At the moment I and my classmates have a decision to make. This is a choice between getting a job, doing a H Dip or doing year four in Software Engineering.
At the end of this year we will graduate with a Bachelors in Business Computing. This course combines the needs of business with computer science.
As I and my colleagues discuss our options it begged a question. What is the difference between Comp Science and Software Engineering?
Given the amount of discussion online on this question I’m not the first to ponder this. This is an Academic argument and is only really concerns those trying to map career paths.
Industry is more concerned with what you can do and are not likely to be too worried about how you acquire your skills.
When choosing a degree it should be noted that the lines have blurred between the two disciplines. Many computer science programs have borrowed from the newer software engineering field. We are also ever mindful not to downplay the needs of business which have been included in our course.
I will attempt to give a brief description of the core competences of both.
Computer Scientists are concerned with the creation of information systems for the benefit of society.
This is dressed up in Number of ways. Some say that it is a degree in advanced mathematics. Others say that is a degree where you learn how to code.
In truth it is a Degree in learning how to solve problems.
In essence a degree in computer science is a degree that teaches you how to identify, describe and solve problems. We live in a time where technology permeates every aspect of modern life. It is important to keep a broad perspective.
A good computer scientist should be able to identify a problem and derive a solution from theory, maths and other various architectures and technologies.
Software Engineers are concerned with the software development life cycle. Software engineers are often confused with Programmers. Programmers write code that implements a software engineers ideas.
The software engineer’s idea comes following the rigorous application of every stage of the development life cycle. This comes under the Requirement, Implementation, and testing life cycle. All aspects are fully documented.
A software engineer would be expected to write neater code but is should be mentioned that 40% of software developers hold a computer science degree as well.
A degree is not completed by a practical skill set but it is greatly enhanced.
For those considering studying either of these disciplines there is an important consideration. The course you choose should have a heavy leaning towards the practical.
The Business Computing course I and my class mates are just finishing in A.I.T. falls into this category. It combines the needs of business and a practical skill set which gives us a great basis on which to build our careers.
Students having completed the Business Computing have done gone on to do the Software Engineering Level 8. The students we’ve spoken to who’ve taken this route state that they’re coding competences compared very favorably with students who had followed the Software Engineering route for all 4 years.
It is also important to mention that those who elected to do the Higher Diploma in Computing as a year 4 option have had little difficulty in finding jobs across a broad spectrum.
This coupled with an awareness of the importance of the softer skills makes us very employable across a broad spectrum. This once again is manifest feedback we’re getting from past Students.
