what is computer science theory course in university

by Alessandra Cronin III 7 min read

Some core computer science courses you may cover include theory of computation, fundamentals of computer science, compliers and operating systems, information theory, basic programming, systems and architecture, software development and testing, web applications and databases, algorithms and data structures, and principles of computer hardware.

Computer science theory coursework may include topics like analyzing algorithms and understanding programming language semantics. These are the top undergraduate programs for computer science theory. To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News
U.S. News
We reach more than 40 million people monthly during moments when they are most in need of expert advice and motivated to act on that advice directly on our platforms. Our signature franchises include our “Best” series of consumer guides on colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, diets, cars, financial services and more.
https://www.usnews.com › about-us
College Compass!

Full Answer

What is a computer science degree?

Computer science is the study of computers, including computational theory, hardware and software design, algorithms and the way humans interact with technology. If you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career path, you may want to consider becoming a …

What degree do you need to study theory in Computer Science?

The theory of computing is the study of efficient computation, models of computational processes, and their limits. Research at Cornell spans all areas of the theory of computing and is responsible for the development of modern computational complexity theory, the foundations of efficient graph algorithms, and the use of applied logic and formal verification for building …

What is theoretical computer science?

The course emphasizes the relationships between applications programming, the theory of computation, real computers, and the field's history and evolution, including the nature of the contributions of Boole, Shannon, Turing, von Neumann, and others. All the features of this course are available for free.

What is this course on computing technology?

This course is a broad introduction to computing technology for humanities and social science students. Topics will be drawn from current issues and events, and will include discussion of how computers work, what programming is and why it is hard, how the Internet and the Web work, security and privacy. Two 90-minute lectures.

What are theoretical computer science courses?

Theoretical computer science (TCS) is a subset of general computer science and mathematics that focuses on mathematical aspects of computer science such as the theory of computation, lambda calculus, and type theory.

What is theoretical computer science used for?

Theoretical Computer Science forms the scientific foundation for the study of algorithms and computation. Theoretical Computer Science impacts computing and society by identifying key issues in new areas and framing them in ways that drive development.

What does computer theory mean?

[kəm′pyüd·ər ‚thē·ə·rē] (computer science) A discipline covering the study of circuitry, logic, microprogramming, compilers, programming languages, file structures, and system architectures.

Is computer science theory hard?

Yes, computer science is hard. It's tough because in addition to seeing a lot of theoretical content, programming is challenging. 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.

What math is needed for theoretical computer science?

Discrete Math and Logic are essential for CS. But don't forget the importance of Linear Algebra and Probability & Statistics. Calculus, Discrete Math, Logic, Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics.

Is computer science theoretical or practical?

Without Theoretical Computer Science you do not have “practical” Computer Science. Theoretical Computer Science is the foundation of Computer Science. Many of the things people look at as “practical” (almost always, but not always) started at some point as something si...

What is your role as a computer science student to study the automata theory?

Answer. Answer: Automata theory is important because it allows scientists to understand how machines solve problems. An automaton is any machine that uses a specific, repeatable process to convert information into different forms.

What are the topics in theory of computation?

Advance topics Halting Turing Machine. Recursive Language. Natural Languages. Linear Context Free Rewriting Systems. Definition of Algorithm in Theory of Computation.

What do we study in theory of computation?

Automata theory (also known as Theory Of Computation) is a theoretical branch of Computer Science and Mathematics, which mainly deals with the logic of computation with respect to simple machines, referred to as automata.

Is computer science a lot of math?

Computer science is a broad field, so if you're looking to get your computer science degree, the kind of math you'll need to know will depend on your specific program and career path. But generally speaking, most degree programs require a basic understanding of calculus, algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics.

Is computer science a good career?

Is computer science a good career? Yes! High demand for qualified computer science professionals means high projected growth for many careers. These jobs are often lucrative, with average salaries ranging from $80,000 to $130,000.

Is computer science the hardest degree?

At advanced levels, majors may study artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithm development. Computer science ranks as one of the hardest college majors for its combination of theoretical and technical material.

Is theoretical computer science pure mathematics?

It relies on a lot of mathematics, but not necessarily the kind of mathematics you would learn in standard courses in mathematics. A very loose explanation might be that in computer science, the fundamental object is the Boolean semiring B, while in mathematics, finite fields, including F2, play a prominent role.

Is AI theoretical CS?

Theoretical computer science. AI was built on theoretical work based on the mathematics of computability in the early 20th century by Turing, Church, and others. AI challenges have long posed and faced combinatorial challenges and has made use of results on the performance and precision of approximation procedures.

What is theoretical computer science Reddit?

Theoretical computer science is the study of what kinds of problems computers can solve. Because we want to prove rigorously the things that computers can and cannot do, we use formal mathematics to create models of computation and then prove that a problem is or isn't solvable in that model.

Why is automata theory important in our learning to technology advances?

Why Is Automata Theory Useful? Through automata, computer scientists are able to see precisely how functions are computed and solves problems, and more importantly, what it means to define a particular function as truly computable or as decidable.

What is the theory of computing?

The theory of computing helps us address fundamental questions about the nature of computation while at the same time helping us better understand the ways in which we interact with the computer. In this lecture, we introduce formal languages and abstract machines, focusing on simple models that are actually widely useful in practical applications.

What is the second half of Computer Science?

It covers the second half of our book Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach (the first half is covered in our Coursera course Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose, to be released in the fall of 2018). Our intent is to demystify computation and to build awareness about the substantial intellectual underpinnings and rich history of the field of computer science.

What is computer science?

Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach. An introduction to computer science in the context of scientific, engineering, and commercial applications. The course will teach basic principles and practical issues, and will prepare students to use computers effectively for applications in computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, ...

What is a combinatorics course?

The course will present a computer science approach to thinking and modeling through such topics as dealing with uncertainty in data and handling large data sets . Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts such as NP-completeness and cryptography that arise from the world view of efficient computation. Prerequisites COS 126 and 226 (or sufficient mathematical background), and MAT 202 or MAT 204 or MAT 217. COS 226 can be taken along with COS 340 in the same term.

What is the emphasis of programming?

Emphasis is on the development of real programs, writing code but also assessing tradeoffs, choosing among design alternatives, debugging and testing, and improving performance. Issues include compatibility, robustness, and reliability, while meeting specifications.

What is logic circuit?

Logic circuits are at the heart of modern computing and communication chips. These deliver valuable societal solutions in several key areas: in information retrieval and processing using smart phones and cloud computing; in smart sensing and control as in emerging chips for human health care; and in critical security applications such as protecting infrastructures like the internet and energy production/distribution systems. Foundational aspects of logic design; contemporary design principles and practices. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: an introductory programming course, or equivalent programming experience.

What is typed functional programming?

An introduction to the principles of typed functional programming. Programming recursive functions over structured data types and informal reasoning by induction about the correctness of those functions. Functional algorithms and data structures. Principles of modular programming, type abstraction, representation invariants and representation independence. Parallel functional programming, algorithms and applications.

What is theoretical computer science?

If you have a passion for computers and consider yourself a math geek, you may be interested to learn about theoretical computer science, which is its own form of study that combines concepts from both computer science and mathematics. This subset looks at the abstract mathematical concepts involved in computing and is the genesis of the theory of computation. While this branch of science can be a bit complex, it’s likely fascinating to those who are interested in the ways in which technology, math and science intersect. Let’s take a look at the study more closely.

Why do computer theoreticians work in industry?

Some computer theoreticians go on to be employed in industry in order to provide engineers and other professionals with the theoretical framework behind their developments. As you can see, the theory based world of computer science is built upon numerous topical frameworks.

Is computer science theory a job?

In the area of computer theory, things get a bit more blurred. Of course, there are jobs related to theory in academia and scholarship. It makes sense that those who study theory are primed to teach theoretical concepts. Research is another area in which computer science theorists fit nicely.

What are the subjects that computer science is studied alongside?

Some institutions offer joint courses, in which computer science is studied alongside subjects such as mathematics, engineering and computing . You can expect to begin your computer science degree by developing a foundation in key computer science topics.

What are the requirements for computer science?

Entry requirements for computer science degrees usually emphasize further mathematics, with some institutions asking for a background in physics. A background in psychology or sociology can provide an added dimension to your studies, as you would have gained an understanding of how humans process information, while other natural sciences may also be helpful.

What is computation in computer science?

Computation is defined as any type of calculation or use of computing technology that follows well-defined models (such as algorithms and protocols) in the practice of information processing (which in turn is defined as the use of these models to transform data in computers). Computer science is considered by many of its practitioners ...

How to study computer graphics?

Studying computer graphics involves using computers to create still or moving two or three dimensional images using specialized graphics hardware and software. You’ll study how to manipulate visual and geometric information using computational techniques, focusing on mathematical and computational foundations of image generation and processing rather than purely aesthetic issues. You’ll need knowledge of physics, light and materials, as well as knowledge of the mathematics of homogenous matrices, and of data storage, representation and manipulations. Computer graphics makes the interaction and understanding of computers and interpretation of data easier for both computing professionals and consumers. With companies exploring increased use of trends such as ‘gamification’, the demand for computer scientists with advanced knowledge of computer graphics has never been greater.

What are the skills required for computer science?

Common skills gained with a computer science degree include: 1 Specialist knowledge of computer science theories, methods, practices and strategy 2 Understanding of a range of programming languages 3 Understanding of computing architecture, construction, engineering and design 4 Understanding of computing software, tools, packages and design 5 Wide understanding of a range of computer-based systems 6 Awareness of and ability to cope with and adapt to rapid technological changes 7 Excellent mathematics/numeracy skills 8 Good foundation in physics 9 Ability to understand complex numerical data 10 Teamwork and leadership skills 11 Analytical and critical thinking skills 12 Creative thinking skills 13 Time management and organization skills 14 General commercial awareness 15 Written and oral communication skills, including presentations and report writing 16 Ability to negotiate, persuade, and present reasoned arguments 17 Strong problem-solving, analysis and decision-making abilities

What is human-computer interaction?

The study of human-computer interaction (HCI) considers the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable, and universally accessible to humans, in order to prevent unexpected problems caused by poorly designed human-machine interfaces. Coupled with studies rooted in behavioral sciences, you’ll cover the study, planning and design of this kind of interaction, with the understanding that a computer has an almost unlimited amount of uses which can only take place in an open-ended dialogue between the user and the computer. You’ll approach the subject on the machine side, with computing techniques such as computer graphics, operating systems, programming languages and development environments, and on the human side, exploring communication, graphics, linguistics, social sciences such as cognitive psychology, and user satisfaction.

What are some of the most popular computer science topics?

A closer look at some of the most popular computer science topics is provided below. Programming language theory. Programming is an interdisciplinary topic, incorporating elements from subjects such as mathematics, software engineering and linguistics. Programming language theory involves looking at the design, implementation, analysis, ...

What is computer science?

Whereas at Boston University: “Computer Science is the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical processes ...

Is Dave's computer science course free?

What he doesn’t mention, is that this course is free! Making this an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to learn what Dave notes are “foundational concepts in computer science.”

image