DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Questions and Answers
I want to learn about computers. Where do I begin?
Barely touched a computer? Try CSC 150 Computer Concepts and Applications. A survey of computer technology and computer science. This class will give you some practice with Windows and with Microsoft Office applications, let you design simple web pages, and cover some current topics in computer ethics.
Used computers just a little bit and want to see what programming them is like? Not majoring in computer science but need to pick up some basic programming skills? Try INF 120 Elementary Programming. A gentle introduction to computer programming. The course introduces fundamental programming concepts (variables, statements, decisions, repetitions, input and output, modularity). Languages vary.
Interested in how computers and networks work? Consider CIT 140 Introduction to Computer Information Technology. A hands-on introduction to hardware components and software applications.
I am interested in computers, networks, and the web, but I do not want to be a software engineer or research scientist. Is computer science the appropriate major?
Beginning in Fall 2004, NKU initiated a new degree program for students with just such interests: the new Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology. This new program weaves together courses from computer science, electronics technology, management information systems, and important foundation courses in technical writing and information ethics. A real-world "senior practicum" serves as the capstone. Surveys of tri-state employers have indicated an expected strong demand for graduates from this new program.
What is this "Informatics" thing I am hearing about at NKU?
In 2005 Northern Kentucky University created a new college: the College of Informatics. The Department of Computer Science is now in this new college, as well as the Department of Business Informatics, which deals with business computing, and the Department of Communication. We have developed a common core of "Informatics" courses which include object-oriented programming, databases, networks, and web development. These courses were in large part based on existing courses in computer science, computer information technology, or information systems, but are now listed under a new INF designator, and are required of students in all three computing-related majors. Learn more.
What programming languages are used in the computer science curriculum?
At present, C++ (together with C) is the primary language of the CS Bachelor of Science program. It the premier programming language used in large-scale software development today. (For example, Microsoft Windows, Office and Visual Basic were written in C++.) It is a complex, demanding language, so it is woven into several of our intermediate and upper-level courses. In preparation for work in C++, three courses in programming use the Java language. Java may be viewed as a simplified dialect of C++ with extensive libraries for graphics and internet programming. All CS majors do some programming in assembly language, although we do not write complete programs in it. Instead, following common practice in industry, assembly language code is embedded into C programs. Other languages that students may encounter include C# (used in our object-oriented patterns course), Lisp (often used in our artificial intelligence course) JavaScript and Perl (used in our web programming courses).
Hasn't the demand for computer scientists, programmers and software engineers disappeared due to outsourcing to other countries?
As of 2006, this is a myth. The U.S. Department of Labor, among other sources, has predicted that demand for computer software engineers will "soar" through 2012. See the Co-op and Careers link on the left of this page for a list of current opportunities.
