Computer Science
Description
Computer science is now a critical tool for pursuing an ever-broadening range of topics, from outer space to the workings of the human mind. In most areas of science and in many liberal arts fields, cutting-edge work depends increasingly on computational approaches. The undergraduate program at Brown is designed to combine breadth in practical and theoretical computer science with depth in specialized areas. These areas range from traditional topics, such as analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics and security, to novel areas including games and scientific visualization.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Learn fundamental concepts of programming architecture and design
- Understand the uses of algorithms for the organization of data
- Develop facility with both systems-oriented and mathematically-oriented problem solving
- Acquire a depth of knowledge in at least one specialized area of computer science
- Gain valuable experience collaborating on original research and assisting with classroom teaching
- Complete a portfolio of substantial, original work
Requirements
Click here for a list of the Computer Science concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.
Honors and Capstones
View Honors websiteThe Department of Computer Science offers A.B. and Sc.B. concentrations for undergraduates, as well as a number of joint concentrations with other departments. To qualify for Honors a student must achieve an outstanding reco rd (mostly A's and no C's) in courses used to satisfy concentration requirements. The student must complete a two-semester thesis under the supervision of a committee of two faculty members, one of whom must be in the CS department, and the committee must deem the thesis worthy of Honors. A student should choose a thesis advisor by no later than the end of the first month of her or his penultimate semester and present a one-page thesis proposal for review by the committee in the first month of the final semester. The student must submit the completed thesis to the committee by the university deadline and defend it at a public presentation. Please see the department's website for a complete description of admission procedures and requirements.
Tracks
- Professional Track
Liberal Learning
This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:
- Collaborate fully
- Engage with your community
- Develop a facility with symbolic languages
- Experience scientific inquiry