Computer Science and Engineering: A Basic Comparison (2021)
Introduction
When you want to do a career related to the computer, you may confuse between Computer Science and Computer Engineering. While deciding about having a certification or master’s program, you can’t choose between these fields as you feel both subjects are similar to each other. But that is the wrong conception.
So, in this article, we will reduce confusion and misunderstandings between Computer Science and Engineering. Also, we will suggest the best courses to pursue a good career in the above fields.
- What is Computer Science?
- What you will learn in Computer Science?
- What is Computer Engineering?
- What will you learn in Computer Engineering?
- Difference between Computer Engineering and Computer Science Degrees
- Job Outlook- Computer Engineering vs Computer Science
- The other fields in Computer Science
1. What is Computer Science?
Computer Science means learning about the theory of computation, computing, and scientific computing with the help of mathematics. In this field, you learn to write codes. In this field, you become aware of practical and theoretical applications which are in-demand and applicable in industries.
2. What you will learn in Computer Science?
- Software and Hardware System
- Algorithm analysis
- Data structure
- Statistical models
- Principles of operating systems
- Software engineering
- Computer architecture
- Applied Mathematics
- Web Development
- Software Development
- Mobile Development
- Computer Programming
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Computer Graphics
- Digital Sound and Image
- Microprogramming
- Bioinformatics
- Administration and Network
- Cryptography
- Computational Physics
- Modelling
- Simulation
- Data Management
- iOS Development
- Parallel Programming
- Memory Systems
So, If you like to solve problems or methods with the help of math and are interested in computing systems, software rather than hardware, you can go to Computer Science.
3. What is Computer Engineering?
Computer Engineering teaches building and developing hardware and software of the computer. This field is about the physical components of the computer. Computer Engineering is a combination of computer science, physics, and electrical engineering.
4. What will you learn in Computer Engineering?
- Engineering Mathematics
- Logic Design
- Electronic Circuits
- Discrete mathematics structure
- Operating systems design principles
- Computer architectures
- Networking technologies
- Secure computing systems
- Networking protocols/ languages
- Networking applications
- Computer network and systems
- Robotics
- Intelligent Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Computer Vision
- Computer Network
- Mobile Computing
- Distributed Computing
- Wireless and communication networks
- Processor designing
- Coding
- Cryptography
- Information Security
- Computational Science and Engineering
So, if you like to build/ create/develop different components of the computer with an interest in electronics and physics, you can join the Computer Engineering field.
5. Difference between Computer Engineering and Computer Science Degrees
Both degrees have different disciplines related to the computer. The computer engineering course concentrates on subjects like computer architecture, electronics, physics, and hardware development. While the computer science degree has developed for computation theories, scientific computing, basic computing, software development, and algorithm analysis.
Here are some instances of courses in computer science and engineering as following:
- Computer engineering courses:
- Electric Circuits – in this course, you can learn basic electronic system design so you can build functional and integrated circuits in computer architecture.
- Electricity and Magnetism
- General Physics
- Mechanics
- Calculus III
- Mechanic Design
- Digital Logic
- Thermodynamics
- Waves
- Optics
- Computer Science Courses:
- Operating systems basics
- Software Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Algorithm Analysis and designing
Comparison of skills in Computer Science and Engineering:
| Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
Software and Hardware SystemAlgorithm analysis Data structureStatistical modelsPrinciples of operating systemsSoftware engineeringComputer architecture |
Engineering Mathematics Logic DesignElectronic Circuits Discrete mathematics structureOperating systems design principlesComputer architecturesNetworking technologies |
Applied MathematicsWeb DevelopmentSoftware DevelopmentMobile DevelopmentComputer ProgrammingArtificial IntelligenceRobotics Computer Graphics Digital Sound and ImageMicroprogrammingBioinformaticsAdministration and NetworkCryptographyComputational Physics |
Secure computing systemsNetworking protocols/ languagesNetworking applicationsComputer network and systemsRoboticsIntelligent SystemsEmbedded SystemsComputer Vision Computer NetworkMobile ComputingDistributed ComputingWireless and communication networksProcessor designingCoding |
ModellingSimulationData ManagementiOS DevelopmentParallel ProgrammingMemory Systems |
CryptographyInformation SecurityComputational Science and Engineering |
Algorithm Designing Software developmentSoftware Designing |
Electric Circuits Electricity and Magnetism General Physics MechanicsCalculus III Mechanic DesignDigital LogicThermodynamicsWaves Optics Integrated Circuits designing Microprocessors designingComputer architecture designing |
Programming languages Computation theoryWriting high-standard codes |
Creating and developing components of computers and computing systemHardware designing and development |
6. Job Outlook- Computer Engineering vs Computer Science
If you persuade a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, chances are high to get jobs in well-known companies in different industries with high-paying opportunities. But job scopes and fields for computer science and engineering are not similar.
Computer scientists should know about computation theories, math skills, analytical problem-solving skills, and information organizing skills. Computer scientists use these skills to solve problems in companies/ industries. Following are various fields in computer science.
- Computer Programming
- Web design
- Software Testing
- Software Development
- Database Designing
- Network Designing
- Also, they can look for jobs in which code writing is required.
7. The other fields in Computer Science
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- IT Consultant
- Database Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Game Developer
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Networks administrator
- Multimedia Programmer
- Information System Manager
- DevOps Engineer
- Security Engineer
- Software Development Engineer
- Computer Scientist
- Data Analyst
- QA Test Lead
- QA Tester
- Database Management System Engineer
- UX Designer
- Geographical Information systems manager
- Operational Researcher
- Computer Sales Support
- Project Manager
Talking about jobs for computer engineers, they should have skills such as designing and developing computing systems and computer components.
- Hardware Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Software Application Developer
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Programmer
- Software Tester
- Information Technology Auditor
- Web Developer
These are types of Computer Engineering as follows:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Big Data Engineer
- Blockchain Developer
- Computer Network Architect
- Information Security Analyst
- Full-stack Developer
- Software Developer
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Embedded Software Engineer
8. Similarities between Computer Science and Computer Engineering
Even Computer science and Engineering are different areas, and there are some similarities they share between them. Both fields solve problems related to the interconnection between humans and data by using computers. Both areas have common coursework and skills.
Both areas are interconnected as you can get great devices and apps in the real world. Every electronic device, from computers to cars, is designing and developing by the amalgamation of computer engineers and computer scientists. Companies hire highly qualified experts from both areas for making the best devices. In both areas, computer engineering and computer science, some factors related to computing systems are common such as software, hardware, data, network, database, information security, and management.
Conclusion
Computer Science and Engineering are the best careers for computer passionates in a good manner. However, you can choose the right career between both of them if you have certain skills and degrees related to those fields.
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