Computer Science vs Computer Engineering

 computer science vs computer engineering

Throughout this article, you’ll notice that these disciplines often overlap, but the differences between them are significant. If we could sum them up in a simple sentence, we’d say that Computer Science deals with data and algorithms while Computer Engineering is focused on hardware and firmware.

• Computer Science started as a branch of Mathematics, while Computer Engineering began (and still is considered by some) as a branch of Electrical Engineering.
• Computer Science students learn about computing theory, programming, environments, algorithms, data security and transfer, etc. Computer Engineering students discover how to develop, prototype, and test microchips, circuits, processors, conductors and any other components used in computer devices or systems (e.g. supercomputers, smartphones, laptops, servers, IoT gadgets). They also develop the firmware, an essential type of software that allows operating systems and applications to take full advantage of the hardware.
• Computer scientists work with computational theories, powerful algorithms, and mathematical models which are used to develop software programmes and systems. Computer engineers, on the other hand, develop the hardware and firmware on which software and systems run.
• Many different abbreviations are used when referring to Computer Science vs Computer Engineering: CS vs CE/CEN, CompScience vs CompEngineering, CompSci vs CompE, CpS vs CpE.

Computer Science vs Computer Engineering specialisations

In addition to general Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees, universities and colleges also offer different specialisations or subdisciplines if you want to narrow down your focus. Here are a few examples:

Computer Science specialisations

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Human-Computer Interaction (HIC)
• Data Science
• Cyber Security
• Cloud Computing
• Video Game Development

Computer Engineering specialisations

• Hardware Systems
• Distributed Computing
• Robotics and Cybernetics
• Embedded Systems
• Computer Graphics and Visualisation
• Medical Image Computing
• Computer and Network Security