COMPUTER SCIENCE

1 Computer science is a discipline that seeks to build a scientific foundation for a variety of
topics, including computer design, computer programming, information processing,
algorithmic solutions of problems, and the algorithmic process itself. It is the science that
provides the underpinnings for today’s computer applications as well as the foundation on
which tomorrow’s applications will be based.
2 The most fundamental concept of computer science is the algorithm, which is a set of
instructions that direct the execution of a task or the completion of a computer process. For
example, there are algorithms for constructing model airplanes (in the form of instruction
sheets) for operating washing machines (again in the form of a user’s guide), for playing
music, etc.
3 In the domain of computing machinery, algorithms are represented as programmes which
are collectively called software in contrast to the machinery itself, which is known as
hardware. To get the computer to perform a task, an algorithm for executing it must first be
discovered and programmed into the computer.
4 Once an algorithm for performing a task has been found, the performance of that task no
longer requires an understanding of the principles on which the algorithm is based, but is
boiled down to the process of following instructions.
5 If we can find such an algorithm, then we can construct a computer to execute it.
6 Once it has been discovered, the next step is to represent it so that it can be communicated
to a computer or to other humans. This means that we must transform the conceptual
algorithm into a set of instructions and represent them in an unambiguous manner.
7 Still another branch of computer science deals with the design and construction of
computers. Ideally, we would like the architecture of computers to be a consequence of our
knowledge of algorithmic processes and not limited by the capabilities of technology.
8 Another context in which we study computer architecture relates to data storage and
retrieval.
9 Closely related to the design of computing machinery is the design of a computer’s
interface with the outside world, which involves coordination of the activities of the computer
and allocation of its resources.
10 As computers have been asked to perform more and more intelligent tasks, computer
science has turned to the study of human intelligence for leadership. The hope is that by
understanding how our own minds reason and perceive, we will be able to design algorithms
that mimic these processes and thus transfer these capabilities to computers.
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 Task 1. Which phrase can be used to describe the subject areas outlined in the
respective paragraphs?
Artificial intelligence Computer programming Operating systems
Computer design Information processing The Study of algorithms
Paragraph 2.
Paragraph 6.
Paragraph 7.
Paragraph 8.
Paragraph 9.
Paragraph 10.
Task 2. Answer the questions.
1. What definition of computer science is given in the text?
2. What aspects of computer science are mentioned in the introductory paragraph?
3. What does each subject area of computer science deal with?
The Study of algorithms –
Computer programming –
Computer design –
Information processing –
Operating systems –
Artificial intelligence –
Task 3.1 Find words in the text that match the definitions below.
1. to attempt or desire to obtain or achieve something; to aim (par.1) –
2. something that provides foundation/support or is the starting point from which something
else can develop (par.1) –
3. more important than anything else (par.2) –
4. an area, a field (par.3) –
5. to reduce or simplify something to the most basic or essential elements (par.4) –
6. not open to more than one interpretation (par.6) –
7. 1) a device or programme that allows users to interact with a computer; 2) a computer
circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another,
especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals (par.9) –
8. the process of giving parts of a total amount of something to be used in a particular way
(par.9) –

