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

    MHB How Does Complexity Theory Enhance Quantum Computation?

    Hey! :o I want to begin with my master thesis and now I have to choose a topic. I am thinking about a topic that is related to theoretical computer science and more specific to Computability or to Complexity Theory. Could you give me some examples of topics that are related to Complexity Theory?
  2. Red Joker

    Choosing a Major: Finding the Right Fit for You

    I am in my last year of high school here in my country and I've been thinking of something related to mathematics and physics and computers. I've decided that computer science would probably be the best course to choose. Do you know what is the best job you can get with a computer science...
  3. J

    Engineering Software Developer/Engineering Essential Skills

    Hi All, I am currently a Masters Student in a Biomedical Engineering program and have a B.S. in applied physics. In the majority of the research I have and am doing has been computational and I have been taking engineering classes more on the computational side besides the bio based courses I...
  4. sankalpmittal

    Question regarding computer science....

    I would very much appreciate if you could shed some of your insight on the following question that has been troubling me. I faced difficulty in computer programming as many times I could not find logic for even a simple problem (which many other classmates would do easily) while in some cases I...
  5. G

    PhD Computer Science: Robotics, AI & Physics Ideas

    Hi all I'm a software developer who has been provisionally accepted onto a doctorate programme. I've always been a lover of physics and astronomy in particular. In short I'm someone with no formal education in Physics, but would love to work my layman's interest into my PhD. I've considered...
  6. TranscedentKid

    Schools Between H.S and college: would like pre-study STEM advice?

    The safe path for me is pre-med, which means biology. For career purposes, I imagine it's in my best interests to double major (Bio, computer sci, maybe a minor in business or economics). I've been told that having tech schools will make an M.D. even more valuable. Which reminds me-- I've been...
  7. K

    Engineering Aerospace engineering or computer science

    I am split on choosing to study for aerospace engineering or computer science. I have a passion for technology and all I want to do in life is to help people and the world through technology but I would just like more information on each one and what are some of the things I would be doing with...
  8. icecubebeast

    Schools Computer science courses and college credit

    Hello, I am a student in high school who is about to go on summer vacation. During my long vacation, I would like to learn about computer science and mathematics. I have a few questions on this: 1. What computer science courses do you recommend me to take in order (I know the Java programming...
  9. P

    Schools Can I Do Research in CS for My Physics Major?

    Alright, so I am a physics major but I am 99% sure that I am going to get a minor in Computer Science. My question is that, I know I have to do some type of research in college, and I was wondering if I would be able to in Computer Science instead of Physics? Or is that a bad idea
  10. S

    Is a Double Major in Computer Science and Physics Worth Pursuing?

    Hi all. Awhile back I posted about potentially changing schools to study Mechanical Engineering. Unfortunately financially this was not possible. However, my school does offer degrees in physics which I do find interesting. Currently I am studying Computer Science, and I'm considering adding a...
  11. M

    Exploring Quantum Optics: An Introduction to Quantum Computation and Information

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  12. M

    C/C++ [C++] Which programs to write to learn more C++?

    Alright guys so I just finished my freshmen intro course in c++ and I found it interesting. This course only taught up to classes and file i/o. I want to learn more of c++ and overall many more programs. How do I teach myself c++ more indepth or are there any free sites you recommend to learn it...
  13. N

    Programs Should You Pursue a Minor Alongside a Double Major in STEM?

    Hi everyone, I have a question about the intricacies of Majors and Minors. Not sure if the topic/prefix is correct, any mod that thinks it should be under something else please go ahead and change it. But my question is regarding the specifics and impacts of majors and minors. I plan on...
  14. F

    Is asking questions in computer science bad?

    Hi PF, I have been currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science to hopefully end up having a career as a software engineer, as I am taking classes I am finding that the assignments are getting more and more difficult to a point where I find myself lost and in need of guidance. Which got me...
  15. L

    Cheminformatics career what language to learn first?

    I'm a math and chemistry double major and hope to go to grad school in cheminformatics, my eventual goal would be to work as a data scientist for a drug company. My question is what languages should I learn first? The CS class I need to take for my math major is C++ but I'm not sure if this is...
  16. kkefalas

    Computer Science vs. CDS (Computing for Scientists)?

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  17. S

    How Do I Begin an Outline for a System Analysis Project?

    Hi, I need some help on my system analysis and design assignment. I need to put together part of an outline for a deliverable. Below is a little bit of background on the project. This project will design and implement a customer relationship management system in order to provide superior...
  18. Faith Ntundi

    What are the best laptops to buy for programming purposes

    Hello, I am looking to purchase a new laptop for my CS studies. From what I have learned thus far is that I need something with a lot of RAM and a fast processor. I was advised to stay away from any I3s. I think I might have found something that will work, but I'm not sure. I was looking for...
  19. AceTrainerBlue

    Programs What goes with a Computer Science major?

    Hi, guys. Computer science is hands-down, without-a-doubt in my mind the most interesting and passionate subject that I love. For myself, I feel very lucky that I was capable of finding what I truly love at such an early age in my childhood. Computer science is without a doubt going to be my...
  20. S

    Physics related career for Computer Science graduate?

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  21. Byeonggon Lee

    Good and easy mathematical logic book for computer science

    Hello I recently noticed that mathematical logic is related to computer science. I haven't studied math in university yet I'm not good at math and Since I'm not a native English speaker some English is hard to me. Is there any good and easy book which describes mathematical logic used in...
  22. L

    Value of a Masters in Computer Science from a State School?

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  23. Lobos

    What's a good intro computer science book?

