had a few questions. I have created some algorithms; i see a lot of papers presented in the algorithm, theorem, proof layout. So, when i say algorithm x.x i basically describe what my algorithm? and when i have a theorem, is it basically saying that...
  30. L

    Is Computer Science a Good Fit for Me?

    Hi, I'm now in 12th grade and studying Physics, Chemistry, Math and Statistics. I'm in a dilemma over whether a B. Tech in computer science will be right for me. My other interest is physics, so if I do study comp, I'll like to work in the theoretical part, like AI and machine learning etc...
  31. G

    Hello smart people who I do not know. I'm new to computer science.

    Hello smart people who I do not know. I'm kinda new to computer science, and I need to start learning a language/s... I was hoping to learn HTML first because I wanted to start a website, so could anyone give me a link or name of a book or something to help?
  32. S

    Electronics, Computer science or Physics

    Hi, I'm a mechatronics and robotics student with the inteded speciallity robotics. I plan to to make a BS or a MS in these fields since, the college doesn't cover all the robotics subjects. I know allready C/C++ assembly and some notions about artificial intelligence(image processing, shape...
  33. N

    Computer Science Homework Question

    Homework Statement A customer brings purchases worth less than $20 to the till, and hands over a $20 bill. Write pseudocode for an algorithm to figure out what change the customer should receive -- i.e., how many $10 bills, how many $5 bills, how many toonies ($2), loonies ($1), quarters...
  34. P

    C/C++ Which Grad Schools Offer Specializations in C++ or Matlab Modeling?

    Are there any schools with comp sci departments that have modeling (c++ or matlab) specializations? (ie, some type of degree that would focus on mathematical applications in programming)
  35. U

    Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

    HEY EVERYONE! well i am undecided about my major... i wud like to kno wat wud better sute me... here a little about my self ... well i like math and I'm very well good at it... i don't really like science BUT i love the idea of earning more money as a CE... BUT chemistry and physics are...
  36. P

    Schools Exploring Computer Science and Software Engineering Majors

    Can someone tell me about some good computer science or software engineering(majors) colleges ? Thanks.
  37. W

    What are some areas of overlap between Computer Science and Physics?

    Hey all, I just found this site a week or so ago and I must say I love it. Tons of helpful information all around. I will be graduating in Spring 2008 with a BS in Computer Science. I have considered staying an extra year and taking some recommended upper level Physics classes to get into...
  38. S

    Programs Computer Science Hopeful Major Help

    Hi guys. I have a couple questions. My boyfriend wants to major in computer science. He went to DeVry University, but managed to get out before he completed a semester (I still can't believe he willingly went there). His HS transcripts are really bad (3.0 GPA), but he went to a VoTech for...
  39. Z

    Pondering My Future: Math or Computer Science?

    I'm a 4th year physics student, I'm in a European Credit System ( Finishing my M1 degree ). Wishing to continue my studies in Subatomic-Particle Physics, for some complex reason ( will take time to explain ) I have to stop one year before continuing my studies in physics ( to get my M2 degree...
  40. A

    AP Computer Science A VS. Chemistry Honors

    AP Computer Science A VS. Chemistry Honors<-- highest level chem course Which class should I take Junior year? Which do you think will be the most beneficial for someone who is planning to apply to top UCs and Stanford (engineering/science major). Here are the pros and cons that I think...
  41. P

    Hard work doesn't pay off in Computer Science?

    Hello, I just got my midterm back and kind of very disappointed. I am a Grade 12 student taking programming in C++. I am using the C++ for you++ book, which is kind of dry and doesn't explain alot. I took a course in C last year. I was very good at it. Was the top of my rather small class...
  42. I

    MSc in physics or computer science

    I'll be completing my BSc. in Physics this april from India. But recently I have decided not to pursue pure sciences, instead go for engineering in US. Most of the US universities require a MSc. from India as eligibility for doing masters in US. I want to do masters either in...
  43. E

    Where do I begin my studies in computer science?

    Hi, I often try to expand my knowledge studying on my own. So most of my learning is on my own. I wish now to start studying Computer Science, but honestly, I haven't the slightest idea where to begin. I downloaded the free book Concrete Abstractions by Max Hailperin, Barbara Kaiser, and Karl...
  44. M

    Mathematics for computer science

    i was hoping somebody could help me with these problems 1) Are the following statements true or false? (a) 2 є S, where S= {x є R|x is the square root of an integer} b) ø є {ø} c) ø c ø d) {{ø}} c {ø, {ø}} e) {ø, {ø}, {ø, {ø}}} has the cardinality 4 f) {ø, {a}, {ø,a}} is the powerset of...
  45. B

    Mathematics for computer science

    I understand that mathematics is important for a computer science major, but I'm not sure how much math is needed. I'm only required to go to Calc III, but I'm not sure if I should take more math. I enjoy math, but my schedule is too tight right now, so that if I did take extra math classes, I...
  46. G

    What was the Old Computer Science Game with Factories and Monkeys?

    I am trying to remember the name of this old (probably dos, but I can't remember) computer game. At the start you could click on 3 different factories. A blimp one, the Cart one of the Airplane one or something like that. Then after that you have to go through the 2d level collecting parts...
  47. P

    Programs Computer science important for physics majors?

    I'm a physics major but I'm currently attending a community college and i won't be able to transfer until I finish the spring term 2007 at a community college. I plan on transferring to the UC schools, but I'm not sure which one, and I want to eventually go to grad school and become a...
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