I have been getting a lot of questions about computer science and I can't answer them all. You’ll learn to break down complex problems into little problems that can be solved systematically. Read more. As there has been growing interest in CS undergraduate courses over the past few years, I would like to share my experience as a CS major at National University of Singapore, and also shed light on the common misconceptions that people may have. Strong knowledge of computer science foundations and fundamentals, including (a) familiarity with common computer science themes and principles, (b) high-level understanding of systems as a whole, (c) understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of computer science and their influences in practice. It is meant to give professionals foundational skills that can be applied towards any career in coding. I have check out the modules of the website, but is like somehow the same. Your preference for one or the other will depend on how you feel about this fact more than anything. Learning one language well makes learning successive languages easier. That also means the range of courses available to you is fairly broad. Studies in computer information systems will touch on a little of everything. Consider Google Search. It’s hard to avoid math classes when you’re studying computer science. Recognises the context in which a computer system may function including its interactions with people and the physical world. Computing vs computer engineering in NUS. Coding is very specific and can grind to a halt just because of a forgotten semicolon. To add to the confusion, some schools and jobs call this same role information systems, computer information systems, business information systems, and management information systems. I have no interest in working in Library whatsoever. However, Computer Science has a lot of Mathematics and I am worried because I did not take any O level or A level mathematics before. A computer scientist has to be comfortable ‘existing in the unknown’, meaning they’re willing to not know what to do but can push through to the answers they need. SMU/NUS/NTU Computing Courses. Students who aim for Honours (Highest Distinction) must pass the CP4101 BComp Dissertation. Popular programming languages are typically general purpose - meaning they can be used in many applications - but each language has its own niche area. Potential employers can derive your willingness to learn and try new things, which translates to a potentially great attitude in the working environment. Second, the basic theory behind these techniques will be covered. No decent undergraduate degree program is a walk in the park. This essay will also be focussed on National University of Singapore’s curriculum and programmes, because I’m most familiar with it. Take the stress out of picking a bootcamp, Learn web development basics in HTML, CSS, JavaScript by building projects, Computer Information Systems vs Computer Science, How to Learn Immunology: Best Courses to Study Infectious Diseases and Immune Deficiency, The Top Programming Languages to Learn for Career Success, How to Learn Adobe Lightroom: The Best Online Courses and Other Photography Resources. How did your search come back with millions of results in a fraction of a second? Prior to this, I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Network Systems & Security. However, you’ve probably never learnt why and how they work behind the scenes. You’ll learn lower level concepts like logic, CPU design and basic assembly programming. Electives. For the soft skills, you can take minor in technopreneurship or management, or take elective in IS itself if you decided to transfer. They also know what’s involved with getting an organization set up with that technology and how to keeping it running. However, disliking programming may lead to difficulty understanding CS materials, as they are intertwined. Last, but not least, the course demonstrates the role of bioinformaticians as a bridge between the field of computer science and biology, and prepares students for advanced computer-science topics relevant to bioinformatics. See: DNA Editing with CRISPR, human genome project, anti-bank fraud systems and insider trading analysis. I’m still not great at mathematics, but NUS CS has made me see math in a different light. If you found the first question to be up your alley, you may want to consider computer information systems (CIS). There are ten of them. People in this field need to be comfortable problem solving and be able to attack a problem logically. From the second year onwards, you’ll specialize into a technical area of study called a Focus Area. It’s about taking problems, figuring out what needs to be solved, and providing a step-by-step solution to compute the solution. A well-rounded technology practitioner will have a bit of experience in both fields. Many CS graduates eventually exit academia into engineering roles though. Update Dec 2017: I’ve graduated from NUS. As a freshman, you’ll do lot of common modules, so the first year tend to be similar with other majors. Both require some sort of knowledge of programming and comfort with reading and writing programs. While both deal with the use of computer technology as a tool for human endeavor, they