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

    Help with studying computer science

    I want to become computer expert in all aspects I know programming I study Electrical Engineering in university and I love computers I want to know computers in basic level If I want to learn basic about computers what work should I do? between data structures , operating system , computer...
  2. BruceW~

    Do you need a decent PC for college level computer science?

    Hi guys I'm going to study CS in college this fall, but don't know if I need to upgrade my computer or not. I understand you need a lot of computing power for some heavy caculation but just wondering is that going to happen at the college level courses. My current set up is a pc with i3 3220...
  3. ujjwal3097

    Schools Which is will be better option for me for physics.

    Hi I am an international student and planning to do my undergrad at Canadian university. I have been admitted to all the university I have applied to but i am bit confused between university of British Columbia and McGill university. I want major in physics and computer science/maths as a double...
  4. H

    Physics Career after Computer Science and Physics double major

    I am currently still a high school student but i will be going to university next year. I've long decided to take a double major of physics and computer science. I can get a scholarship for undergrad. But my question is about after I get my Bachelors Degrees in both computer science and physics...
  5. S

    MHB Exploring Linear Algebra as a Computer Science Major

    Computer science major here. I recently completed calculus I, II, III. Now I know that I'll probably be required to take linear algebra. So far, I expect to do some Gaussian elimination (assuming I know what a row echelon is). What else should I expect from linear algebra?
  6. Ritzycat

    Schools Grad school emphasis on intro-level grades, computer science

    I'm sorry if this is a bit of a mundane question but we all do impulsive things when we're anxious. I may get a B+ in General Physics II and Calculus II this semester (2nd semester freshman). I know I am capable of much better, and to be honest, I was very bogged down emotionally/psychologically...
  7. L

    Programs Hesitation -- Computer Science, Microengineering or Physics

    Hi, I'm applying at a swiss univerity (EPFL) and I already have to pick my major. Here's the thing : I currently love programming. I enjoy finding beautiful ways to solve math programming challenges on the net. (I code in Python). I love automating stuff with programming. I love projects : I...
  8. ujjwal3097

    Schools Which University is good for physics and computer science?

    Hi I have been admitted to University of Toronto[ Trinity college] and McGill University as an international student for physics major. I am planning to do double major in computer science and physics. I want to know which university is better for these subject at an undergrad level. I have to...
  9. N

    Discrete Math Computer Science Question

    Homework Statement Find the probability that a randomly generated bit string of length 10 begins with a 1 or ends with a 00 if a)a 0 bit and a 1 bit are equally likely. b)The probability that a bit is a 1 is .7 c)The probability that the ith bit is a 1 is 1/2i for i=1,2,3,...,10 Homework...
  10. R

    Courses Going to Physics from Computer Science

    My situation is this: I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2011 and have been working ever since. Now I'm thinking of returning to school for physics, with the ultimate goal of going to graduate school for physics. I think it's safe to assume I am not well prepared for graduate...
  11. TheMathNoob

    Programs Is it a good idea to major in computer science and pure math

    I am not an expert in the field, but intuitively I think that a resume with both math and computer science has a lot of impact. I also think that math can help me understand computer science better. Next quarter, I am planning to take classical geometry, so I am just wondering if this class...
  12. R

    Programs Computer Science versus Electrical Engineering

    Hello! My hobbies are tinkering on my computer and mathematics. Physics is not bad but I do not love it like I do mathematics. I like the logic and analytical skills that it requires. I like solving problems. I recently dropped out of Aeronautical Engineering because I simply did not like over...
  13. Fantini

    MHB On the cruelty of really teaching computer science

    This is an article I just found out about. It deals with computer science on about half of it, but the most interesting discussions concern educational values. Here is the article: https://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/EWD/transcriptions/EWD10xx/EWD1036.html I would like to know others' thoughts on...
  14. Eric V

    What happened to Eric V? Catching up with a former member of the forum

    Hi guys! I was an active member of this forum back in the 2005-2009 era, but I've long forgotten my password and user name. I probably won't be on very much. I don't do a lot of physics anymore and have forgot most everything not conceptual. I was a physics minor and mathematics major when I...
  15. charliebrown

    Engineering Mechanical engineering or computer systems engineering

    Hi everybody, I'm looking for some advice in what to do for choosing a career in a few weeks i'll be able to change my career path, I've recently applied for a career change in my school and next february 11 they'll tell me if my change of career is approved. it's very likely that i´ll obtain...
  16. M

    Programs Which Major Should I Choose for a Future in Teaching and High Earning Potential?

    Hello, I am 17 years old and I live in Alabama. I'm fairly good with physics, computer science, graphic design, teaching, mathematics, and most sciences. I would like to end up getting a PhD and teaching in a 4 year university eventually. Recently I have been influenced by my physics teacher to...
  17. J

    Programs Getting a Masters with a Computer Science degree

    Right now I am a sophomore studying to be a computer science major. As of now I am wanting to go to grad school to get a masters. I was curious though if computer science was the only thing I could get a masters in though. Such as would it be possible to get a masters in computer engineering...
  18. HyperTechno

    Computer Science Or Engineering?

