Computer Science

Description

Computer science is usually described as the systematic study of algorithmic processes that characterize and transform information. Computer science is concerned with the theory, analysis, efficiency, and implementation of these algorithmic processes.

Two major types of activity are involved in the field of computer science. One deals with building conceptual frameworks for understanding the existing empirical material in a discipline. This is achieved by constructing unifying principles, general methods and theories that relate and organize the available material. The second activity designs new computer systems and applications in response to the new concepts and theories.

These two activities are handled among nine subareas, outlined by the Encyclopedia of Computer Science, that constitute the internal structure of computer science.

1. Algorithms and data structures This area constructs and analyzes algorithms for efficiently solving specific classes of problems and efficient solutions for them.
2. Programming languages Effective and efficient translation of algorithms for the execution by computers is accomplished through programming languages.
3. Computer architecture This area deals with methods of organizing hardware and software into efficient, reliable systems.
4. Numerical and symbolic computation General methods for accurately solving equations resulting from mathematical models of systems are constructed in this area.
5. Operating systems This area handles mechanisms that efficiently, yet effectively, organize and coordinate the multiple components involved in the execution of programs. The field of systems science is also concerned with the interaction of components in a system.
6. Software engineering Safe, secure, and reliable programs and large software systems are designed in this area.
7. Database management systems and information retrieval This area deals with the organization and structure of large sets of shared data for efficient query, update, and modification. This subarea also falls within the domain of information science.
8. Artificial intelligence and robotics This area is concerned with the modeling of animal and human (intelligent) behavior. Cognitive science is another field involved in this activity.
9. Human-computer communication This area deals with the minimization of resistances in the transfer of information between humans and computers via human-like sensors and motors, and with information representations that reflect human conceptualizations. Various types of information transfer are studied in the communication sciences.

Relation to Environmental Informatics

The field of computer science contributes to the foundation of environmental informatics (EI). Computer science is involved in all phases of EI. For instance, data from satellites need to be received, stored, and then processed. This task can be accomplished using algorithms and operating systems designed by computer science. Algorithms are again used when filtering through the data. Decision support tools such as programs for making economic valuations, risk assessments, forecasts, or tools to solve management problems are also based on concepts from computer science. Simulation and modeling of environmental systems produce data and information pertinent to human decision and policy making. The results of the models and algorithms should be presented in a form that facilitates understanding by the receiving of the information. Advances in computer graphics and interactive computing can increase the efficiency of the communication and perception of information.

The last two of the nine subareas outlined in Description are of particular interest to environmental informatics. We have been discussing the relation of the human neural system to information systems in class. The area of artificial intelligence and robotics studies this relation. The area of human-computer communication also studies human systems but with an emphasis on the relating computer or information systems to humans in order to simplify and extend the level of effective interaction between the two. See also Communication Science.

Efficient and effective retrieval of information is important for the holons in an EI holarchy. Gaining access to exactly the information needed without receiving useless information is a desirable attribute of an information system. Computer science has and will continue to work in designing more efficient and powerful data and information retrieval systems. Some examples of current data bases and online environmental information systems are listed and their benefits described in pages covering the concepts of information science and environmental law.

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