Transcript Document

Computer Science: An Overview
Dr. Christian Skalka
Computers Everywhere
Yours is the first generation for whom
computers are a fact of life:
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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
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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
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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
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Communication protocols
Programs for routing information quickly
and reliably
Adapting systems to emerging media
Build a better Internet!
Example: Computer Security
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Cryptographic techniques
Security architectures
Verification of system security
Protect national security,
personal privacy!
Theory of Computing
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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
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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
People: Craig Damon
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15 years experience in industry
Founded two high-tech companies
Research in Software Engineering,
Databases
Nominated for KroepschMaurice teaching award
People: Maggie Eppstein
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20 years teaching experience
Extensive research in medical imaging
and computational biology
Contributions to breast
cancer research
People: Christian Skalka (Me)
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Recently joined UVM CS
Research in Programming languages,
security, CS theory
Background in Philosophy, interest in
interdisciplinary study
Explore Computer Science
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An exciting, expanding field with new
things happening every day
Broad range of academic and professional
opportunities
UVM Computer Science: training in basic
skills, exploration of advanced topics
http://www.cs.uvm.edu
Exploring
Computer Science at
The University of Vermont
The Colleges and Schools
• College Of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Education and Social Services
• College of Engineering and Mathematics
• College of Medicine
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• School of Business Administration
• School of Natural Resources
Three Computer Science Degrees
are offered at UVM.
1. Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science
(College of Engineering and Math)
2. Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science
and Information Systems
(College of Engineering and Math)
3. Bachelor of Arts, Major in Computer Science
(College of Arts and Sciences)
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:
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4 years of mathematics, including trigonometry
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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
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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
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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
Software
• Information Retrieval
• Compiler Construction
•Computer Modeling and Simulation
• Analysis of Algorithms
•Human-Computer Interaction
• Neural Computation
• Parallel Algorithms and
Programming Techniques
• Computer Networks
•Combinatorial Algorithms
•Graduate Seminar: Machine
Learning
Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Programs
at-a-glance
120
38
number of credits
100
44
71
80
Other
16
Bsad/Econ
38
Science
60
Math/Stat
23
40
20
8
7
12
12
32
32
BS CSIS
BA CS
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0
BS CS
Program Option
CS
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
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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]