What exactly is computer science?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I know that literally it means “the science of computers”, but that is too vague. For example, what do they do on a daily basis?</p>

<p>If I enjoy programming, would I enjoy computer science?</p>

2

<p>science on how to manipulate computers to do stuff for us.</p>

3

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<p>My answer is IF you excel at math yes. If not you will not make it to the top of the cohort. Only you can answer this question. There is an inherant struggle in CS btwn the Math folks and the “regulars”.</p>

4

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<p>Not good; I’ve always been ok at math (mostly A’s and B’s), but never actually enjoyed the subject. Now, I’m in AB Calculus, and am barely scraping by with a B.</p>

<p>If I had to pick a single branch of math that I disliked the most, it would be geometry (specifically trig).</p>

5

<p><a href=“http://cs.stanford.edu/degrees/undergrad/Requirements.shtml#1[/url]”>http://cs.stanford.edu/degrees/undergrad/Requirements.shtml#1&lt;/a&gt;

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6

<p>programming != computer science. It is called a “science” for a reason. But anyway, from what I’ve heard/seen, real “computer scientists” regularly use linear algebra/calculus/differential equations, and most computer science major programs include at least a few courses beyond that level (discrete structures, complex analysis, algebra/number theory/cryptography, etc).</p>

<p>Anyway, if you are only in HS you have plenty of time to decide. When you get wherever you are going, talk to your advisor and professors and upperclassmen. They are there (advisors anyhow) to help you with things like this. Try taking a 200+ level CS class before you affiliate with a major (maybe also with a class in whatever other major you are considering). Just because you “only” have a B in your first semester of calculus in high school doesn’t mean anything, a lot of people find linear algebra way easier than calculus. You may find you enjoy math more once you are actually applying it (in computer science, for instance) rather than just cranking out integrals and derivatives.</p>

7

<p>Heh, computer science is just a thinly veiled math major.</p>

8

<p>Some of the greatest computer scientists rarely use a computer. You will need a lot of math for cs. And it’s math that you’re not really accustomed to.</p>

9

<p>Would I be accurate if I said that CS is about the same as a mathematics major?</p>

10

<p>In the higher levels YES…but many jobs in computer science are not. The greater your math skill the higher level of work you will do. I only warn you about the required math skill because many students do not seem to know this. I feel sorry for kids who think they want CS only to find out they will be technical advisors and not the higher level CS job.</p>

11

<p>explain what you mean by higher level CS job</p>

12

<p>Pattern recognition, intelligence, advanced algorithms for various applications, etc. Lower level CS jobs are basically programming.</p>

13

<p>I’m assuming that the higher level work pays more.</p>

14

<p>Rest assured very large difference. In type of work, level of pay.</p>

15

<p>are the math classes the same for computer engineering? or is it less rigorous?</p>

16

<p>Engineering where? I think that the posting #5 should help you compare.</p>

17

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<p>don’t listen to this crap. don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do </p>

<p>you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it</p>

18

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<p>Computer Engineering is more rigorous (well, in my opinion). Calculus thru multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations, eng vector calculus, Discrete/Continuous Signals and Systems, etc.</p>

19

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<p>Geez! I didn’t tell OP not to do anything. I reported facts. I posted a degree requirement. There is a wide range of jobs in CS and to that end any individual that can manage a degree requirement will enter the market.<br>
I find it interesting you call facts CRAP?</p>

20

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<p>too small, too slow, too short, too weak, too dumb</p>