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Computer Science - Programming - Nairaland

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Poll: Which school is good for programming

Study abroad: 60% (6 votes)
Federal university in nigeria: 0% (0 votes)
Polytechnic: 20% (2 votes)
University of technology: 10% (1 vote)
State university: 10% (1 vote)
This poll has ended

Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? / Best Uni For Bsc. Computer Science In Nigeria / [Opinion] B.sc Computer Science In Nigeria? poo! (2) (3) (4)

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Computer Science by Wexelion(m): 8:43am On Jul 18, 2011
Is programming lucrative,where can i work as a programmer
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 1:32pm On Jul 18, 2011
Programming is a module under programming, tho is practically 50% of CS. If you want to study computer science then start by reading this to make sure you know what you are going into.

In terms of programming, correct me if am wrong but Nigerian schools aren't practical(gathered from what people say here). I posted something in this thread. You might wanna have a look.
Re: Computer Science by farouqzaib: 1:02pm On Jul 19, 2011
Computer programming(Software development) is a main branch under CS. The remaining being artificial intelligence, networking and hardware, computer architecture e.t.c. U might love something and not be good at it. For example, I love basketball but I don't have good arm and legs coordination and hence can't play ball(well). Skills I think are necessary for a successful programming career includes but not limited to the following;
1. Tenacity
2. Analytical mind
3. Problem solving techniques
4. Ability to learn(not necessarily master) new knowledge area and apply it.
There are various articles online regarding this topic(won't post a link, one of those skills is also ability to find information fast).
You should try and learn a language(I recommend C in all it's glories). If you can work past and understand pointers, then you'll do great.
For university(I suppose in Nigeria), try one of those Federal Universities of Technologies(either, akure, minna or yola). Then maybe UNILAG. I wish you success in your sojourn. Cheers.
Re: Computer Science by Wexelion(m): 7:31pm On Jul 19, 2011
Thanks, but do you mean that under cs there are other sub-courses,e.g software engineering,computer programming
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 7:53pm On Jul 19, 2011
Yes
Re: Computer Science by Wexelion(m): 9:10pm On Jul 19, 2011
If i choose to study cs do i get to study all the sub-courses or have to be specific. E.g i have to choose a sub-course,as in it's either i take programming or any other.
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 9:17pm On Jul 19, 2011
Wexelion:

Thanks, but do you mean that under cs there are other sub-courses,e.g software engineering,computer programming

Wrong software engineering is not a sub-course under Computer science. Software engineering is by itself. You cannot say B.sc Pharmacy is a sub-course under B.sc Medicine, though they overlap but they are not the same.
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 9:27pm On Jul 19, 2011
csharpjava:

Wrong software engineering is not a sub-course under Computer science. Software engineering is by itself. You cannot say B.sc Pharmacy is a sub-course under B.sc Medicine, though they overlap but they are not the same.
Hmmm I study software engineering and am a CS student cheesy

Wexelion:

If i choose to study cs do i get to study all the sub-courses or have to be specific. E.g i have to choose a sub-course,as in it's either i take programming or any other.
Lol man what exactly do you want?
Re: Computer Science by Wexelion(m): 9:33pm On Jul 19, 2011
I want to learn computer programming (all programming languages)
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 9:34pm On Jul 19, 2011
Wexelion:

I want to learn computer programming
Ok cool,
Wexelion:

(all programming languages)
Not impossible but impossible. Do you have ny idea how many programming languages they are :d Ok make use of the links i posted above. I mean this link. I posted something there so read it up and see if it helps
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 10:13pm On Jul 19, 2011
Fayimora:

Hmmm I study software engineering and am a CS student cheesy

The following are the core requirements for the single pathway for B.sc Software Engineering now tell me after going through all the modules, if you still feel you are studying software engineering?

LEVEL TITLE                                                    

1 Introduction to Software Development
1 Academic Skills for Computing
1 Web Authoring and  Web Management
1 Introduction to Computer Systems
1 Information Systems
1 Visual Programming

2 Information Systems Modelling and Design
2 Operating Systems
2 Professional Issues in ICT
2 Software Development
2 Usability Engineering
2 Database Systems

3 Advanced Information Systems Development
3 Network Programming
3 Research and Academic Development
3 Programming Paradigms
3 Formal Methods in Software Engineering
3 Project

1 Like

Re: Computer Science by Nobody: 10:55pm On Jul 19, 2011
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 1:04am On Jul 20, 2011
The thing is you can take software engineering in different ways. Ok now i can say its not really under CS but its most definitely a part of CS or to be on a safer side EECS. Also yes I can still say am studying software development because its a module am taking for a whole year and it takes to space for 3 modules. Also, some of what u have above are in ma course outline, some i have taken and others yet to. Also, where is the outline coming from?

