Still others would argue that computer science has no exclusive domain of its own, and that its importance comes from the class of problems to which it is applied. The concentration in computer science is designed to educate students from several perspectives. Computer scientists must know basic mathematics, the lingua franca of all the quantitative sciences, they must understand something about the abstract models that describe universal computational phenomena, and they must have some knowledge of how computers are currently designed, programmed, and used. Concentration requirements are intended to insure balanced programs with emphasis on subjects that will endure through rapid technological change. At the same time, they permit students to choose courses in computer science and related field that reflect individual interests and preferences.
Computer science has strong links to other scientific disciplines.
Moreover, broad training has been a great asset to creative computer scientists and is likely to remain so in the future. In recognition of these links and benefits, the computer science concentration provides the students with the opportunity to take a significant number of courses in fields such as economics or physics, making concentration in Computer Science an attractive choice for some students with strong interests in these fields. The computer science concentration has both honors and non-honors options. While students are advised to obtain the needed mathematical background early in their careers, failure to take Computer Science 50 until the sophomore year in no way precludes students from completing honors programs. The Computer Science concentration is administered by the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences and transfer between it and the Division's other concentrations, Applied Mathematics and Engineering Sciences is ordinarily simple if the course requirements can be completed in time for graduation.