I'm an undergraduate student at NDSU and my primary major is computer science (I’m also majoring in
international studies). That means when I grow up I get to be a scientist! A computer scientist.
How fun does that sound?
The field of computer science is broken into many different
subfields, from computational complexity theory, to computer graphics, to
programing languages, human computer interaction and much more.
Computer science might just be one of the most important
fields out there today. The advent of computers and computer scientists has
completely reshaped society and the way the world functions. There are
computers in virtually every device and system in existence today.
The work done in the field of computer science affects
almost all other areas of study as well as shares ideas with them. Computer
science research often includes other disciplines such as linguistics,
mathematics, physics, statistics, and logic.
Most of the work done in the field of computer science
actually involves manipulating programs and software, not the computers themselves.
"Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes." - Edsger Dijkstra
Who goes into computer science?
Well, me, for one.
Who else? Anyone really. It takes a lot of patience and the
ability to think logically, but anyone can get into computer science if they’re
interested in doing more with computers than facebook.
Computer scientists want to use technology to make the world
better and more exciting.
Let’s imagine a world without computer scientists. A world
with no one to write new programs, no one to manage databases or information
systems, a world with no one to come out with new operating systems, or cell
phone apps.
What would that world be like?
It would suck wouldn’t it?
When you text someone next think of this: someone had to
code a program in your phone that allows you to compose a text message. Almost
every simple task that we take for granted is affected and made possible by
computer science.
The website on which you're reading this text was only made possible by computer science. Someone had to code this webpage and all its elements.
Computer science is a very complex and diverse field that has found its niche in every facet of society.
I think that you have written a nice article on how important computer science really is. We really don't think about all the convinces that we have until someone tells you to stop and think about it or your phone doesn't work. But I think the description you wrote on computer science is an interesting one and it really gets you thinking on how important it really is.
ReplyDeleteHey Joe, I liked your blog. Computer science is going to continue to be important to our society for years and years to come, pretty much everything nowadays is run by computers. I thought you would have noted some advances in computer technology and computer science to make a better arguement for why computer since is so important, but overall a nice job. I am sure you will be working with some pretty sweet stuff and new technologies in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the humor in your post and how easy of a read it was. My favorite part though was the quote you inserted:
ReplyDelete"Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes."
I thought that this really helped to sum up how there is a lot more behind the field of computer science than what the title "Computer Science" gives it credit for. I also enjoyed the examples you gave about the programming behind every day activities/items like texting. It really helps to hit home about how the need for computer scientists is growing exponentially!