Difference Between Computer Science and Information Technology

Computer Science vs Information Technology

Two courses that have students most confused about their content and scope, both of which are related to computers, are computer science and information technology. You ask any layman and you are likely to get as many different answers as people out there on the street, and the situation is not clear even when you ask experts. Yes, the two courses look similar, have almost similar content, but they are different and this is what readers will get to know after reading this article.

Computer science

Since they were first introduced to people, computers and their applications have become very broad and pervade every walk of life today. Computers can do today what 20 years ago was even unthinkable. So if you get people asking can my computer do this, it is a computer scientist who has the exact answer as computer science is all about computers. They know in detail all about computers, and their hardware apart from software. They know the design of a computer inside out. The course designed to teach computer science include hardware, software and operating systems. Computer science makes heavy use of mathematical algorithms, computational theories from biology, physics and electrical engineering. Algebra and geometry also form an integral part of any course in computer science. For anyone aspiring to do computer science, it is imperative to have a mathematical aptitude.

The basics concepts of computer science are derived from physics, math, electrical engineering, and linguistics. Before it emerged as a separate discipline, computer science was taught as an extension of electrical and electronics engineering only.

Information technology

As the name implies, information technology is all about making use of computer based information systems. How this information is designed, developed, implemented, supported or managed by computers is what makes the bulk of syllabus of any information technology course. Software and hardware are also taught but the focus is on use of computers and peripherals making maximum use of information systems to bring more profits in any business environment. How this technology can make work easier in all walks of life is what is the aim of any information technology course is.

The processes of storing, converting, protecting, transferring and retrieving information from computer systems is taught in information technology courses that makes a student expert in handling the demands of the industry.