Interview with Dean & Heads of Departments - Part 1

Dr. Ernest Cachia, Dean and Head of the Department of Computer Science.

Computer Science (CS) is the science that deals with study and improvement of the way algorithmic solutions are developed, verified, represented, combined and communicated.

An algorithm is basically a clearly defined step-by-step procedure that can be guaranteed to carry out a specific task or achieve a particular result in a finite amount of time. The teaching of CS includes the study of different areas including High-performance computation, Logic, Software engineering, and Interactivity. High-performance computation is a necessity when harnessing the potential of large networks of computing units and their connectivity to solve issues of national and international scope. Logic is the basis of all that is computing. It is needed to describe algorithmic/program behaviour and to reason about their properties in a precise way.
Software engineering supplies principles, methods and tools that are needed to master ever more complex development tasks indispensible to the production of ICT solutions of demonstrable quality and security. The investigation of Interactivity involves the elaboration of formalised protocols and semi-formal frameworks which define patterns of communication, whether these be between components belonging to one computer, or between different computers belonging to a network. Widespread compliance to such protocols can have enormous effects that extend to the community of human users: witness the social impact of Internet during the last few years.

The study of CS enables the proposal of valid fundamental improvements to the quality of ICT solutions. Proficient computer scientists must be in possession of skills which are not limited to the latest programming technologies or fashions; they must acquire a fundamental understanding of how algorithmic computation can be applied to practical process improvement, innovation and problem solving. Computer scientists must be able to apply their skills to a wide range of practical issues and provide solutions that are effective and efficient.

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