INTRODUCTION

 

 

Major Points To Consider

 

Education requirements are about three years.Faster increment in employment is expected because of the constant adoption of sophisticated technologies by organisations.Job prospects are encouraging.

 

Nature of job

 

Basically, computer scientists are scientist who specialises in the theory of computation and the design of computers. Computer science (academically, CS, CSC or compsci) is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems.

 

Theorists, researchers or inventors are those who fall into the category of computer scientists. What tell these jobs apart are the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology. There are some computer scientists who are employed by academic institutions and they work in areas ranging from complexity theory, to hardware, to programming-language design. Then there are those who work on multidisciplinary projects, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, extending human-computer interaction, or designing robots. In private industry, computer scientists work in areas such as applying theory, developing specialised languages or information technologies, or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games.

 

Computer scientists need a broad background and a wide range of skills, which include technical knowledge as well as communication and other interpersonal skills. People fitting these requirements will find these qualities added advantage as nowadays companies are looking for professionals with these criteria.

 

It is possible for computer scientists who are employed in private industry to advance into managerial or project leadership positions. In academic institutions, computer scientists may become heads of research departments or published authorities in their field.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Employment and places of work

 

Offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings are where computer scientists normally work in. Similar to that of many other professional or office workers, computer scientists usually work about 40 hours a week. Sometimes, they may work in the evening or during the weekend to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. With the expansion of networks, these professionals are now able to do more work from remote locations through modems, laptops, electronic mail and the Internet.

 

Due to the nature of their job that requires them to spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing on a keyboard, computer scientists are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort as well as hand and wrist problems. However, these can readily be rectified through proper diagnosis and care.

 

Many of these computer scientists are employed by Internet service providers, web search portals, data processing, hosting and related services firms. There are some who work for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions and universities.

 

Areas Covered By Programmes

 

In Malaysia (for example) , there are many public and private institutions of higher learning that offer degree programmes in computer science. Those who pursue the Bachelor in Computer Science (Hons) programmes can choose to major in software engineering, multimedia and networking. The duration of this programme is three years and students are to undergo a compulsory industrial training. This industrial training will provide them with early exposure to the needs of industry and commerce. Whatever major area the students may choose, these major areas aim to equip students with the skills to work as a practising computer scientist regardless of it being the design and construction of a microcomputer system, the writing of a complex computer application or the design of a next generation operating system.

 

The computer science programmes cover a variety of topics that relates to computation, like abstract analysis of algorithms, formal grammars as well as subjects such as programming languages, program design, software and computer hardware.

 

Some of the subjects included in the programmes are:

 

• System Administration

• Principles of Programming

• System Analysis and Design

• Fundamentals of Software Engineering

• Data Communication and Computer Networks

• Data Structure and Algorithm

• IT Communication

• Programming Language

• Web Programming

• Software Project Management

 

As with other computer-related degree programmes, the entry requirements for a Computer Science degree programmes are of not much difference. Applicants must possess pass grades in three subjects, including Mathematics and Physics in their GCE A-Levels or grade CCC in three subjects, including Mathematics and Physics in their Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM). For those who want to acquire a diploma in engineering, they must possess a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 and above.