General questions regarding learning computer science disciplines and CS education
-4
votes
0answers
26 views
Should computer science be part of the KS3 National Curriculum? [closed]
I have created a short survey as part of a project at University. It would be great if you could take the time to fill it in! It is completely anonymous and shouldn't take more that a minute and a ...
-2
votes
0answers
90 views
the whole is greater than the sum of the parts [closed]
I recently was reading up Dijkstra's paper On the cruelty of teaching computer science[1] and noticed that a particular quote I read in a book on genetic algorithms seems to resonate deeply with his ...
-3
votes
0answers
14 views
Beginner's Certification in ASP.Net [closed]
All, To give an overview of myself, I have a Masters degree in Computer Science, have been working as an ASP.Net Developer for almost 2 years now. At this point I like to do some kind of certification ...
1
vote
1answer
74 views
How to represent OOP concepts in algorithms in a standard way?
I have usually been using the Cormen algorithm format to teach some introductory courses in Programming. I mean something like this:
...
4
votes
3answers
114 views
Explaining why FFT is faster than DFT for the general public?
How would you explain why the Fast Fourier Transform is faster than the Discrete Fourier Transform, if you had to give a presentation about it for the general (non-mathematical) public?
2
votes
0answers
25 views
Seeking popular science book on bioinformatics or computational genomics
An intelligent 15-year-old I know is interested in both computer science and genetics. I told her that these fields make an excellent combination. I'd like to give her a book on bioinformatics or ...
0
votes
3answers
95 views
Top Turing machine simulators on the web? [closed]
There are many Turing machine simulators on the web of varying degrees of sophistication and can be highly useful for pedagogical purposes for students of widely varying ages, and they also have ...
0
votes
2answers
54 views
Overlap between computer science and analytic geometry?
I would like to know if there are some topics that could be covered in an undergraduate first-term course about analytic geometry, but related to Computer Science.
I know that, for example, the ...
5
votes
2answers
116 views
Looking for a dictionary of math/CS notation
There is an at-times dizzying array of symbols used in math and CS papers. Yet many assume basic familiarity that seems rarely taught in one place. I am looking for a dictionary something like the ...
4
votes
2answers
305 views
DIfferences between computer vision and image processing
I am basically an Electronics and Communication Engineering student. My relevant coursework include Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes, Engineering Mathematics, Signals and Systems, Digital ...
3
votes
0answers
79 views
Best a-little-advanced examples of dynamic programming, polynomial reduction and approximation algorithm
I was offered by a professor to give some tutoring in his course of Algorithm Design, based on Kleinberg and Tardos' book. He suggested me to prepare two exercise on dynamic programming, one exercise ...
1
vote
2answers
348 views
Trigonometry in computer science
What's the use of studying trigonometry in computer science? I mean, is it essential? Does it have a specific application in computer science? Because I can't seem to muster enough motivation for ...
3
votes
1answer
84 views
Help need to learn Quantum Computation and Information
I want to learn quantum computation and information. I am studying from Nielsen & Chuang book for this.
Is there any online vedio (lecture series) starts from
basics of quantum computation and ...
6
votes
6answers
269 views
Start learning about Theory of Distributed Systems?
What's the best way that anyone can do to have a good introduction to the theory of distributed system, any books or references, and topics should be covered first and requirements to start learning ...
-3
votes
1answer
92 views
References on collective intelligence with respect to CS applications
In recent years the field of "collective intelligence" sometimes known as Web 2.0 has had a big impact on computer science, software engineering, and software development. Stackexchange software ...
7
votes
5answers
270 views
What is the significance of reverse polish notation?
I teach computing to 18 year olds. After having reverse polish notation explained to them one asked why is it significant enough to be in the public exam. I explained the historical significance of ...
10
votes
3answers
303 views
Self-Study of Computer Science
I am a 16 year old male who has recently been gifted a big encyclopedia on computer science by a friend of mine. I am usually not that interested in computers and technology, but computer science has ...
21
votes
4answers
629 views
Explaining the relevance of asymptotic complexity of algorithms to practice of designing algorithms
In algorithms and complexity we focus on the asymptotic complexity of algorithms, i.e. the amount of resources an algorithm uses as the size of the input goes to infinity.
In practice, what is ...
3
votes
1answer
163 views
What are the mathematical prerequisites for adaptive machine learning algorithms?
I am a PhD student in Computer Science who switched his PhD a little bit towards ML algorithms combined with something else... I am an expert in that something else, say image processing, but not an ...
8
votes
1answer
204 views
Math for TCS major
I'm looking for a major in Theoretical Computer Science; specifically, I'm interested on complexity theory and probabilistic automata theory. As I'm graduating in one year, what advanced courses in ...
