Computer Science is a relatively young academic discipline that has matured rather quickly due to the rapidly changing technological environment. Computer professional today need an excellent education foundation to enable them to deal with this ever-changing world of computer software and hardware.
If
you're looking to focus on computer-science at the undergraduate level,
look for a school program to provide training in the utilisation of
existing systems, as well as providing an in-depth study of system implementation.
In addition, the college program should offer a strong theoretical component
so that graduates can participate in the creation of the software systems
of the future. By integrating the concepts, theory, and practice of
computer science in a challenging curriculum, students are prepared
for professional employment or for further study. Graduates are ready
to join the ranks of systems developers and programmers within industry,
business and government.
Computer science is much more than knowing how to use the latest application package or access nodes on the Internet. It has a core that changes superficially very frequently, but whose essence provides the thread that binds successive generation of computer science graduates into a common discipline. Like other academic disciplines, computer science is a collection of related subfields that share a fundamental of knowledge and practice. Here are some of the areas that lie within the broad concept of computer science, but it is only one aspect of the discipline. Current emphasis on object-oriented programming is an attempt to incorporate into software construction engineering principles, such as system modularisation of components that have successfully reduced size and cost of hardware products. Programming in industry is generally a team activity using productivity tools and adhering to sound engineering practices.
Computer Architecture
All computer
professionals should have sound knowledge of how bits of information
are moved and processed in the computer. The computer architect is concerned
with organising the data paths, functional units and instruction set
of the machine to maximise its performance given the constraints on
the cost and typical use of the machine.
Programming Languages
The various
programming languages have features such as scooping of identifier,
parameter passing, recursion, and function return that can be implemented
in different ways, or not at all. A language can be based upon a particular
mathematical system, or be described within a mathematical framework.
Artificial Intelligence
Specialists
in artificial intelligence concern themselves with one or two central
projects: (1) studying the nature of intelligence by trying to simulate
it computationally, or (2) building machines that can communicate with
people on human terms using natural language. These machines can also
function in a rapidly changing environment, using visual and other forms
of information gathering and general reasoning capabilities.
Database
An important
class of applications programs deals with the storage and retrieval
of information form large banks of data. Design and maintenance of databases
requires a particular expertise. Different organising principles are
employed to associate selected keys and retrieve relevant records from
a database.
Systems Programming
Systems programming
deals with the topic of concurrently running processes and how to appropriately
regulate their access to shared system resources.
These, and other fields, constitute or build on the core body of knowledge and practice of computer science. Each has challenging problems that will stimulate continued learning and intellectual growth. Each has rewarding career opportunities. And each can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy seeing their intellectual creations come to life on the screen in front of them. IN short, computer science is a discipline that requires good analytical skills, an abundance of patience and the ability to work closely with other people.
Ann Winfield
Director of Enrollment Communications
Marist College