Offtopic:
I realised that most universities don't offer Software engineering as a course on its own and when i asked i got this and i quote "Its a tragic waste of time". Why should you just study software engineering when you can study CS, where you study SE and at the end when you take a masters, you can still improve your SE skills by adding an advanced part of it to your selected modules? For me I also think its a bloody aste of time.lol. csharpjava or omo_to_dun tell me you are actually gonna waste useful years of your life studying "SE"!
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 1:18am On Jul 20, 2011
Fayimora:

Offtopic:
For me I also think its a bloody aste of time.lol. csharpjava or omo_to_dun tell me you are actually gonna waste useful years of your life studying "SE"!

If someone is studying B.sc pharmacy would you say it's a bloody waste of time because that person could have studied B.sc Medicine instead? Though some of the modules do overlap but they are two different areas of specialisation.
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 1:35am On Jul 20, 2011
Naaa leave pharmacy out of it, Am talking about CS and SE cheesy
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 8:19am On Jul 20, 2011
Fayimora:

Naaa leave pharmacy out of it, Am talking about CS and SE cheesy

Pharmacy and Medicine are the best examples I can give, even in programming we do compare objects to real life objects just to make things clearer.
For those who would like to know more about how CS differs from SE, the link provided by omo_to_dun below will explain it better.

omo_to_dun:

One particularly useful book was Professional Software Development. Chapter 4 can be read here: PSD: Chapter 4 .

A quote from the above link: A computer science graduate " might spend two days hand-tuning a sorting algorithm instead of two hours using a code library or copying a suitable algorithm from a book. The typical computer science graduate typically needs several years of on-the-job training to accumulate enough practical knowledge to build minimally satisfactory production software without supervision." On the other hand software engineering gratuates have already received this training during their studies at Uni.

Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 8:31am On Jul 20, 2011
Nice!, Thanks @omo_to_dun for the book/link
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 8:32am On Jul 20, 2011
@csharpjava ask him if the same applies to those who actually focused on software development while studying, lol
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 8:50am On Jul 20, 2011
Fayimora:

@csharpjava ask him if the same applies to those who actually focused on software development while studying, lol

No you don't need to ask him, I have the answer for you. The modules below for SE are the ones that makes the difference between SE and CS.

Level
1   Information Systems       

2   Information Systems Modelling and Design             
2   Professional Issues in ICT        
2   Usability Engineering         

3   Advanced Information Systems Development                   
3   Formal Methods in Software Engineering
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 11:58am On Jul 20, 2011
Hmm ok, Dnt think i even know what usability engineering is, Coolio
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 8:26pm On Jul 20, 2011
Fayimora:

Hmm ok, Dnt think i even know what usability engineering is, Coolio

Usability engineering is just a posh name for Human Computer Interaction (HCI).
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 10:53pm On Jul 20, 2011
lol kk, That aint no where in ma whole syllabus
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 12:22am On Jul 21, 2011
Interaction Design in CS is similar to Human Computer Interaction or Usability Engineering in SE.
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 12:41am On Jul 21, 2011
Yaaay Interaction design is in m syllabus, The previous 3rd years had to design a twitter app dats more user friendly then twitter and some extra stuff too, Have you taken it, would you recommend i add it to ma modules?
Re: Computer Science by csharpjava(m): 1:42am On Jul 21, 2011
Fayimora:

Yaaay Interaction design is in m syllabus, The previous 3rd years had to design a twitter app dats more user friendly then twitter and some extra stuff too, Have you taken it, would you recommend i add it to ma modules?

I did it in my second year in SE, didn't like it at first but later I got used to it. As you are interested in SE I will recommend you add it to you modules, though you may want to look at the work of those you know that have done it before, just to get yourself prepared for it, as the module is very challenging and demanding.
Re: Computer Science by jeniferjohn(m): 12:47pm On Jul 28, 2011
1) Computer programming

If you stop and think about it, many applications that you will have to write require that you have a solid understanding of mathematics.  For example, if you wish to write the newest award-winning, 3D, space combat computer game, you better have a good understanding of physics, trig, and algebra.  If you wish to develop programs that chart financial information, you better have a good comprehension of statistics and other financial equations, such as how to calculate the one's monthly mortgage, etc.  Drawing programs also require math, especially if you wish to allow for effects, filters, etc.  The list could easily continue,

2) Computers are involved with many fields of science

Not everyone who is in computer science wants to be a professional programmer or a "repair guy."  In fact, many individuals with a computer science degree continue on with a secondary degree in order to get their dream job.  Maybe you wanted to be an engineer, or a rocket scientist who shoots satellites off to the far reaches of the galaxy, etc.  Many of these individuals know computer science, along with other fields, such as physics and engineering.  Both of these careers require a solid background in math.

3) Some applications require an understanding of math

Some of my friends are in the science field and they use applications that are designed for the user to perform scientific mathematical measurements and calculations -- and then input the statical data into their program.  One person that I know monitors and measures toxic chemical levels in city water supplies to see if there is any danger present.  Due to this, he has to do his own measurements, create his own estimates, etc -- and input this math data into the application itself.  If he didn't understand math, he could of never obtained that job in the first place.  Yet, at the same time, excellent computer knowledge was required.

