Class Journal Week 1 Tesfaiohannes

Naomi Tesfaiohannes

Dr. Dahlquist

Journal 1

Reflection questions before:

Before reading the Denning articles

1. When you hear the term computer science, what comes to mind?

I initially think of coding, building/ working with software, and an overall understanding of how computers work. I also think of data collection and being able to use a computer to analyze information.

2. I believe whenever an older relative hears the term computer science or even just computers they think of technology and go on to say how it has been intervened into almost every field of work.

3. I believe our youth is more aware of computers because of its exposure to them through video games, television shows, classroom settings, etc. However, for the field of computer science I believe their interpretation would be similar to older relatives where it is generalized into being all about computers and software.

Before reading the Janovy chapter

1. When you hear the term biology, what comes to mind?

I think of biology as being the study of life. Understanding the similarities in different organisms, how they have adapted to their environment, the cell process, cycle, and structure, and how different organisms interact.

2. I would consider myself a biologist due to the vast amount of information I have obtained in my first three years of college here at LMU. Although I clearly do not know everything about biology, I most likely know more than most people outside of science.

After reading the Denning articles and the Janovy chapter, answer the following questions:

What was the purpose of these readings?

The purpose of the Janovy reading was to explain the life of the author and his decision to become a naturalist. The reading also touches on the incredible development in science that has been made that help address questions on adaptation, cell structure, and physiology. Science is evidence-based, so research has helped assist in many of these discoveries. The writer talks about their fascination with the zoo and how college helped determine their aspiration to be a biologist. He goes on to share what it means to be a biologist. It requires a person to be observant and understand the great diversity in life. Biology should have a generalist approach to it.

The Denning articles touch on IT and the industry need for computer professionals. This is likely due to the negative job structure attached to the field: long hours in front of a computer of programming. Programming allows professionals to understand the function of the computer. There are many sides to it, but a general knowledge of computer science is important for anyone in our current society that will soon have to get used to the great sweep of technological advancements that are being implemented into different work fields. The other Denning article talks about computing. It talks about the computing revolution beginning in the 1940s with tools, followed by methods in the 1980s, and then processes in the 2000s. The 1940s was the era of the first electronic digital computer. Computing is defined as the study of natural and artificial information processes. Computing includes computer science, computer engineering, informational technology, information science, and information systems.

Which of the voices in the Voices of Computing article seem to appeal to you the most?

I appeal most to the User. It describes me quite well, being a user of the products computer scientists help put together even though I am not one of those computer scientists. I use technology everyday and have a fair understanding of how to use it. I would consider myself an amateur, but do have knowledge working with different apps such as Microsoft, Pages, Keynote, and Excel.

Apply one of the seven principles from the Computing is a Natural Science article to something as "non-computer-science"-y as possible, either from other subjects or your daily life.

Hierarchical Aggregation of larger entities being composed of smaller ones reminds me of the food pyramid. From (the top) of foods and drinks high in fat and oil to the bottom of grains and cereals. The pyramid also shows how many servings of each should be eaten to keep a balanced diet.

What did you find most interesting or provocative about the Janovy reading?

The passion that Janovy had from his youth to be a biologist and inform others on the role he plays as a Biologist. He explained what his field consists of and what others can understand about his work.

What does it mean to be a biologist? Do you consider yourself a biologist? Why or why not?

To be a biologist is to study the branch of science having to do with living organisms. I do consider myself a biologist because of my understanding of this branch of science but know that there is much more for me to learn.