Computing foundations for the scientist (abstract only)
Catherine C. Bareiss, Larry Vail · 2013
There is a need for a new style of supporting a computer course. Although it is widely recognized that computer technology provides essential tools for all current scientific work, few university curricula adequately ground science majors in the fundamentals that underlie this technology. Introducing science students to computational thinking in the areas of algorithms and data structures, data representation and accuracy, abstraction, performance issues, and database concepts can enable future scientists to become intelligent, creative and effective users of this technology. The intent is not to turn scientists into computer scientists, but rather to enhance their ability to exploit computing tools to greatest scientific advantage. This poster demonstrates one course doing this.