1. Automata, Computability, and Complexity Lecture 1 Section 0.1 Wed, Aug 22, 2007

2. Basic Questions What are the fundamental capabilities and limitations of computers? What makes some problems computationally hard and others easy? What do we mean by “hard?”

3. Automata Theory Mathematical models of computation. Finite automata Push-down automata Turing machines

4. Computability Theory What does it mean to “compute?” Are there things that cannot be computed?

5. Complexity Theory What makes a problem hard? Can a problem’s requirements be relaxed to make the solution “easy?”

6. Computer Science as a Curriculum Computing Curricula 2005 – The Overview ReportComputing Curricula 2005 – The Overview Report

7. Computing Curricula 2005 Overview Report You might be a computer scientist if… You design and implement software. You devise new ways to use computers. You develop effective ways to solve computing problems.

8. Computing Curricula 2005 Overview Report “While other disciplines may produce graduates with more immediately relevant job-related skills, computer science offers a comprehensive foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas.”

9. Major Knowledge Areas Computing Topics Programming fundamentals Algorithms and complexity Operating Systems Principles & Design Theory of Programming Languages Software Design

10. Major Knowledge Areas Non-computing Topics Mathematical foundations A distant second Interpersonal communication

11. Degree Expectations “Computer scientists should be prepared to work in a broad range of positions involving tasks from theoretical work to software development.”

12. Degree Expectations – Which is CS? Work effectively at planning, implementation, configuration, and maintenance of an organization’s computing infrastructure. Work in a broad range of positions involving tasks from theoretical work to software development. Design and implement systems that involve the integration of software and hardware devices. Perform and manage activities at every stage of the life cycle of large-scale software systems. Analyze information requirements and business processes and be able specify and design systems.

13. Degree Expectations – Which is CS? Work effectively at planning, implementation, configuration, and maintenance of an organization’s computing infrastructure. Work in a broad range of positions involving tasks from theoretical work to software development. Design and implement systems that involve the integration of software and hardware devices. Perform and manage activities at every stage of the life cycle of large-scale software systems. Analyze information requirements and business processes and be able specify and design systems.

14. The CS Degree “In general, a CS degree from a respected program is the most flexible of degrees and can open doors into the professional worlds of CS, SE, IT, and sometimes CE.” In other words, you can do anything with a degree in CS.

15. Computer Science “Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.” -- E. W. Dijkstra

16. Computer Science One more thing…