A Map of Computer Science
Lesson Objective
In this lesson, we will discuss the history, the birth and the emergence of computers. We will also discuss what the words “computer science” mean and how it has become such an essential topic to gain knowledge about.
What is computer science?
🎥 Watch the following short video to get an idea of what we will be discussing in this lesson.
💬 What do you think is the definition of computer science? Write your thoughts in the text box below. (Insert text box here)
If we try to formally define ‘computer science’, you may notice that a lot of the important facts are being missed out on. There are multiple definitions of computer science that exist. Let’s see a few of them below:
This first definition is from the University of Maryland;
"Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. Unlike electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists deal mostly with software and software systems; this includes their theory, design, development, and application."
"Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. In its most general form it is concerned with the understanding of information transfer and transformation." - Michigan Tech University
The most concise definition of computer science that covers all its major topics is; computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information.
Let’s move on to some important dates in the evolution of computer science.
Source: Giphy
Some important milestones in the history of CS
1700s
Binary Number System The 1700s saw the formalisation of the “Binary Number System” by Gottfried Leibniz. He is considered the “first computer scientist”. This laid the groundwork for the field of Computer Science and digital circuitry in 1703.
1800s
Conceptual Programming Language Ada Lovelace who is now considered the first computer programmer published the first computer algorithm in 1843.
1940s
Bombe Machine 1941 saw the development of an electromagnetic device conceived by Alan Turing who was considered the father of modern computer science. It was used to decrypt the unbreakable Nazi “Enigma” code during WWII.
ENIAC The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer was the first large-scale electronic computer. It was so physically large that it filled a 20 ft. x 40 ft. room with its 18,000 vacuum tubes. The operations were performed by reading encoded instructions into a pattern of holes punched into a paper card.
1950s
Turing Test a.k.a The Imitation Game This test was designed by Alan Turing in 1950 to test if machines can “think” as humans do. This was the first step that opened doors to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Computer Chip Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments made the first functioning integrated circuit made of transistors in 1958. It was 7/16 inches x 1/16 inches in size. This paved the way for the microcomputers we see today.
1960s and 1970s
Internet 1969 saw the emergence of something we can’t possibly imagine our lives without today. The first official use of the internet was to send an email from UCLA to Stanford.
C Programming Language In 1972, this procedural language was designed to provide access to memory storage.
1980s and 1990s
Macintosh Computer 1984 saw the launch of the first successful mouse driven computer GUI. It used the Motorola 68000 microprocessor. It also had an application called MacPaint!
World Wide Web Tim Berners Lee invented the “web” in 1989 to globally share information through hypertext. This led to the creation of fundamental components of the web like HTML, URL and HTTP.
2000s and 2010s
Netflix, iTunes and more The iPhone, Netflix, iTunes Music store and a lot of more advanced and cool softwares as well as hardware was developed during this period. These technologies include all the tech we know and use so frequently today.
Follow-up questions: Q1: Computer Science is a subject which tell us: A. How the people and machines interact
B. How things are carried out in programming
C. What computers can do
D. None
Answer: Option C
Q2. Which of the following is a error correction technique:
A. Cumulative sum
B. Parity check
C. Compression
D. Error Detection
Answer: Option B
Q 3. Computer Vision is a field of: A. Cyber Security
B. Visionary Science
C. Artificial Intelligence
D. None
Answer : Option C
Map of CS
🎥 Watch the following video that gives you an overview of computer science as a field and a general idea of the evolution of the subject.
Now answer the following questions based on the video to test your newly gained knowledge.
Follow-up questions:
Q1:The Concept of turing machine is developed by:
A. Alan Turing
B. Atlas Turing
C. Evans Turing
D. Alam Turing
Check the Answer!
Q2. Bubble Sort And Merge Sort are: A. Functions
B. Memory
C. Algorithms
D. None
Check the Answer!
Q3. Algorithms are:
A. Concepts
B. Theory
C. A group of variables
D. A piece of code written down before implementing final code.
Check the Answer!
Types of computers
🎥 Watch the following short video about some types of computers. Continue reading to know more about them and learn further types of computing devices.
Each of these above computers have a different purpose and application. Explore and read more about what they do and where they are used from relevant books and websites. You will learn more about them in the lessons that follow.
Follow-up question:
Q1: Which of the following is NOT a type of computer?
A. Supercomputer
B. Mini computer
C. Hypercomputer
D. Mainframe computer
Check the Answer!
Why do we need computer science?
- Computer Science is a very widespread subject and it’s applications stretch throughout every industry, no matter how trivial.
- Computers and technology are integrated into virtually every economic sector, industry, and even organization operating in the modern economy.
- Problem solving, an essential skill for life, is the major requirement for anyone pursuing a career in the field of CS. It is a dynamic, creative and innovative field.
- Computer science is responsible for smartphones, tablets, the internet and networked communications, even social media.
- We live in a society that consumes content – whether that be news, information, entertainment, or communication – through screens. We are truly living in a digital age, driven by computer science.
So, now welcome to the facinating World of Computers 😉
Source: Giphy