What are Computer Sciences?

Computer science is, in short, the study of information (“data”), and how to manipulate it (“algorithms”) to solve problems. Mostly in theory, but sometimes also in practice.

You have to know that computer science is not the study of computers. Nor do they strictly need the use of computers. Data and algorithms can get processed with paper and pencil. Computer science is very similar to mathematics. So now many people prefer to call the subject “Computer.”

Often, computer science is confused with three fields, which are related but which are not the same.

Three Fields

• Computer engineering- involves the study of data and algorithms but in the context of computer hardware. How do electrical components communicate? How to design microprocessors? How to implement efficient chips?

• Software engineering- You can think of this branch as “applied computer science,” where computer scientists create abstract theories, while software engineers write real-world programs that combine theory with algorithms.

• Information technology- This branch involves the software and hardware created so far. IT professionals help maintain networks and assist when others have problems with their devices or programs.
  

The disciplines of computer science

If you plan to study Computer Science, you should know that there are not two universities in the world that have the same curriculum. Universities can not agree on what “informatics” covers. Nor do they manage to decide which disciplines belong to the category of computer science.

• Bioinformatics- It includes the use of information technology to measure, analyze and understand the complexity of biology. It involves the analysis of extensive data, molecular models and data simulators.

• Theory of the computation- It is the study of algorithms and applied mathematics. It is not just about the creation of new algorithms or the implementation of existing algorithms. It is also about the discovery of new methods and the production of possible theorems.

• Graphics computing- Is responsible for studying how data can get manipulated and transformed into visual representations that a human being understands. That includes themes such as realistic photo images, dynamic image generation, modeling, and 3D animation.

• Video game development- It refers to the creation of entertainment games for PC, web or mobile devices. Graphics engines often involve unique algorithms and data structures optimized for real-time interaction.

• Networks- Consists of the study of distributed computer systems. And how communications can get improved within and between networks.

• Robotics- It deals with the creation of algorithms that control machines. It includes research to improve the interaction between robots and humans — interactions of robots with robots. And interactions with the environment.

• Computer security- It deals with the development of algorithms to protect applications or software from intruders, malware or spam. It includes computer security, security in the cloud and the network.

A university degree should teach you at least the following:

1. How computer systems work at the software and hardware level.

1. How to write code in different programming languages.

1. How to apply algorithms and data structures naturally.

1. Mathematical concepts, such as graphics theory or formal logic.

1. How to design a compiler, an operating system, and a computer.

Problem-solving is the primary skill to be developed by any computer scientist, software engineer or computer scientist. If you are not curious and you are not attracted to solving things, then you will not be pleased studying this career.

Also, technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the world so if you do not want to be at the forefront of new technologies, new programming languages, new devices, etc.