Computer Science

Computer science is the study of information processes—the study of how to describe, predict properties of, and efficiently implement information processes. These information processes are all around us from software that predicts patterns of weather to the navigation systems of aircraft to the software that interacts with the sensors embedded into common household devices/appliances.—Evans. D. (2012). Introduction to Computing: Explorations in Language, Logic, and Machines. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

An Increased Capacity to Think and Reason – Our intellect is an aspect of the human person that naturally reflects the reality that we are made in the image of God. Computing is an intellectual amplifier. The study of computer science involves the mechanics of how to think, albeit computationally. The ability to think computationally gives one access to explore, reason about, and understand the world and problems in it through a new lens. Studying computer science formally will help students develop strong problem-solving, analytical-reasoning, and computational-thinking skills, which are applicable to a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, and law.

Fluency in Computer Programming – The natural extension of the development of computational-thinking skills is the ability to creatively design and implement software systems that realize the solutions conceived and refined through the computational-thinking process. Students will learn a host of pragmatic software development and engineering tools (e.g., programming languages) for practicing the profession of computing.

Access to Advances in the Arts and Sciences — Computing touches—and, in many cases, drives—nearly every important development in the arts, sciences, and engineering. Thus, competency in computing will give students a way to participate in and contribute to these new developments in the arts and sciences in a more meaningful and substantial way.

A New Paradigm to Conduct Science — While computer science is not a natural science like biology or chemistry—it is more of an abstract field like mathematics—, computer science offers a new paradigm (in addition to theory and experimentation) through which to conduct the observation essential to natural science. In other words, while not a natural science itself, computer science is a method for doing natural science. Thus, the study of computer science directly supports other STEM fields and programs at AMU (e.g., biochemistry, physics).

Giving Glory to God — The activity of composing computer programs is a creative expression for giving glory to God. Moreover, computing is a phenomenon that occurs in nature (e.g., DNA) and, therefore, computing is part of God’s creation. An understanding of computation illuminates deep insights into the nature of the Creator, the properties of His creation, and the minds of His creatures.