Can studying mathematics and computer science be as creative as the arts?

 Dr John Yardley, Managing Director of Threads Software Ltd, precisely outlines the value of studying both mathematics and computer science together, and why students should be encouraged to see the creativity in research

While science is generally regarded as the study of natural phenomena, computing, like mathematics, is an entirely human construction. So even though a great deal of science knowledge is required to build a computer, that does not make the study of computing a science in itself. This would be academic but for the fact that the words “science” and “mathematics” tend to put off many young people from studying the subjects at school.

In a previous article written for Open Access Government, I discussed the inextricable link between computer science and mathematics. Computing is built upon the principles of mathematics – from describing the quantum behaviour of semiconductors, through formal logic, number theory and computer science engineer salary. And modern mathematics has benefited immeasurably from computing. There are whole classes of mathematical problems which can only be tackled digitally. Although we may see mathematics as academic and computing as practical, specialising in just one can exclude a large number of applications. Gaming, artificial intelligence, simulation, process control, networking all depend on and require a good understanding of mathematics.