work with very different parts of your brain and involve very different skills. Self-directed learning is important in CS. Since the coursework tends to be language agnostic, students may miss out on newer, in-demand languages. The full SoC CS curriculum is available on the website. If you’re not, CS will equip you with the mental toolbox to approach complex problems with confidence. NTU vs NUS Computer Science. It encompasses latest research findings, both applied and fundamental. Even more confusion can come from the range of departments that house the program. Each of those roles requires a specialized skill set, but CS forms the foundation of all of them. 4 Information Security Modules. A Computer Science Graduate. Well, I think that both NTU/NUS are pretty much similar in terms of the course materials. People studying computer science go very in-depth into how computers are designed, how they work at the micro-level, and the mathematical foundations of programming and computer processing. When you’re looking at career options with technology, you’ll face a number of fields and job titles that appear to be synonymous but are in fact very dissimilar. While there is quite a bit of overlap between MCS and MSIT degree programs, there are some clear differences in the MCS program in terms of scope, program curriculum and career paths. As a database administrator, you may manage a company’s data and make sure it’s safe and accessible in the most efficient manner. Computer Information Systems. CS vs. CIS in Salary. For example, matrices in linear algebra are used heavily in Computer Graphics and Game Development, and graph theory is used in databases and computer program analysis. That is, identify your gaps in knowledge and figure out how to fill them up efficiently. Wikipedia has a good outline of the subfields in CS. You can be a web developer, AI researcher, data scientist, software engineer, devops engineer, mobile app developer… the list goes on. How did the information get from Google’s servers to your screen? You might take classes in logic, linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics, and set theory, among others. Share This Post. One common complaint with a ‘pure’ computer science department is that it might not adequately prepare its students for work in the ‘real world’ as a programmer. It’s time to get rid of that. Though computer science and computer information systems both involve managing information, CS focuses on developing software that allows computers and other devices to run. IS is a degree that sits in the intersection of business and IT, while CS is deeply grounded in mathematics and logic. In CS, grades serve as your personal benchmark. You know how to use computers as a tool to get things done. I know the math and science suck but it is bearable. Both CS and mathematics force you to think in terms of abstractions. Learn how information security issues influence the law from an NUS Law professor. It’s easier to see the difference between the core modules of these majors: IS2101 Business and Technical Communication*, IS2103 Enterprise Systems Development Concepts, IS3102 Enterprise Systems Development Project, introductory programming methodologies (CS1010 and S, X, E variants, CS1101S, CS2030), data structures and algorithms (CS2040, CS3230). Which career you pursue depends on what interests you about technology in general. 3.2.9 Bachelor of Computing in Information Security. Let’s break both of these fields down. I'm afraid that literally every employer will look down on this major. How long does it take to become a full stack web developer? Hi guys! Computer Science & Information Security. I don't know how this thread would turn out but I guess it's worth a try. These are just a few of the opportunities you'll have as a Computer Science student at NUS. Computer scientists need incredible attention to detail. Assembly, C, C++, C#, and Object C are some of the tougher programming languages to learn. Don't worry so much on where you should get your degree. The Lowdown:Computer Science focuses on teaching programming and computing. Scoring consistent C’s and D’s is a signal that you have not understood the material intuitively, and will pose problems when you’re taking higher level modules. Some people love that scope while others are frustrated about the lack of in-depth examination in one subject. The Singapore technology and research ecosystem is expanding rapidly with massive government support — there has never been a better time to pursue CS. Computer science is a deep dive into one area of technology, whereas computer information systems is a much broader investigation of a little bit of everything. I have friends who studied computer science in NTU too. The most obvious job coming out of computer science studies is to be a programmer, but even that describes a lot of different things. By Jennifer W. Eisenberg. Your studies in the field will involve algorithms (their design and efficiency), software architecture (what makes up a computer language or a program), design patterns (the generalized patterns that all languages follow), data structures (how to model data to make it the most useful), and possibly even a bit of digital electronics. I felt challenged by the first programming module I took in