[jacy]

Could someone please tell me what is exactly computer science. What kind of job opportunities are there for computer science majors. Thanks in advance.

[malcolmd3111]

Science is defined as "The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena. For "natural phenomena" read "computers."

We can explain it in a way by describing it. There is the study of the following:-

hardware aspects of Computers:-

mathematics (Binary Numbering systems etc)
Operating System designs
Compiler Design
Computer hardware fundamentals
Digital Electronics (Logic Gates and theory)
Computer Circuit Board Design and Layout
Telecommunications
Data Storage Techniques, (Hard disks, Tape [various] DVD's cd's)

software aspects:-

Assembly Language
Compiler design
Operating Systems
Various Computer Languages
Data Structure Fundamentals
Algorithm principles and development
Database principles

General Subjects:-

History of the Computer (Mainframe, mini computer, desktop)
Philosophy of Science
System Design (in general, User interfacing)

This list is far from complete, but it covers the majority of subjects. To do justice to the term "Computer Science" we must have a clear, and coherent, understanding of the "machine" and its attendant processes. For example, when we press the key "Q" on the keyboard, do we completely understand the process by which the letter "Q" appears on our screen.

Many people take this for granted without having a clear internalized sense of exactly what happens and why. I hope this has given you a hint of what it means to be a Computer Scientist.

Computer Science is not the study of programming, although many people think that it is. Programming is merely one part of the subject.

Malcolm

[lotuseclat79]

Originally Posted by jacy

Could someone please tell me what is exactly computer science. What kind of job opportunities are there for computer science majors. Thanks in advance.

Hi jacy,

Malcolmd3111 has indeed touched on some of the subjects in computer science.
Checkout the English version of Wikipedia for more information on computer science at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science

Theoretically speaking, computer science is quite dry, however, its application to such areas as biology, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nanotechnology, etc. will make major discoveries in the not too distant future.

In essence, it is a foundation to other more important things in life. If you subscribe to the free newletter from Physorg.com you will get daily (weekday) emails on breakthrough technologies - most depending on the use and application of computing technology.

-- Tom

[techshar31]

Originally Posted by jacy

Could someone please tell me what is exactly computer science. What kind of job opportunities are there for computer science majors. Thanks in advance.

Jobs? Just about anything related to computers or software development. More people in computers should have this degree under their belt IMO. Certifications are like the "tech school" of computers where CS is the DEGREE. Unfortunately, it is still your choice. However, more and more development jobs in America are basically requiring at least a ugrad in CS to get in. Good idea IMO. I graduated back in '97 when any !@# could get in the field ... and believe you me it was no picnic.

[lotuseclat79]

Originally Posted by jacy

Could someone please tell me what is exactly computer science. What kind of job opportunities are there for computer science majors. Thanks in advance.

Hi jacy,

As a followup to the question of "what is exactly computer science", it is not exactly any one thing! It amounts to a set of 'thinking tools' by which various problems can be solved. As I mentioned in my previous post, it provides a good foundation for many different areas of endeavor to which its approaches when applied yield benefits to make effective progress in that area.

With regard to job opportunities for computer science majors - your future will generally be decided by the choices you make and the consequences of those choices in terms of your committment to them. If while pursuing a degree in computer science you can discover what your interests/passions are in terms of contribution of knowledge to solve important problems (that may even require an interdisciplinary approach to solving the problem) - your efforts will be richly rewarded.

You can find new inspiration almost anywhere:
Nature teaches engineers new tricks
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1201/p16s01-sten.html

-- Tom

[jacy]

Thanks everyone for answering my question. I really appreciate it.

[techshar31]

YW!

Oh and thanks for posting that laundry list Malcom. It brings back some good memories. It's funny to hear uneducated types say things about some of the most useful classes like "CS is useless. Why should I waste my time writing my own compiler when they've already been written?!" I guess that's like saying "Why study math when someone else or a computer can do it for me?"