[sci.lang] PoCS: What is and what should computer science be.

steve@hubcap.UUCP ("Steve" Stevenson) (02/08/89)

A bit of background.  Over the past several months, I have had several
discussions with scientists over what is the relationship of computer
science and the other sciences. I must admit that I've had my ears pinned
back a couple of times.  Since these were inpromptu, notes never were taken.
I got the idea for this request from the "Grand Challenges" session at
Supercomputing '88.  So here's your chance to sound off to at least
one ``computer scientist.''

Please respond to me directly with your comments on one or more of the
below issues.  Most are stated in a negative way to elict direct
comments.  If you have postive comments or want to bring in a point
I have forgotten [ which is quite likely :-) ], please do so.
I will consolidate and notify the news groups polled
when I have a compendium.

My hope is to motivate a better relationship
with scientists and scientific programmers/computer scientists by
pointing out needs.  I am not so naive to expect it all to be picked
up on, but maybe some things will be.  In particular, those things
which relate to parallel and distributed computing will be put out
over comp.parallel.

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I.   What is the role of computer science vis-a-vis your science.

II.  Name a problem in your discipline which you feel could be solved if
you could get a computer scientist to listen/understand.

III. What single thing annoys you most about working with computers?

IV.  Comment on your perception(s) of computer science's preparation to
work with your science vis-a-vis disciplines like mathematics.  Can you
make specific recommendations wrt curricula matters?

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-- 
Steve (really "D. E.") Stevenson           steve@hubcap.clemson.edu
Department of Computer Science,            (803)656-5880.mabell
Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-1906