    For a person who like to go forward in the Computer Field, what is the best to choose in higher education? Computer Science or Engineering(Software/Hardware/Network .etc)? {And also what are the differences regarding the economical benefits related to Computer Science and Computer Engineering?}
  19. Mastermind01

    What should I do next after completing an introductory programming course?

    Hello, So I'm in high school and I wanted to self-study programming. In summer I completed the course Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python on edX . I really liked it. I was wondering what I should do next and from where? Should I learn a different language (C , C++ and...
  20. F

    Computer Science PhD with Mathematics MSc

    Hello, If I have an MSc degree in mathematics specializing in machine learning, is it possible to enter a PhD program in computer science (also specializing in machine learning)? Will the fact that my degree is in mathematics and not computer science prevent me from doing that? I have heard of...
  21. Samboy

    What are the best elective units for a Physics undergraduate degree?

    Hey everyone, I'm new here but have been following a lot of the threads recently. I just wanted your opinions on what elective units I should study whilst doing a undergraduate degree in Physics. I've been told Computer Science units will be handy as well as more Maths but is there anything...
  22. Bumpeh

    Programs Dual Majoring in Computer Science and Astrophysics

    Before I really explain and go into the point of this thread, I'd like to preface it with the fact that I have scoured the forums and read quite a few posts on "Dual Majoring with CS and Physics" and many of them have good advice, but my situation may require more specifics. I've been into...
  23. NicolasPan

    Comp Sci Error while calculating arc length of curve in Fortran

    The program must calculate the length of the curve of ƒ=3.1*x^2-5.3/x between x=1/2 and x=3/2.The legth should be calculated as the sum of n line segments starting with n=1 and ending with n=20. I really can't find why the result I'm getting is wrong.Thanks in advance I am giving you the code...
  24. NicolasPan

    Comp Sci Help with Fortran: Calculate Cos(x) from Equation

    Hello I was assigned the following problem:Make a Fortran program which will be able to read a degree[0-360] checking validity range(not type) and it will be able to calculate and print the cos(x) from the following equation: cos(x)=1-x^2/2! + x^4/4!-x^6/6!+x^8/8!-...,where x is in radiants.As a...
  25. P

    Java Hi, I with my Computer Science course

    Ok so we are 5 months into our course and I have no idea what I am doing. The professor says that we need to create a program that will create a Color object and return a darker value. Can I do this with the Math.max function?
  26. RoundEarVulcan

    Bioinformatics and observing genetic mutations

    Hi, For starters, I am an Electrical Engineering student and have very little formal training in the field of Biology. Also, I am not sure if this question is more suited for the Bio or CS section of the forum. My questions are: - How is Bioinformatics used to observe genetic mutations...
  27. G

    Engineering Electrical Engineering to Computer Science

    I am currently in third year of EE and thinking about a masters degree but the problem is here , I've developed a thing for progamming and networking and thinking about switiching to computer science My question is this Can i go from EE to as CS for masters degree without having much knowlegde of CS
  28. Bake

    Could I handle Computer Engineering?

    Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science have both interested me greatly. I'm fairly certain that I want to pursue in one of these fields in the future. Though, I've heard that CE requires you take some match classes that are quite difficult. It's not that I dislike math, as a matter of fact...
  29. Rya26

    Undergrad Applied Math + Computer Science or Computing

    I am currently considering either a BSc (Applied Math and Computer Science) or BSc(Computing) at a distance learning university called UNISA. From what I can see the former is the one I think would be best as it has the best math courses between the two(Computing only has Linear...
  30. R

    Engineering Designing a sequential circuit using JK flip flops

    Homework Statement Design [/B]:2-bit count-down counter; with two flip-flops and one input Homework Equations When input = 0, the state of the flip-flops does not change. When input = 1, the state is 11, 10, 01,11, and repeat. The Attempt at a Solution Start with truth table, then...
  31. R

    Engineering Turning expression into circuit help?

    Homework Statement AC'D+ AB'D + BCD' + A'BC 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Would I start by inverting all the inputs? Would there be 3 Or's to this? I get from the truth table, to simplifying expressions with k-map, but I don't know how to turn it into a circuit. Can someone...
  32. R

    Engineering Combinational circuit that multiplies two numbers together

    Homework Statement Design a combinational circuit that multiplies two numbers together, and outputs the result. Homework Equations The biggest product will be 3 * 3 = 9. Four bits to represent the product. 0: 00 1: 01 2: 10 3: 11 I need a 4 bit register for the outputs The Attempt at a...
  33. B

    Discrete Algorithm Books for C++ and Python Programmers

    Could you recommend me a book or two treating the algorithms and their mathematical foundation, designs, and analysis? My main programming languages are C++ and Python.
  34. K

    Programs Physics major - Is a minor in Computer Science worth it?

