Introduction to Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science provides a foundational overview of the principles and practices that underpin the digital world, serving as the entry point into the field. This area explores the core concepts of computational thinking, teaching how to break down complex problems into manageable steps that a computer can execute. Key topics include the fundamentals of algorithms, the basics of a programming language to implement those algorithms, the distinction between hardware and software, and an initial look at how data is represented and manipulated. The goal is to build a conceptual framework for understanding not just how to use computers, but how they work and how they can be leveraged to create powerful solutions.

1. Foundations of Computer Science
   1. Defining Computer Science
      1. Nature and Scope of Computer Science
      2. Relationship to Other Disciplines
         1. Computer Science vs Computer Engineering
         2. Computer Science vs Information Technology
         3. Computer Science vs Software Engineering
         4. Interdisciplinary Connections
      3. Core Areas of Computer Science
         1. Theoretical Computer Science
         2. Applied Computer Science
         3. Systems and Software
         4. Human-Computer Interaction
      4. Beyond Programming
         1. Mathematical Foundations
         2. Problem-Solving Methodologies
         3. System Design and Analysis
         4. Research and Innovation
      5. Computer Science as Problem-Solving
         1. Abstraction and Modeling
         2. Computational Solutions
         3. Scalability and Efficiency
         4. Real-World Applications
   2. Computational Thinking
      1. Decomposition
         1. Breaking Down Complex Problems
         2. Identifying Subproblems
         3. Hierarchical Problem Structure
         4. Modular Thinking
      2. Pattern Recognition
         1. Identifying Similarities and Trends
         2. Recognizing Recurring Structures
         3. Generalizing from Specific Cases
         4. Template Matching
      3. Abstraction
         1. Filtering Irrelevant Details
         2. Creating General Models
         3. Levels of Abstraction
         4. Information Hiding
      4. Algorithmic Thinking
         1. Designing Step-by-Step Solutions
         2. Sequential Logic
         3. Decision Points and Branching
         4. Iteration and Repetition
         5. Evaluating Solution Efficiency
   3. History of Computing
      1. Pre-Electronic Computing
         1. Ancient Calculating Devices
            1. The Abacus
            2. Antikythera Mechanism
         2. Mechanical Calculators
            1. Pascaline
            2. Leibniz Wheel
            3. Difference Engine
            4. Analytical Engine
      2. Foundations of Modern Computing
         1. Theoretical Foundations
            1. Boolean Algebra
            2. Turing Machine Concept
            3. Church-Turing Thesis
         2. Early Electronic Computers
            1. ENIAC
            2. EDVAC
            3. UNIVAC
         3. Development of Programming
            1. Machine Language
            2. Assembly Language
            3. High-Level Languages
      3. The Transistor Revolution
         1. From Vacuum Tubes to Transistors
         2. Integrated Circuits
         3. Microprocessors
         4. Moore's Law
      4. Personal Computer Era
         1. Rise of Home Computing
         2. Graphical User Interfaces
         3. Software Industry Growth
         4. Gaming and Entertainment
      5. Network and Internet Age
         1. ARPANET Development
         2. TCP/IP Protocol
         3. World Wide Web
         4. Internet Commercialization
      6. Modern Computing Era
         1. Mobile Computing
         2. Cloud Computing
         3. Social Media and Web 2.0
         4. Big Data and Analytics
         5. Artificial Intelligence Renaissance