The Importance of Computer Science in Engineering
Konrad Zuse next to Z3, the world’s first programmable computer
Technology has served as the mainstay for the rapid advancement of our current society. From communication and transport to healthcare and connectivity, technology is omnipresent and is continually being improved upon to enhance our lives. Just over 60 years ago the first functional, program-controlled computer, Z3, was born. It weighed over a ton and its maximum memory size was just 64 words. From then on, inventions once unthinkable have sprouted to reality such as genetic modification (CRISPR) and complete automation through AI systems. Though there is vast progress and difference between these inventions of the past and contemporary ones, they all share a common backbone - engineering and computer science. Each of these creations were a result of extensive knowledge and application of these fields and what resulted were developments that have changed the landscape of our society.
To go more in depth in the harmony between computer science and engineering, it is best to first define each and mention their respective focuses. Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Its focus is mainly on the design and theory of software systems. When learning about these fields, you will cover areas such as programming languages, data structure & algorithms, computational theory, and artificial intelligence. In terms of application, workers in this field typically are creating algorithms and writing code to enhance the efficiency and function of software systems. On the other hand, engineering is the study of the design, construction, and use of machines, systems, and structures. Instead of theory and design, there is greater focus on the practical application of mathematical principles to actually design AND build systems. When learning about this field in an institution, core areas that will be covered are systems design, testing, deployment, and maintenance. In the work field, engineers are expected to create reliable and scalable systems that meet user requirements and maintain these systems over extended periods of time.
Now that each field is defined and their differences highlighted, how they both mesh together will be more clear. One overlap is the world of software development. Both computer scientists and engineers are involved in designing software systems, and in fact there is a common field of software engineering in which mastery of both skills are needed. Software engineers are required to have knowledge of coding languages and should be able to understand the general flow of code in a project. Moreover, they also are responsible for the testing and maintenance of systems, overseeing the design of a system’s construction and making sure it’s sustainable and long-term. A good software engineer combines his knowledge of computer science and engineering to fulfill his tasks and create function products for users.
Though software engineering is the field of engineering with most programming, other fields also utilize CS to help optimize products and aid in the design/construction process. For example, electrical engineering uses languages like MATLAB to perform complex mathematical operations and generate complex graphs. Electrical engineers also occasionally use Python for signal processing and GUI development and hardware description languages to build accurate models of hardware systems and circuits. Additionally, specialized mechanical engineers who are involved with mechatronics and robotics often use programming for actuators. These are just a few of the plethora of instances where computer science works in tandem with engineering, showing their mutual importance to one another and how knowing both can help can heighten your versatility in the engineering field and boost your work efficiency.
A central goal of FInE is to help guide and develop skills in those interested in pursuing engineering in their future. Though coding is not the only alleyway into pursuing a career in the engineering field, it is a highly beneficial skill that FInE will help develop as it can help one broaden their career prospects and guide further innovation and excellence in their field.
Bibliography
Brown, Mike. “Konrad Zuse’s Z3, the World’s First Programmable Computer, Was Unveiled 75 Years Ago.” Inverse, 12 May 2016, www.inverse.com/article/15542-konrad-zuse-s-z3-the-world-s-first-programmable-computer-was-unveiled-75-years-ago. Accessed 24 June 2024
Heinz, Kate. “Software Engineer vs. Programmer: 6 Key Differences.” Built In, 12 Oct. 2022, builtin.com/recruiting/software-engineer-vs-programmer. Accessed 24 June 2024
Roser, Max. “Technology over the Long Run: Zoom out to See How Dramatically the World Can Change within a Lifetime.” Our World in Data, 8 Jan. 2024, ourworldindata.org/technology-long-run. Accessed 24 June 2024
Grainger Engineering Office of Marketing and Communications. “Computer Engineering Curriculum Starting Fall 2023.” Illinois, 2023, ece.illinois.edu/academics/ugrad/curriculum/ce. Accessed 24 June 2024
