Introduction to

Computing
Prepared by:
Miguel Joie S. Polines
Instructor I
[Link]@[Link]

Sources for Lecture 1:

American Public University | Coursera | FreeCodeCamp
[Link] | Rice University | University of North Dakota
College of Engineering and Indeed | University of San Diego Online Degrees
Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

What is the difference between Computer Science (CS),

Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS),
Computer Engineering (CpE), and Data Science?

College of Engineering and

Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

Computer Science (CS)

• This program includes the study of computing concepts and
theories, algorithmic foundations and new developments in
computing. The program prepares students to design and
create algorithmically complex software and develop new and
effective algorithms for solving computing problems.
• The program also includes the study of the standards and
practices in Software Engineering. It prepares students to
acquire skills and disciplines required for designing, writing and
modifying software components, modules and applications that
comprise
College software
of Engineering and solutions.
Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

Information Systems (IS)

• This program includes the study of application and effect of
information technology to organizations. Graduates of the
program should be able to implement an information system,
which considers complex technological and organizational
factors affecting it. These include components, tools,
techniques, strategies, methodologies, etc.

College of Engineering and

Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

Computer Engineering (CpE)

• This a program that embodies the science and technology of
design, development, implementation, maintenance, and
integration of software and hardware components in modern
computing systems and computer-controlled equipment

College of Engineering and

Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

Data Science
• This is an interdisciplinary program that is designed to equip its
graduates with integrated skill sets spanning mathematics,
statistics, machine learning, databases and other branches of
computer science with the aim of extracting new knowledge
from data in various forms in order to provide actionable
insights for decision makers in data-driven industries and
sectors

College of Engineering and

Information Technology
 Computing Disciplines

Information Technology (IT)

• This program includes the study of the utilization of both
hardware and software technologies involving planning,
installing, customizing, operating, managing and administering,
and maintaining information technology infrastructure that
provides computing solutions to address the needs of an
organization.
• The program prepares graduates to address various user
needs involving the selection, development, application,
integration and management of computing technologies within
an organization
College of Engineering and
Information Technology
Comparison table of the key differences between CS, IT, CpE, DS and IT
Sources: American Public University, Coursera, FreeCodeCamp

Math/Programming
Field Primary Focus Key Subjects Tools/Tech Used Career Paths
Intensity
Theory and Software engineer, AI
Algorithms, data structures, operating Programming
development of researcher, backend Very high (strong
CS systems, AI, compilers, software languages, IDEs,
software and developer, systems math and coding)
engineering debuggers
algorithms architect
Business analyst,
Integration of Business analysis, databases, systems ERP systems, CRM Moderate (some
systems analyst, IT
IS technology with design, project management, tools, databases, coding, more
manager, ERP
business processes cybersecurity analytics software business)
consultant
Embedded systems
Hardware + Digital logic, microprocessors, Circuit design tools,
engineer, hardware Very high (hardware
CpE software design and embedded systems, networks, FPGA, C/C++,
engineer, firmware + software)
integration electronics, low-level programming assembly language
developer
Data scientist, ML
Extracting insights Statistics, machine learning, data Python, R, SQL,
engineer, data High (strong in stats
DS from data using mining, data visualization, big data, Hadoop, Spark,
analyst, business and coding)
stats and algorithms Python/R Jupyter, Tableau
intelligence analyst
Managing and Windows/Linux IT support specialist,
Low to moderate
supporting Networking, databases, cybersecurity, servers, Cisco tools, network admin,
IT (more config than
computer
College systems
of Engineering system admin, cloud services
and AWS, virtualization systems admin, cloud
coding)
in organizations software engineer
Information Technology
 Common IT Job Roles
Sources: Indeed, University of San Diego Online Degrees

Job Title What They Do

IT Support Specialist Troubleshoot user problems, install software/hardware.

System Administrator Manage servers, networks, and system configurations.

Network Administrator Monitor and maintain local and wide area networks.

IT Security Analyst Protect systems from threats, monitor security.

Cloud Administrator Manage cloud platforms like AWS, Azure.

Database Administrator (DBA) Maintain and secure data in databases.

IT Project Manager Coordinate timelines, budgets, and teams for IT projects.

Technical Support/Help Desk Frontline troubleshooting and user support.

College of Engineering and

Information Technology