FAQs - CSE


Computer Science Engineering deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the applications of computers[1].Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is an academic program at some universities that combines aspects of both computer science and computer engineering programs.

Computer science programs typically centers primarily around theory and software, with only some hardware; upper division courses tend to allow a lot of freedom to specialize in software and theory related areas (e.g. algorithms, artificial intelligence, cryptography/security, graphics/visualization, numerical and symbolic computing, operating systems/distributed processing, software engineering).

Computer engineering programs tend to resemble computer science at the lower division with similar introductory programming and math courses, but diverges from computer science at the upper division with heavy electrical engineering requirements (e.g. digital and analog circuits, integrated circuit design, VLSI design, control systems, embedded systems, robotics). Despite the overlap with computer science at the lower division level, computer engineering skews much more heavily toward the hardware/electronics side that it has more in common with electrical engineering.

Computer Science and Engineering integrates all of the above and is intended to develop a solid understanding of the entire machine. The higher unit count required to complete the program often means that a CSE student will need to spend an extra year in university.

Although Computer Science and Engineering is the common designation for the combined program, some universities (such as Berkeley and MIT) deviate by calling their program Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Furthermore, there are some universities (such as UCI and UC Merced) that named their department EECS and the program housed within CSE.

Computer Science engineering has roots in electrical engineering, mathematics, and linguistics. In the past Computer Science was taught as part of mathematics or engineering departments & in the recent days it has emerged as a separate engineering field[2].

Role of a Computer Science Engineer:

  • Design and develop software application for different industries
  • Manages the software, hardware & networks in any industry
  • Involves in the design and development of the hardware components of PCs & laptops
  • Develop software for peripheral computing devices such as printers, modems and scanners
  • Writes code and algorithms for operating systems like Windows, Linux etc[3]

Careers

  • Software Developers
    Software developers are professionals who are concerned with facets of the software development process which involves activities such as design and coding, computer programming, project management, etc
  • Hardware Engineers
    These professionals do research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer hardware which inter alia includes computer chips, circuit boards, systems, modems, keyboards, and printers
  • System Designer
    Professionals involved in system designing, Logical & Physical Designing wherein logical designing can be enumerated as the structure & characteristics such as output, input, files, database & procedures, etc.
  • System Analyst
    Computer engineers who work as systems analyst do research about the existing problems and plan solutions for the problem. They also recommend software and system related problems and coordinate development between business development teams.
  • Networking Engineers
    Networking engineers are computer professionals involved in designing, implementation, and troubleshooting of computer networks.
  • DBA
    DBA or Database Administrator are the professionals who are bestowed with the job to design, implement, maintain, and repair an organization's database. Inter alia DBA professionals are also known as Database Coordinator or Database Programmer in ITsector[3]