COMPUTER SCIENCE

According to Dictionary.com, computer science is the science that deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the applications of computers.

A computer scientist specializes in the theory of computation and the design of computational systems.

Discuss with Explorers information about the field of computer science and what they could expect if they choose it as a career.

(All remaining information for Activity 1 and Activity 2 is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Computer and Information Research Scientist. Source:  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm)

Computer scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.

Duties

Computer and information research scientists typically do the following:

• Explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to address those issues.
• Help scientists and engineers solve complex computing problems.
• Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve the way in which people work with computers.
• Develop and improve the software systems that form the basis of the modern computing experience.
• Design experiments to test the operation of these software systems.
• Analyze the results of their experiments.
• Computer scientists create and improve computer software and hardware.

Creating and improving software involves working with algorithms, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some computer tasks are very difficult and require complex algorithms. Computer scientists try to simplify these algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The algorithms allow advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.

Computer scientists design new computer architecture that improves the performance and efficiency of computer hardware. Their work often leads to technological advancements and efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and improved information security. In general, computer scientists work at a more theoretical level than do other computer professionals.

Work Environment

The industries that employed the most computer scientists were as follows:

Most computer and information research scientists need a Ph.D. in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering. A Ph.D. usually requires 4 to 5 years of study after earning a bachelor’s degree, typically in a computer-related field, such as computer science or information systems. During their first 2 years in a Ph.D. program, students take a variety of computer science classes. They then choose a specialty and spend the remaining years in the program doing research within that specialty.

Computer scientists who work in a specialized field may need knowledge of that field. For example, those working on biomedical applications may have to take some biology classes.

Other computing fields, such as computer programming, might require a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree in computer science. Most programmers learn a few computer languages while in school. However, a computer science degree gives students the skills needed to learn new computer languages easily. During their classes, students receive hands-on experience writing code, testing programs, fixing errors, and doing many other tasks that they will perform on the job.

To keep up with changing technology, computer programmers may take continuing education and professional development seminars to learn new programming languages or about upgrades to programming languages they already know.

IMPORTANT QUALITIES

• Analytical Skills: Computer scientists must be organized in their thinking and analyze the results of their research to formulate conclusions.
• Communication Skills: Computer scientists must communicate well with programmers and managers and be able to clearly explain their conclusions to people with no technical background. They often present their research at conferences.
• Critical-Thinking Skills: Computer scientists work on many complex problems.
• Detail Oriented: Computer scientists must pay close attention to their work, because a small programming error can cause an entire project to fail.
• Ingenuity: Computer scientists must continually come up with innovative ways to solve problems, particularly when their ideas do not initially work as intended.
• Logical Thinking: Computer algorithms rely on logic. Computer scientists must have a talent for reasoning.
• Math Skills: Computer scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics that are critical in computing.

PAY

The median annual wage for computer scientist was $77,550 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,640.

It is recommended that Advisors visit the website Code.org to find fun and educational computer science activities. The following page includes a number of activities that Advisors might choose to try with their posts: Curriculum Catalog.

Another option for Advisors is to prepare and follow the activity suggested in this video supporting the BSA Programming merit badge. The activity focuses on embedded programming using the Arduino board, which can be purchased here.

Be sure to review and test out the plans for all activities in advance in order to purchase and/or prepare materials, anticipate challenges, and develop questions.