Computer science is the discipline of managing complexity. Its fundamental concept is the algorithm: an outline of the steps to solve a problem. Programming is devising algorithms to solve problems; computer programming adds the dimension of implementing the algorithm in a computer language. The organization, problem-solving, and clear expression that go into a good computer program are the same key ingredients of a liberal arts and sciences education in any discipline.

THE COMPUTER SCIENCE CURRICULUM

A student's first course in computer science at Beloit is likely to be introduction to programming and algorithms. Here students learn to analyze a problem, devise an algorithm to solve it, and implement the algorithm in a computer language.

The next courses will be digital electronics and data structures. Students complete these first three courses by the end of the sophomore year, together with calculus (two courses) and discrete mathematics. The data structures course includes learning the "object-oriented" paradigm of programming in the C++ computer language.

In the junior and senior years students take at least five of the nine advanced courses offered, including one each emphasizing large-scale programming, mathematical aspects, and applications. In addition to regularly offered courses (listed in the catalog), the faculty offer advanced courses that reflect their research interests, such as networking, software engineering, advanced digital systems, artificial intelligence databases, and scientific computing.

We encourage students to attend the weekly colloquium talks in mathematics and computer science given by visitors, faculty, and students. Because communication skills are fundamental in any discipline of the liberal arts and sciences, each student writes and presents a paper at this colloquium during the senior year.

For students who are particularly interested in hardware aspects, Beloit offers 32 programs in cooperation with leading engineering universities in computer or electrical engineering.

PROFESSIONAL EXPLORATION

FUTURES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Most majors share their expertise by working on campus. Many work for Beloit's Information and Technology Services office during the academic year or in the summer as user consultants, research assistants, systems programmers, Web masters, or UNIX system, laboratory, or project managers.

We encourage students to pursue additional internship opportunities offered through Beloit, which have included programming and systems work for a local retail computer firm (founded and owned by a recent graduate), payroll programming, database design, operation of mainframes at a local engineering firm, and software conversion.

Most of our computer science majors enter the work force directly, taking starting positions as programmer-analysts, systems support personnel, network managers, or managers of computer centers. Some examples: one alumnus is a designer of controllers for industrial equipment, another developed microcomputer interfaces for oscilloscopes, and a third co-authored a commercial software package used in teaching genetics.

Courses such as Networks, Databases, and Software Engineering have proven extremely popular with employers, as has experience in work-study jobs involving the Web, Unix system management, and the college-wide networks. Many of our graduates also attend graduate school at institutions such as Indiana University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Colorado, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.