SoC, CS1101S, which I highly recommend freshmen to take, if you have the opportunity. Master of Computing - Computer Science Specialisation The Master of Computing programme is a comprehensive and challenging graduate programme with area specialisations. No interviewers have ever asked me for grades. Html, Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Java are some of the easiest, high-level languages for beginning coders to learn. Developing cutting edge applications. There are many guides on what language to learn first — I will not delve into that here. Most students will spend their summer vacations on internships and exchanges. For example, Python and Ruby are used for scripting languages, while Java is used for building enterprise systems. There’s a lot of so-called non-technical course work involved in this field. Before writing full-time he was a project manager and developer for the University of Michigan and Detroit Labs, a mobile app start-up. Feel free to ping me on Twitter or Email with questions or comments. Beyond the technical know-how, the skills these courses help to build include problem-solving abilities, leading a team, working with a group to solve problems, and customer service. NUS Information Systems (IS) Alumni. Computer scientists study computers, determine what they can do, and then create new software to take advantage of their capabilities. Computer information systems is the discipline of working with the practical applications of computers and optimizing them for people and organizations. Not necessarily! CS will flex your brain muscles and teach you how to reason rigorously in the various subfields, such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence and even programming languages themselves. It does not mean you can mess school up and get away with it. Grades do not mean much when applying for industry roles, such as software engineering. It just didn’t seem like an interesting subject and I associated it with boredom and dread. People coming into the field also work as analysts, support technicians, and cybersecurity specialists, among other things. ... CS would help you learn and grow much more. I also don't like the fact that a lot of employers and alumnis work in Libraries. I highly recommend doing internships that are self-sourced, and not on the list provided in the faculty internship portal. Two fields that you’ll see listed often are computer information systems and computer science. IS4010 Industry Internship Programme(12 MCs) from the Department of Information Systems and Analytics; TR3202 Start-up Internship Programme(12 MCs) from NUS Overseas Colleges; Other forms of industry experience approved by the Department of Computer Science. Computer science is, put simply, the science of computing. Computing VS Computer Engineering. While it involves a lot of technical know-how, and people in this field are expected to be very computer savvy, most of their work is with the people using the machines. Being able to score well in a module gives you a sense of confidence that you have understood the subject materials. Many schools feature a comprehensive curriculum that merges computer science and computer information systems. Your preference for one or the other will depend on how you feel about this fact more than anything. After an afternoon of looking at job postings with the words ‘computer’, ‘systems’, and ‘information’ rearranged over and over, you’d understandably be very confused. Don’t assume that you’re just going to learn how to program; you can do that in 2 weeks with an online course. CS students are not required to do electrical and electronic engineering modules. How to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, How to Learn TensorFlow: Best Courses, Books, Certifications, and Other Resources, How to Become a CRM Developer: Key Steps and Education to Succeed with CRM Solutions. However, mathematics pedagogy in University is on a whole other level. A well-designed curriculum will begin with battle-tested fundamental courses. I am now still serving NS, but i received a letter from NUS that I have to choose my major now with the effect of academic year 2010-11. Anything lower than that enters the realm of Computer Engineering, where modules are coded with CG instead of CS. Specific references in this article about NUS and the computing faculty may be outdated - please contact me if there’s information that should be updated. ... algorithms, networking, operating systems, and computer organisation. The Computer Science Field 1. It replaces CS1010. For some people, that’s perfect. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS. For example, a parallel programming module will assume that you know how to code in C, or can pick it up in 1-2 weeks, since the syllabus is focussed on parallelism concepts. You don’t just learn how to write code, but in the lesson plans for many online IT degrees you also learn why the code works on your computer the way it … You’ll then have the opportunity to … CS graduates typically become programmers. However, grades are still relatively important for graduate school applications, along with a research portfolio. If computer science is depth, computer information systems is breadth. 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