Scribd
Upload
168 views29 pages

Computer Science: An Overview: Dr. Christian Skalka

This document provides an overview of computer science as a field of study. It discusses that computer science involves more than just programming, including designing new technologies, science, business, mathematics, and philosophy. While programming is a basic skill, computer science opens doors to diverse opportunities such as computational biology, financial modeling, information systems, computer security, and theory of computing. The document outlines three bachelor's degree programs in computer science at UVM, typical coursework, special topic courses, credits required, and admission criteria. It encourages students who can't decide to apply broadly at first and provides information on accelerated master's programs and AP credits.

Uploaded by

Anuradha Varier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
168 views29 pages

Computer Science: An Overview: Dr. Christian Skalka

This document provides an overview of computer science as a field of study. It discusses that computer science involves more than just programming, including designing new technologies, science, business, mathematics, and philosophy. While programming is a basic skill, computer science opens doors to diverse opportunities such as computational biology, financial modeling, information systems, computer security, and theory of computing. The document outlines three bachelor's degree programs in computer science at UVM, typical coursework, special topic courses, credits required, and admission criteria. It encourages students who can't decide to apply broadly at first and provides information on accelerated master's programs and AP credits.

Uploaded by

Anuradha Varier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 29

Computer Science: An Overview

Dr. Christian Skalka


Computers Everywhere
Yours is the first generation for whom
computers are a fact of life:

• At home
• At school
• At work and play

The power of computers is amazing!


What is Computer Science?
Computer science is about computers and
much more:
• Designing new communication
technologies
• Science and business
• Mathematics and logic, even philosophy
Programming and Beyond
Myth: Computer Science is all about
programming
Fact: Programming is just a basic skill of
computer science

Basic skills open the door to diverse and


exciting opportunities…
Advanced Applications
• Incredible speed allows massive amounts
of data to be analyzed
• Computer algorithms are like telescopes

Tools that see further than ever before…


Example: Computational Biology
New insights into nature of living organisms
via computational methods:
• Gene recognition
• Building the tree of life

Advance the forefronts of scientific


knowledge!
Example: Financial Modeling
Methods for analyzing economic data:
• Discover hidden trends
Constructing sophisticated economic models:
• Predict future market behavior

Big bucks on Wall Street!


Engineering Information Systems
• Modern information systems are the most
complex machines ever built
• New technologies make systems cheaper,
faster, more reliable

New design and programming methods


facilitate worldwide communications…
Example: Distributed Systems
• Communication protocols
• Programs for routing information quickly
and reliably
• Adapting systems to emerging media

Build a better Internet!


Example: Computer Security
• Cryptographic techniques
• Security architectures
• Verification of system security

Protect national security,


personal privacy!
Theory of Computing
• The computer on your desk is an
embodiment of great ideas
• Computation is an abstract concept

What can computers do? How fast? Can they


learn or think?
Example: Deep Blue
• Chess playing computers: automated
problem solvers
• They said it could never happen…
• Deep Blue beats Gary
Kasparov

Study the nature of intelligence!


Computer Science at UVM
Commitment to teaching:
• Provide rigorous training in basic skills

Cutting edge research activities:


• Explore new horizons, choose your
direction
Minimum Undergraduate
Entrance Requirements
(University wide)
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of Mathematics
(Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or equivalent)
• 3 years of social science
• 2 years of natural or physical science
• 2 years of the same foreign language
Admission Criteria
College of Arts and Sciences

Strongly encouraged:

• 4 years of mathematics, including trigonometry


• continue foreign language study during junior and
senior years.
Admission Criteria
College of Engineering and Mathematics

• 2 years physical sciences (Chemistry and Physics


preferred)
• 4 years of mathematics including trigonometry

Mathematics background and performance is a critical factor


in admission
BSCS
• Offered through the College of E&M
• Most technical of 3 degrees
• Follows accreditation guidelines
• Minor required
BS CSIS
• Interdisciplinary program between CS and
Business Administration
• Fulfills advanced standing requirement for
MBA program
• No minor required
BACS
• Most flexible degree program
• Liberal arts education with CS major
• Facilitates double-major
• Minor required
Typical Courses
First Year Courses:
Visual Basic (CSIS only)
Programming I and II

Second Year Courses:


Object Oriented Programming
Computer Organization
Programming Languages
Data Structures
Typical Courses
Junior/Senior Courses:
(BSCS – 7 courses, CSIS – 3 courses, BACS - 4 courses)

• Operating Systems • Computer Architecture


• Compiler Construction • Analysis of Algorithms
• Database Systems • Theory of Computation
• Software Engineering • Special Topics
Special Topic Courses
• World Wide Web •Network Security and Cryptography
• Introduction to Embedded
• Information Retrieval
Software
• Compiler Construction •Computer Modeling and Simulation
• Analysis of Algorithms
•Human-Computer Interaction
• Neural Computation
•Combinatorial Algorithms
• Parallel Algorithms and
Programming Techniques •Graduate Seminar: Machine
• Computer Networks Learning
Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Programs
at-a-glance

120

38
100 44

71
number of credits

80 Other
16 38 Bsad/Econ
Science
60
Math/Stat
23
8 CS
7
40 12 12

20 41
32 32

0
BS CS BS CSIS BA CS
Program Option
Can’t Decide?
No need to choose between the programs until
your third semester!

Apply to College of E&M, it’s easy to switch


to A&S – not as easy to transfer into E&M
Accelerated Master’s Program
Complete a bachelor and a master's degree in
computer science within five years.

Apply in junior year.


AP Credits
Score of 4 or 5 on Computer Science A Exam
CS 021 Computer Programming I 4.00

Score of 3 on Computer Science AB Exam


CS 021 Computer Programming I 4.00

Score of 4 or 5 on Computer Science AB Exam


CS 021 Computer Programming I 4.00
CS 026 Intro Level Computer Science 3.00
Computer Science Student Association

• student run organization provides


– interaction with other CS students
– a voice in the department
– education
– FUN!
Come Visit
Visit us online: www.cs.uvm.edu

Stop by the department:


visit a class
meet with students
meet with faculty
Questions?
[email protected]

You might also like