4
votes
2answers
87 views
References on teaching introductory programming courses
As the new semester starts soon, I am interested in reasearch regarding the teaching of introductory programming courses. I would like to improve my university course and I am looking for scientific ...
-2
votes
1answer
113 views
What exactly is an API? [closed]
This past summer I interned at a small software company and I wrote an iPhone app that dynamically generated a user interface based upon a given XML string. I wrote a series of classes and interfaces, ...
11
votes
5answers
594 views
How does a computer work?
Ok, I have been a computer nerd for many many years. I can program in quite a few languages, and I can even build them. I sat down with a buddy the other day and asked how a computer actually takes ...
1
vote
1answer
140 views
Undergraduate studies: Math or CS?
hope it's possible for this question to be answered in an objective manner.
I'm not studying in a liberal arts college so basically I only get to study one subject. Which would be the better ...
1
vote
3answers
175 views
Good text on algorithm complexity
Where should I look for a good introductory text in algorithm complexity? So far, I have had an Algorithms class, and several language classes, but nothing with a theoretical backbone. I get the whole ...
6
votes
5answers
327 views
Standard or Top Text on Applied Graph Theory
I am looking for a reference text on applied graph theory and graph algorithms. Is there a standard text used in most computer science programs? If not, what are the most respected texts in the ...
4
votes
2answers
200 views
Online Learning Resources for Discrete Mathematics
Are there any good Discrete mathematics learning web resources with problem sets?
0
votes
0answers
582 views
Solutions to Algorithm Design Manual [closed]
www.algorist.com gives a link to solutions. However, this link seems to have stopped working some time ago.
Is there some other source for solutions to the exercises in this book?
0
votes
2answers
151 views
Advanced placement CS A Exam
What would be the standard topics covered in an 'Advanced Placement Computer Science A' test? Is there any good study reference someone can share?
Edit: Answer
An adjustment for my search term ...
21
votes
12answers
1k views
Criteria for selecting language for first programming course
As a university-level CS educator, the issue of which programming language to teach in the first programming course often comes up for discussion. There are thousands of languages to choose between, ...
-1
votes
1answer
127 views
Programming method and learning and time table [closed]
I am a bit worried about my approach to programming. I'm 19 now I know C and HTML. Right now for the past 2 months I have started to learn the following languages in the following way. From morning 4 ...
4
votes
6answers
713 views
C++ Strings vs. Character Arrays
Why do you think it is that most C++ instructors teaching college level computer sciences discourage or even forbid using strings for text, instead requiring students to use character arrays?
I am ...
10
votes
4answers
2k views
Quicksort explained to kids
Last year, I was reading a fantastic paper on “Quantum Mechanics for Kindergarden”. It was not easy paper.
Now, I wonder how to explain quicksort in the simplest words possible. How can I prove (or ...
1
vote
1answer
75 views
Where can I find good study material on Role Mining?
I need to cover these topics in Role Mining. If anyone knows good site which well summarizes the topics and concepts are well explained please help out.
Basic role mining problem
• Delta-approx RMP
• ...
9
votes
4answers
166 views
Introductory books on nature sciences behind bioinformatics
My question goes to those who are concerned with computational biology algorithmics. I'm going to take a course on bioinformatics this fall; the problem, however, is that I have too little background ...
6
votes
4answers
525 views
How To Best Learn About Algorithms In Depth
I have been reading this site with a great deal of interest, but I find a lot of it goes over my head. This has made me wish to learn a lot more about algorithms and CS in general. As far as I can ...
13
votes
6answers
493 views
Computer Science Book for Young Adults
What is a good beginner computer science book for a young adult, say, a 15 year old? I want to get started in CS, but have no idea where to start. I have limited experience in programming.
4
votes
2answers
427 views
BigO, Running Time, Invariants - Learning Resources
What are some good online resources that will help me better understand BigO notation, running time & invariants?
I'm looking for lectures, interactive examples if possible.
7
votes
7answers
572 views
List of intro TCS books for those who don't know much about TCS [closed]
If you have to recommend books for someone who wants to learn more about TCS at the introductory level such as automata theory, algorithmics, complexity theory, etc, what book(s) would you recommend ...
10
votes
3answers
270 views
Path to formal methods
It is not uncommon to see students starting their PhDs with only a limited background in mathematics and the formal aspects of computer science. Obviously it will be very difficult for such students ...
13
votes
4answers
367 views
Strategies for becoming unstuck in understanding TCS
I am a graduate student taking a course in theory of computation and I have serious trouble producing content once I'm asked to. I'm able to follow the textbook (Introduction to the Theory of ...