You see, no matter how much we might dislike math, it's a part of the science fields in many ways and we have to be able to perform such calculations when called upon.  Even in medicine or biology, you will encounter mathematics.  Don't believe me?  Do you happen to remember a class called "chemistry?"  Ever wonder where our medicines come from -- and how they were manufactured?  Math is involved there too!

______________
Software Testing Training
Re: Computer Science by BinaryMonk: 3:25pm On Jul 29, 2011
.
Re: Computer Science by Fayimora(m): 4:00pm On Jul 29, 2011
BinaryMonk:

@Fayimora grin
Still yet please there's no where in this world where they teach you to be good if you want to be good irrespective of where you find yourself you would be good. I wonder why you would say that about Nigerian universities; even if they don't provide for we the students what keeps us from striving to go out and get what we want!!! India has done it we too can; A determined mind is something not to be messed with. I am proud to tell you that i go to a school whose computer science department is not recognized in Nigeria but i've got friends building projects M.Sc  & a couple P.hD (Designs) for students in the U.K, U.S and the rest and these people my friend are undergraduate in Nigerian universities; some not even computer scientists. so if you're going to be a good developer my friend don't let some factor stop you. Thank God for the Internet google anything and i bet you it should stare right at your face.
I have seen a good number of Microsoft's top developer's who read geology; physics; drama and the likes so programming is not just for computer science it's for anyone who wants to talk to his computer and have his computer act on it. 

[size=16pt]Errrm why is this directed towards moi? Sounds like you are trying to advice me. I mean like your talking to someone who is frustrated shocked shocked[/size]
Re: Computer Science by SayoMarvel(m): 1:41am On Jul 30, 2011
Humbly speaking, I'm in the best Computer Science and Engineering department in Nigeria (NUC ranking: no 1, World Bank recognized center of excellence in Software Engineering, lots of industry contacts e.g google). I prefer CS to CE but its not feasible for me to study CS again as an undergraduate cry because I was studying Chemical Engineering (4th year) before crossing to CS&E. Majoring on CE lands me back in 3rd year while CS with Maths or Economics lands me back in 2nd year (not so pretty). With what I've seen so far, if you want really become "MAD" in what you do (any science/technology field), you have to go outside Nigeria and acquire skills (even in the medical, environmental, and yeah, some art lines too--cinematography). I'm not saying you can't be good in Nig but going out will do you a whole lot of good. I have been programming even before I entered the Uni and there are a lot of skills I've acquired in school that I could never have gotten on my own but after my 4 years in school but I still have to say, there is more out there (in terms of technology). My department is the best in Nigeria (good labs, etc.) but the course structure is with all due respect whack. We take irrelevant courses that distract students from what they are in the uni for. Take a CS grad in Nig at random, chances are that he/she cannot perform stunts. I wrote a malware recently, I was not taught how to do that in the department, errm, though I don't think they teach that anywhere else in the world but I still think we are far behind. I took a course, Numerical computations and we were implementing our algorithms with FORTRAsh 95. Most of the people are these cram/cram/pour/forget people that the curriculum has turned them into. Imagine, why should a CE student take Dynamics (mechanical engineering course that even Chemical Engineering students do not take) and Fluid Mechanics. Is he going to be transporting processors in a pipeline? Its annoying. I just feel like redesigning the course structure. In truth its not as bad as I just painted it, we do recent stuffs too but not like in the US I must say.
Re: Computer Science by adamricky: 6:49am On Jul 30, 2011
Computer science or computing science (abbreviated CS) is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems. Computer scientists invent algorithmic processes that create, describe, and transform information and formulate suitable abstractions to model complex systems.

Computer science has many sub-fields; some, such as computational complexity theory, study the properties of computational problems, while others, such as computer graphics, emphasize the computation of specific results. Still others focus on the challenges in implementing computations. For example, programming language theory studies approaches to describe computations, while computer programming applies specific programming languages to solve specific computational problems, and human-computer interaction focuses on the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable, and universally accessible to humans.

The general public sometimes confuses computer science with careers that deal with computers (such as information technology), or think that it relates to their own experience of computers, which typically involves activities such as gaming, web-browsing, and word-processing. However, the focus of computer science is more on understanding the properties of the programs used to implement software such as games and web-browsers, and using that understanding to create new programs or improve existing ones.
Re: Computer Science by Nobody: 2:31pm On Aug 01, 2011
Science and Engineering are related in some ways don't mean they are actually the same thing. CS will have the opportunity to touch on SE surface, not really grasping the details as the Software Engineers would do. It is a matter have having all the knowledge that may actually differentiate both of them.
Re: Computer Science by okechukwudiei(m): 4:03pm On Aug 04, 2011
omo_to_dun:

@ chsarpjava
As a CS Major, I have taken a lot of these courses that you have listed, but I do agree with you that software engineering is NOT computer science. I did not know this until I actually researched and read a lot about it. One particularly useful book was Professional Software Development. Chapter 4 can be read here: PSD: Chapter 4.

There are nine core topic models in CS - Algols, data struct, OS, Databases, AI, machine architecture, programming languages, human-comp interface, & software engr. Software Engr is a sub-branch of CS, bt it s also offered as a degree program in sme universities.

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