    Hey, I am starting my second year of University, and I have a dilemma I was hoping people here could help me with - I started out with a major in Physics and a minor in CS. Over the past year I came to the following conclusions: 1. I enjoy both physics and CS and would like combining the two in...
  35. M

    Should I study Computer science or IT with Communication?

    So I am starting College this year. However, I can't decide which programme I should go with. The first option is bachelor in IT and Communication. This programme has deep content of communication (networking), but it doesn't have courses like Algorithms, Database Systems, Digital Circuits...
  36. Bumpeh

    I want to work with NASA Spacecraft like Voyager

    So, I did a little searching around on these forums before I posted this, and I do see lots of threads about working for NASA but not something about my specific situation. I'm currently attending a college working on my AA. After that, I'm probably going to transfer to a University, where I'll...
  37. L

    Can anyone please suggest me some Seminar Topics

    Can anyone please suggest me some seminar topics for engineering final year computer science
  38. B

    Mathematics or Computer Science: Which Field Should I Pursue?

    Hello. I am writing this post, hoping, you can help me make a decision. This September i will aplly to University. I have two fields of interesting: Pure Mathematics and Computer Science. Which to choose? I was really bad at math a year ago, not knowing how to solve a linear equation. Now i...
  39. B

    [Theoretical computer science] Regular Turing Machine undecidable proof

    Hello the proof of the Spiser's book (introduction to theory of computation): PROOF We let R be a TM that decides REGULARTM and construct TM S to decide ATM. Then S works in the following manner. S = "On input (M, w), where M is a TM and w is a string: 1...
  40. J

    How difficult or easy is it to work as a Computer Science

    I know that Computer Science is challenging in college, but how challenging or difficult is it when you start working. For example I know medical school is brutal, but being a doctor is very easy. Is this true with Computer science,? ex. Computer Programer, Software developer, Software engineer...
  41. AceTrainerBlue

    80/20 Principle for Computer Science

    I'm interested in self-learning computer science; however, I primarily only want to know the information that produces 80% of the results and mostly ignore the rest of the fluff. There's no real deadline for me. There's things that are important, yet there are also things that are cool to know...
  42. Katyan Anshuman

    What are some options for combining physics and computer science in a career?

    I'm really dynamic since birth. A problem with me is that I love almost everything I put my hands in. I've even chased dreams of being in the Air Force or a UN Tech wing executive. Now I've filtered my core loves to be physics and computer science. Maths comes next. I'm very tensed regarding...
  43. R

    Is this Computer Science or Computer Engineering?

    Hi all, I would really appreciate someone taking a guess what this program equates to in English (whether it is Computer Science, Computer Engineering, IT or something else). I'm currently living in a non-English speaking country but will possibly be moving to Europe after graduating (my mom...
  44. Hunter Brandon

    How do I get started in computer science as a senior?

    I've always been interested in computer science and programming and have tried to learn the basics this past summer. It wasn't until my senior year that my school has offered a class dedicated to computer science. How should I prepare?
  45. JakesDev96

    Is quantum programming really possible?

    Hello all, I have come here to gather what the communities view is on the possibility of quantum computing in relation to the actual logic behind synchronous programming and the laws that (seem to) govern the quantum realm. Coming from a background in computer science, I have studied the basic...
  46. Abtinnn

    How Far Will Computer Science Go?

    Many problems in modern science are being solved by computers and not humans (though technically it's the humans that give the task to the computer). If this keeps advancing, would there be anything left for us as a "job?" Sorry if my question sounds dumb but i thought it would be interesting to...
  47. Archenox

    Academic background for physics engine?

    Hello everyone! :smile: I am almost finishing a bachelors degree in computer science and I would like to have some insight on the possible academic backgrounds and career opportunities for someone who wants to be working with the creation and development of a physics engine. Considering that...
  48. AceTrainerBlue

    Computer Engineering - Electrical Eng. & Computer Science?

    Is majoring in computer engineering the same as doing a double major in electrical engineering and computer science? Hi, I'm having difficult choosing my major as an upcoming freshmen at the University of Waterloo. I'm very interested in both the hardware and software aspects of computers, but...
  49. H

    Physics with computer science versus Physics.

    I am definitely interested in physics, I love it and I love doing it, but I am afraid a PhD in physics might not be enough for me to a land a decent job, by decent I mean enjoyable for me. I am very fond of programming, I know computer science is not just programming but I love programming and I...
  50. L

    Programs Would a minor in computer science benefit me?

    Hi, I'm currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I want to get a career is space technology. I'm just wondering if a minor in computer science would benefit me?
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