About Computer Science

What do Computer Scientists do?

A computer is a machine whose behaviour is controlled by a program. A program is a set of instructions prepared by a human, known as a programmer. Programs are more commonly known as software, to distinguish them from the hardware of the machine itself.

Computer Science is concerned with both the hardware and software aspects of computers, with a strong emphasis on software. Computer hardware is made from electronic components, so a detailed knowledge of hardware must inevitably involve the study of electronics, which is taught in the School of Electrical Engineering.

Within the School of Computer Science our primary goal is to teach people how to write good software, but we also teach courses that touch on aspects of computer hardware that are important for a programmer to know.

Programming a computer is a bit like telling someone how to perform a task, such as making a cup of tea. The task can be broken down into small steps, and the person can be told to perform each of those steps until the whole task is complete.

Computer programming involves analysing a problem, to see a way of solving it, and then preparing a program that specifies the steps to take to solve the problem.

When you talk to another person, you use English, or another natural language. Unfortunately, computers cannot understand English, so special programming languages have been developed for this purpose. To become a competent programmer, you will need to learn several programming languages.

Learning a programming languages takes time, just as learning any foreign natural-language takes time. Fortunately, the first language is the hardest. Once you see how computer languages work, the remainder are much easier to learn. Although Computer Science is relatively young, dating from about the 1940s, many important discoveries have been made about how to think about solving problems and how to write computer programs well. At Adelaide we provide a solid foundation in these known techniques that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.

Where will I work?

Computer science can provide you with the skills for a rewarding career:

• If you have an interest in business, you could end up in a bank, stockbroking or accounting firm, providing computing services.
• If you have an interest in electronics, you could join a start-up company and help them to launch a new product on the market that is as revolutionary as the apple iPod.
• If you have an interest in medicine, you could find yourself working on systems for managing patient care, or new machines for delivering drugs, or for analysing x-rays.
• If you have an interest in biology, you could work in a laboratory studying the human genome, or analysing the data from experiments in disease control, or predicting the yield of a new strain of wheat.
• If you have an interest in sport, perhaps you will use your programming skills to analyse the motion of swimmers, to help them improve their performance, and win a gold medal at the next Olympic games.
• If you have an interest in cars, you could find yourself involved in creating new engine-control systems that reduce greenhouse emissions.

Computers are everywhere. The career options for computer programmers are virtually unlimited.

Computer science can also pay very well. Of course salaries are dependent on skills, experience, and market supply and demand, but even in the worst times, salaries are good.