Computer Science Roles and Functions Quiz

Course Introduction (CSC 101)

• This course introduces the fundamentals of computer science and computing.
• It covers basic concepts, data representation, computer organization and architecture, problem-solving algorithms, computer networks, the internet, and programming in Visual Basic.
• Teaching, demonstrations, laboratory activities, online discussions, assignments, and group work are included.
• Course assessment includes class attendance, online activities, quizzes, lab work, and examinations.

Learning Strategies

• Attend lectures regularly.
• Read relevant textbook chapters.
• Regularly use the Moodle learning platform.
• Ask the lecturer questions when needed.
• Utilize IT resources to explore new concepts.
• Watch lecture videos on YouTube for topics requiring clarification.
• Participate in discussion groups.
• Enhance comprehension through active thinking.

Lesson Objectives

• Introduce computer science by clarifying the roles of computer scientists.
• Examine computer science as a discipline.
• Explain foundational computer science traditions.
• Define the qualities of a good computer scientist (e.g., correctness, efficiency, security, fault-tolerance, user-friendliness, and intelligence).

Understanding Computer Science

• Computer scientists are in high demand due to the widespread use of computers.
• Their role is to create and maintain tools that support and enhance computer usage.
• Effective tools demand modeling before implementation.
• Models are often mathematical in nature, commonly using existing structures like sets, lists, and orderings.
• Theoretical frameworks are critical, forming the foundation for tool development.

Definitions of Computer Science

• Computer science involves studying algorithmic processes that transform information, encompassing analysis, design, implementation, efficiency, and application (automation).
• The discipline covers computer building, programming, computational tool usage, and knowledge derived from these activities.
• Problem-solving computationally involves defined steps.

Steps in Computational Problem Solving

• Abstraction: Building simplified models based on real-world problems.
• Automation: Automating model solutions/operations using algorithms.
• Implementation: Applying models and algorithms as code/instructions to be executable by a computer.

Examples of Abstraction

• Car functionalities: Focus on exterior operations without internal engine details.
• Illustrates simplification of complex real-world problems.

Layers of a Computer System

• Layers form a hierarchy from basic information representation to complex applications.
• Information is represented in binary (bits).
• Layers encompass hardware components, programming languages, operating systems, applications, and communication.

Layers of Software

• Application packages (e.g. word processors) are high-level interfaces.
• Systems software (e.g. operating systems) provide essential functionalities.
• Programming languages (e.g high-level, assembly, machine) mediate communication.
• Machine language directly translates for the computer.

Foundational Basis of CSC

• Computer science draws on mathematical concepts for theoretical frameworks defining properties.
• Logical rigor and abstraction allow for building models.
• Theory-based reasoning is valuable for preventing errors/failures.

Foundational Basis of CSC - Traditions

• Engineering tradition: Focuses on design and implementation of hardware and software.
• Experimental Science tradition: Employs scientific method in developing theory and knowledge.

Computer Science vs. Technology

• Scientists discover; technologists build tools and apply discovered knowledge/principles to create solutions to practical problems.
• Example: Scientist discovers human body functioning while technologists create artificial hearts.

Disciplines within Computer Science

• Algorithms and data structures
• Programming languages
• Computer architecture
• Numerical and symbolic calculation
• Operating systems
• Software methodology and engineering
• Databases and information management
• Artificial intelligence
• Human-computer interaction
• Net-centric computing
• Computational science

Computing relationships with other domains

• Computing connects with fields like medicine, science, business, humanities, and art; providing tools and knowledge for solutions.

Computer Scientists

• Software engineers, systems programmers, systems administrators, and computer network specialists are examples.

Information System Programmers, Object Technology Specialists, and Database System Specialists

• Are also types/categories of computer scientist focused on specific aspects of system design and implementation.

What is a Computer?

• Computers are digital systems.
• Information is encoded in binary.
• Computers use microprocessors to execute instructions.

What Can Be Automated? How?

• Automation involves making a computer solve problems through software or hardware.
• Goals of automation often include correctness, efficiency, security, user-friendliness, fault-tolerance, and intelligence.

Correctness

• A tool is correct if its operation aligns precisely with the defined specifications.

Efficiency

• Efficiency is about utilizing resources judiciously, especially time and machine resources (space).

Security

• Security is about preventing malicious attacks or unauthorized use of a tool. Data encryption is one way to protect information.

User-Friendliness

• User-friendliness considers ease of usage for human users.
• Cultural, ergonomic, and individual preferences are factors.

Fault-tolerance

• Fault tolerance is the ability to handle faults without crashing.
• Mean time between failures (MTBF) measures this ability/rate.

Intelligence

• Intelligence mimics human intelligence (reasoning, language understanding, learning, and game-playing).

Core Concepts of Computer Science

• Core areas of computing science include algorithms, data structures, programming, computer architecture, and theory.

Digital Divide

• The digital divide highlights the disparity in access to and competency with computer technology, especially in developing countries.

Study Questions

• Some study questions related to your course in computer science are relevance to the course, core concepts in computing science, Systems vs. application areas, the nature of computing in relation to other branches of knowledge, and steps involved in solving computational problems.

Test your knowledge about various roles in computer science, including their responsibilities and areas of expertise. This quiz covers topics such as operating systems, object technology, and database systems. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand the different positions within the field!