    I'm going to be taking a computer science course next semester, what is a good intro computer science book or C++ programming book I can buy?
  24. P

    Proving/Disproving: Int x, y, z Divisibility Claim

    I wasn't sure if this went in math, or computer science. I'm posting it here, because it is for a computer science course, although it's technically mathematical proofs... 1. The problem: Prove or disprove the following claim: For all integers x, y, and z, if x does not divide yz then x does...
  25. R

    Programs Want to major in computer science, but dont like programming

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  26. D

    Looking for a insightful roadmap to learn math

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  27. M

    Programs Careers with a CS/physics double major?

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  28. JohnPrior3

    Gambler's Ruin in Matlab: Solving the Loop Problem

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  29. X

    Considering transfering to computer science from comp eng

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  30. awk'/ward/'tux

    Former foster youth, need mentoring

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  31. K

    Schools Major in Physics with computer science minor? Grad schools?

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  32. Pucky

    Which Field Should I Choose: Physics, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science?

    Hi, Im currently finishing high school and I would appreciate some help. I would like to study physics, however I´m not sure. Other curses like Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Engineering Physics could another possibility. I have always loved science, especially physics and chemistry...
  33. N

    Programs Computer Science with a minor in Electrical Engineering

    I've always been fascinated by how a computer operates both through code and through its physical devices. This is my eternal struggle, I like both the software and hardware side of computers. I'd like to possible programming robots and use my electrical engineering design to know how to make...
  34. Nous

    Possibilities with Comp sci + math or comp sci + stats?

    I am beginning a second undergraduate degree this fall and am trying to decide on a major but don't think I have enough information to discriminate between my top two choices. My first degree was in mathematics education (where I developed a deep appreciation for math). I have interests in...
  35. L

    Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Economics

    Dear PhysicsForums members, being currently in my final year of Austrian high school I have to decide what to pursue my Bachelors degree in. (Un)fortunately I have three huge interests. Those are Economics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. All of which are highly fascinating and I...
  36. A

    Engineering Can i switch from computer science to computer engineering?

    I have a bachelors in computer science, i have recently become more interested in hardware aspect of computers, any help would be appreciated.(my undergrad didn't require ANY physics class).
  37. A

    Computer science major = waste of youth?

    I'm a computer science major, and i feel like I'm wasting my youth learning things that soon will no longer be useful. IT is evolving at such an explosive rate that what i learn today may change tomorrow. For example, the textbooks we use right now would be of no use to us in a decade, but the...
  38. X

    Discrete Best books to study during summer related to programming?

    I've been programming for 10 years and have done many free lance projects. I know basic mathematics (what an engineering student would know) but I want to move into more theoretical fields for a hobby. I am devoting 4 months of my summer this year to studying mathematics. I will be studying...
  39. N

    Programs How employable is astrophysics with a CS minor?

    I'm considering getting a major in astrophysics and a minor in computer science. First of all, would an astrophysics major preclude me from studying, say, particle particle physics, in graduate school? I want to take a couple astro classes and my parents think astrophysics sounds "smarter" than...
  40. N

    Programs Is a Major in Astrophysics with a CS Minor a Good Choice?

    I'm considering getting a major in astrophysics and a minor in computer science. First of all, would an astrophysics major preclude me from studying, say, particle particle physics, in graduate school? I want to take a couple astro classes and my parents think astrophysics sounds "smarter" than...
  41. Etienne

    U.N.A.M : Applied Mathematics & Computer Science?

    Hi, Well, my name is Etienne and this isn't my first time posting about my choice of major. I am in 12th grade, and I have an admission exam to UNAM next month, (National Autonomous University of Mexico), for APPLIED MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE or I have also seen it been called Applied and...
  42. X

    Should I stick with Computer Eng or switch to CompSci?

    I've been coding for several years and I've considered switching to computer science. I've made tons of money freelance coding, and I've made some really cool things in the past. I am currently a computer engineering major. Upon looking at every course offered at my Uni, I know all of them...
  43. S

    Bs Computer Science & Ms math & PhD physics

    I was in Bs physics engineering but I decided to switch away from and now I am taking my bachelor degree in Computer Science (I couldn't stand laboratories) but I still want to be a theoretical physicist! I have taken some courses in physics like quantum mechanics and fortunately I was able to...
  44. 22990atinesh

    Decision Properties of Languages

    I'd trouble remembering decision properties of languages like Regular, CFL, RE, etc. So I made a table of it. Are all the entries of table correct or has some errors http://postimg.org/image/bdb5tqkfl/][/PLAIN] http://s24.postimg.org/bdb5tqkfl/Decision_Property.jpg
  45. W

    Programs BS/MS in CS or BS in CE/CS (combined major)

    I am a freshmen at Northeastern University. Right now, I am in the College of Engineering, where I am on track to earn a combined degree in computer science and computer engineering. However, I could easily transfer to the College of Computer and Information Science, where I could earn a...
  46. Aamna

    Engineering Mechanical Engineeringmajor with math minor?

    Hello everyone! So, I am a mechanical engineering student but I've recently discovered my passion for electronics and computer science. I would eventually like to pursue a graduate degree in either or both (if that's possible) of these fields. I am thinking to get a mathematics minor to help me...
  47. N

    In what way are computer science and physics related?

    I am considering a dual-major in Physics and Computer Programming. But i'd like some input on how the two can be used together first. What are your thoughts and opinions on a majoring these two? How might this be useful/practical in the real world and how might it be impractical. Thank you
  48. D

    Engineering Computer Science graduate take up Software Engineering?

    Can the student of computer science take up software engineering jobs?
  49. W

    Statistics vs computer science

    i have read course descriptions for both, but i want to hear honest opinions from people who actually are in, or have finished, either program. what is it like? i know they're both heavy on mathematics and that is fine because i like mathematics. im currently learning java whenever i get spare...
  50. N

    Is Computer Science Derived from Mathematics?

    Is Computer Science a subset of Physics or some other science field?
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