Why be a Computer Scientist? Everything that you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask!

1. Why be a Computer Scientist? Everything that you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask! Jeanine Cook ENABLE Workshop, August 2009

2. What’s Next??? • Come to another workshop! • Advanced Alice programming • LegoBots • Maybe go to school for computer science!

3. What is Computer Science? Computer science (or computing science) is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems. It is frequently described as the systematic study of algorithmic processes that describe and transform information. Wikipedia

4. What Computer Science is Not Computer Science is not just about building computers or writing computer programs! Computer Science is no more about building computers and developing software than astronomy is about building telescopes, biology is about building microscopes, and music is about building musical instruments! Computer science is not about the tools we use to carry out computation. It is about how we use such tools, and what we find out when we do. The solution of many computer science problems may not even require the use of computers—just pencil and paper. As a matter of fact, problems in computer science have been tackled decades before computers were even built.

5. Top 10 Reasons to Major in Computing • Computing is part of everything we do! • Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems. • Computing enables you to make a positive difference in the world. • Human genome • Aids vaccine research • Environmental monitoring and protecting • Computing offers many types of lucrative careers. • Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located. • Expertise in computing helps you even if your primary career choice is something else. • Computing offers great opportunities for true creativity and innovativeness. • Computing has space for both collaborative work and individual effort. • Computing is an essential part of well-rounded academic preparation. • Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries.

6. Top 10 Jobs in America Today (1/6/09; (CareerCast.com) • Actuary ($87,650) • Biomedical Engineer ($81,540) • Software Engineer ($90,530) • Audiologist ($66,660) • Financial Planner ($64,750) • Dental Hygienist ($68,250) • Occupational Therapist($72,320) • Optometrist($94,990) • Physical Therapist($76,300) • Computer Systems Analyst($77,740)

7. Top 10 Worst Jobs in America • Newspaper Reporter ($36,000) • Lumberjack ($32,870) • Enlisted Military Personnel ($41,998) • Actor ($17.44/hour) • Oil Rig Worker ($37,640) • Diary Farmer($60,750) • Meter Reader ($36,400) • Mail Carrier($53,090) • Roofer ($34,220) • Flight Attendant ($37,740)

9. Computing Disciplines and Majors • Computer Engineering • Study the design of digital hardware and software systems including communications systems, computers and devices that contain computers. Programming is focused on digital devices and their interfaces with users and other devices. • Computer Science • Three categories: a) designing and building software; b) developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems; and c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics. • Information Systems • Concerned with the information that computer systems can provide to aid a company, non-profit or governmental organization in defining and achieving its goals. It is also concerned with the processes that an enterprise can implement and improve using information technology.

10. Computing Disciplines and Majors • Information Technology • Meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations. Select hardware and software products appropriate for an organization; integrate those products with organizational needs and infrastructure; install, customize and maintain those applications. Programming often involves writing short programs that typically connect existing components (scripting). • Software Engineering • Concerned with developing and maintaining software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain, and satisfy all the requirements that customers have defined for them.

11. Computing Disciplines and Majors • Mixed Major Disciplines • Bioinformatics: combines elements from biology, biochemistry, and computer science, and prepares students for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, or for graduate school in informatics. • Computational science: science done computationally; serves as a bridge between computing technology and basic sciences. Blends several fields including computer science, applied mathematics, and one or more application sciences (such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, earth sciences, business and others).

12. Computing Disciplines and Majors • Mixed Major Disciplines • Gaming and animation: Create computer games and computer animations. Combines either or both of computer science and information technology work with either or both of art and (digital) media studies. • Medical (or health) informatics: Work as technology experts for hospitals; in public health; some students may be premed or pre-dental. Coursework may be drawn from any or all of computer science, information systems, or information technology in combination with biology, chemistry, and courses unique to this interdisciplinary field.

13. Basic Computer Science Curriculum • Artificial Intelligence • Basic Concepts of Computing • C++ Programming • Compilers • Computer Animation and Graphics • Computer Language Engineering • Data Structures and Programming • Design and Analysis of Algorithms • Formal Languages and Automata Theory • Introduction to Computers • Introduction to Databases • Operating Systems • Principles of Database Design • Programming and Problem Solving • Programming Languages • Project Management • Robotics • Security in the Information Age • Software Engineering • Statistics • User-Interface Programming

14. Employers of CS Graduates • Banks and financial institutions • Colleges and universities • Computer or software vendors • Consulting firms • Corporate communications departments • Design studios • Dot-coms • Insurance companies • Local, state, and federal agencies • Manufacturers • Motion picture and television studios • Network access points • Online or Internet service providers • Public and private schools, K-12 • Research laboratories • Retail chains and stores • Search engines • Software and hardware manufacturers • Web site design firms

15. Companies that Employ CS Graduates • Microsoft • IBM • Intel • Apple • Amazon • Cisco • Google • Hewlett-Packard • Sun Microsystems • Dell • Verizon • Toshiba • Panasonic • Motorola • AT & T • Sony Electronics • Texas Instruments • Yahoo • DuPont • Dow Chemical Company • Department of Energy • Department of Defense • General Dynamics • Lockheed Martin • General Electric • CNN • UPS • Johnson & Johnson

16. Summary • Computer science is full of opportunity and diversity • Computer science is accessible to individuals with disabilities