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9. to become aware or conscious of sth; to come to realise or understand (par.10) –
10. to imitate or resemble (par.10) –
Task 3.2 Complete the sentences below using the words from task 3.1.
1. The operating system provides a(n) _______________ between an application programme
and the computer hardware, so that both can only interact by obeying rules and procedures
programmed into the operating system.
2. A network of computers and devices that are controlled by one set authority and
have specific guidelines is defined as a(n) ________________.
3. The act of opening a programme or an application is counted as a process and therefore
requires resource _________________ to be able to run on the system, typically executed by
the operating system, which divides the resources into many partitions.
4. To get a hard disk to read information, the operating system makes a request to the drive
controller firmware which, then, actuates the read/write head to move to the position where
the data that is required is stored. The amount of time that a hard disk controller takes to
locate a specific piece of stored data, i.e. to move from one part of the disk to another is
called _____________ time.
5. The following three characteristics of computer science – finiteness, dynamic relationships
and algorithms – _______________ to realisability, or whether a given task can be computed
with some sort of mechanism.
6. Advances in technology, both in hardware and software, have allowed computers to
______________ sensory input in a manner similar to the way humans use their senses to
relate to the world around them.
7. Supercomputer software has provided insight into the workings of the human brain by
simulating the exchange of signals between neurons, but even the best software run on the
fastest supercomputers to date can only ________________ 1% of its complexity.
8. Both computer engineering and computer science study the use of the digital computer, its
inner workings, hardware as well as software aspects of computer systems, but computer
science is traditionally more concerned with the theoretical _____________________ of
computation and programming.
9. An algorithm is a sequence of ____________________ instructions for solving a problem,
i.e., for obtaining a required output for any legitimate input in a finite amount of time.
10. Flow control structures, which are commands that analyse and choose in which direction
a programme flows based on certain parameters or conditions, are _________________
components of computer programmes.
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Task 4. Complete the paragraph below using the following words.
programming, simulation, software, operating, architecture, compilers, underlying,
foundation, data, comprise, networks, ultimately;
Computer science is the study of computers, their 1) ________________ principles and use.
It 2) ____________ topics such as 3) ________ engineering, programming, 4) ____________
languages, 5) _____________, 6) ______________ systems and 7) ___________ structures,
hardware design and testing, computer system 8) _____________, computer 9) ___________
and interfacing, systems analysis and design, information theories, systems and computation,
applicable mathematics and electronics, computing techniques (e.g. graphics, 10) _________,
artificial intelligence techniques) as well as social, economic, political, organisational, legal
and historical aspects of computing.
It is a systematic body of knowledge with a(n) 11) ______________ in theory. However, as it
is 12) _________________ concerned with practical problems regarding the design and
construction of useful systems, it is far more a branch of engineering than it is a science.
Task 5. Match the terms from the text above with the following definitions.
software engineering, compiler, operating system, data structure, computation;
1. software which acts as an interface between the end user and
computer hardware –
2. a field of study covering all software-related subjects –
3. a piece of software that converts an encoded programme into a machine code or lower-
level form so that it can be read and executed by a computer –
4. an organisation, management and storage format that enables efficient data access and
modification –
5. 1) any type of arithmetic or non-arithmetic calculation that follows a well-defined model
(e.g. an algorithm); 2) the use of computers, especially as a subject of research or study –
Task 6. Match the basic concepts of computer science with the respective definitions.
computer programming, expert systems, robotics, information processing,
information storage, information retrieval, computer-assisted learning;
1. the derivation of ‘information objects’ by the execution of algorithms –
2. the activity of retaining information for later use –
3. computer programmes built for commercial application using the programming techniques
of artificial intelligence –

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4. any use of computers to aid or support the education or training of people –
5. a discipline lying across the border between artificial intelligence and mechanical
engineering and concerned with building programmable devices consisting of mechanical
manipulators and sensory organs which are linked to a computer –
6. the process of tracing and recovery of specific information from stored data –
7. all technical activities involved in the production of a programme, including analysis of
requirements and all stages of design and implementation –
Task 7. Give the nouns for the following verbs.
1. require –
2. implement –
3. derive –
4. execute –
5. vary –
6. operate –
7. inform –
8. produce –
9. retrieve –
10. store –
11. process –
12. decide –
13. apply –
14. analyse –
15. achieve –
16. arrange –
17. aid –
18. support –
19. involve –
20. record –

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Task 8. Complete the sentences below using the following verbs in the correct form.
manipulate, record, derive, support, execute, vary, operate, aid, produce, involve, retrieve,
store, require, perform, implement, transfer, process, analyse, apply, arrange, achieve,
employ;
1. Industrial design ________________ by computers.
2. The main computer ______________ three workstations.
3. Backing up ______________ copying current working files onto a separate storage
disk.
4. This device ______________ signals onto magnetic tape.
5. The files _______________ in alphabetical order.
6. Delicate computer systems ________________ careful handling.
7. The changes to the national health system _____________________ next year.
8. The results _________________ from the raw data.
9. Now that we have approval we may __________________ the new scheme.
10. The clarity of the signal can __________________ with the power supply.
11. How do you _________________ the remote control unit?
12. The company _________________ high quality computer equipment.
13. The command will _______________ all names beginning with S.
14. The data ________________ on a hard disc and backed up on a USB flash drive.
15. My new laptop can ___________ information much more quickly than my old computer.
16. We need ________________ the market potential for a new computer.
17. The formula only _______________ to data received after the interrupt signal (a signal
from a device attached to a computer or from a programme within the computer that requires
the OS to stop and figure out what to do next).
18. The hardware designers are trying _________________ compatibility between all system
components.
19. Computers can _________________ many different tasks.
20. Sophisticated statistical analysis ___________________ to obtain these results.
21. All processing activities _____________________ to the mainframe.
22. Spreadsheets are an excellent way ___________________ data.