Start from the overview and topic structure

Are you new to a disipline and not sure what to learn to get started? Start from getting a bird-eye view of the discipline, click into the topics that interest you, understand the dependencies and prerequisites of it and pick a course to start. If you are trying to learn a certain concept, search it.

We collect and analyze the curricula of top 50 universities in the U.S. (based on the US News ranking) for each discipline, and genearlize them into the Learning Outcome and Topics below. They are what you would expect to study at a top university in the U.S.

Computer Science

Introduction and learning outcome

The Computer Science major provides a rigorous foundation in the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of computing. Students take core courses in algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, and computer architecture. Electives allow students to gain depth in areas like artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer vision, databases, networking, security, software engineering, and more. Programs emphasize computational thinking and problem solving skills applicable across disciplines. Students gain hands-on experience through course projects, research opportunities, and industry internships. The curriculum aims to prepare students for careers in software engineering, research, graduate studies, or to apply computing to other fields.

Below are the learning outcomes of completing a typical Computer Science program:

  • Develop strong programming skills and the ability to design, implement, test, and debug computer software using multiple paradigms and languages.
  • Gain mathematical, algorithmic and theoretical foundations of computer science including complexity analysis, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, and networks.
  • Apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle complex problems within and outside of computer science.
  • Work collaboratively in teams and effectively communicate ideas in writing and presentations.
  • Understand professional ethics, responsibilities, and legal issues in computing.
  • Learn specialist knowledge in at least one sub-field of computer science through advanced courses.
  • Work on substantial individual and group projects to solve real-world problems and simulate industry experience.
  • Adapt to emerging technologies and recognize implications of computer science solutions.
  • Develop research skills and the ability to critically evaluate academic literature (optional).

In summary, a computer science degree provides technical knowledge and skills as well as professional development to prepare students for careers in tech and research, as well as a wide variety of other fields.

Topics

Topics with are core topics in the discipline, students are typically required to take courses of such topics in a degree program.