Difficulty: Introductory | Prerequisites: College Connections overview, Responsibility & Diversity unit
This unit pairs two themes that might seem unrelated but share a common thread: preparing students to understand what they are studying (computer science foundations) and where they are studying (a Catholic university, specifically Lourdes University). The CS section introduces the core pillars of the discipline, from algorithms to programming languages, providing the conceptual map for what a computer science degree covers. The Catholic university section explains how attending a values-based institution shapes academic and personal development through liberal arts emphasis, moral grounding, and well-rounded education. Both sections answer the question: "What should I expect from my time here?"
Computer science covers algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and programming languages, giving students a technical foundation for understanding how computational systems work. Attending a Catholic university like Lourdes provides a values-grounded, liberal-arts-heavy education that aims to develop the whole person, not just technical skills.
Algorithm
A step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a problem or completing a task, especially by a computer.
Think of it as a recipe: a precise sequence of instructions that, if followed correctly, always produces the expected result.
Data structure
A specialised format for organising, storing, and retrieving data efficiently. Common examples include arrays, linked lists, trees, and hash tables.
In simple terms, it is how you arrange information so a computer can find and use it quickly.
Computer architecture
The design and organisation of a computer's hardware components, how they connect, and how they work together to execute instructions.
Think of it as the blueprint of the machine: the CPU, memory, storage, and the buses that link them.
Programming language
A formal language with a set of rules used to write instructions that a computer can execute. Examples include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
Liberal arts
A broad educational approach covering the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, intended to develop general intellectual capacities rather than narrow professional skills.
In simple terms, it is the "learn how to think" model of education, as opposed to "learn only how to do one job."
Catholic university
A higher education institution grounded in the values and teachings of the Catholic Church, typically combining rigorous academics with moral and spiritual development.
CS is built on a set of foundational principles and theories
Algorithms: the step-by-step logic that solves computational problems
Understanding algorithms is essential because they determine how efficiently a program runs
Sorting, searching, and optimisation algorithms are among the first you will encounter
Data structures: how data is organised so it can be accessed and modified efficiently
The choice of data structure affects the speed and memory usage of a program
Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs are core structures
Computer architecture: how hardware components (CPU, memory, I/O) work together
This knowledge explains why software behaves differently on different machines
Programming languages: the tools used to write instructions for computers
Different languages suit different tasks: Python for scripting and data analysis, C++ for performance-critical systems, JavaScript for web applications
CS also covers career opportunities and the impact of computing on daily life
Nearly every industry now depends on computational systems, which makes CS skills broadly applicable
Attending a Catholic university means being part of a community grounded in Catholic values and teachings
This provides a moral and spiritual foundation alongside academic work
Personal and professional development are framed through an ethical lens
Liberal arts emphasis: Catholic universities typically require a broad curriculum
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics sit alongside major-specific coursework
The rationale: a well-rounded education produces graduates who can think critically across disciplines, not only within their specialism
Strong professional programmes: many Catholic universities offer competitive programmes in sciences, engineering, and professional fields
The combination of liberal arts breadth and professional depth is the distinguishing feature
The university experience is shaped by community: service, ethical discussion, and shared values are woven into campus life
Algorithms and data structures are the backbone of every piece of software you use: search engines rank results with algorithms, social media feeds are sorted by them, and navigation apps find the shortest route using graph algorithms. The liberal arts foundation from a Catholic university pays off in careers that require communication, ethical reasoning, and adaptability, which is most of them. Employers consistently report that they value graduates who can write clearly, think critically, and work across disciplines.
Students often think computer science is just programming. Programming is one tool within CS; the discipline also covers theory, architecture, mathematics, and design.
There is a misconception that liberal arts courses are irrelevant to a CS degree. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and reason ethically about technology is increasingly valued in the industry.
Some students assume a Catholic university will be restrictive or narrow. In practice, the liberal arts emphasis typically broadens education rather than limiting it.
Students sometimes believe they need prior coding experience to study CS. Introductory courses assume no background and start from fundamentals.
⚠️ Be able to name and briefly define the four CS pillars: algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and programming languages.
⚠️ Expect a question on how a Catholic university shapes the student experience. The answer centres on: values-based community, liberal arts breadth, and strong professional programmes.
⚠️ Know what liberal arts means and why it matters. A common question: "How does a liberal arts emphasis benefit a CS student?" (Answer: it develops communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning alongside technical skills.)
⚠️ Understand that CS impacts daily life beyond just using computers. Be ready to give examples of computing in everyday contexts.
Fill in the blank: An ______ is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, especially by a computer.
True or False: Computer science is just another name for programming.
Fill in the blank: Catholic universities typically place a strong emphasis on the ______ ______, providing a broad base of knowledge.
True or False: You need prior coding experience to begin studying computer science.
Fill in the blank: The four foundational CS topics are algorithms, data structures, ______ ______, and programming languages.
Q: Name the four foundational areas of computer science discussed in this unit.
A: Algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and programming languages.
Q: What is the relationship between an algorithm and a data structure?
A: An algorithm is the procedure for solving a problem; a data structure is the way data is organised so the algorithm can access and manipulate it efficiently. They work together: the right data structure makes an algorithm faster.
Q: How does attending a Catholic university shape a student's experience?
A: It immerses them in a values-based community grounded in Catholic teachings, provides a liberal arts education that develops broad intellectual skills, and offers strong professional programmes. Together, these aim to develop the whole person, not just professional competence.
Q: Why does the course emphasise both technical CS knowledge and broader career awareness?
A: Because computing impacts nearly every industry. Understanding the career landscape helps students see how their technical skills apply beyond coding, including in management, policy, education, and entrepreneurship.
Q: What is the benefit of a liberal arts curriculum for a computer science student?
A: It develops communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning, skills that are essential for working in diverse teams, presenting technical ideas to non-technical audiences, and making responsible decisions about technology.
The CS foundations connect back to the study skills from the College Connections unit, which are essential for handling the workload of a technical degree. The Catholic university material builds on the human diversity and responsibility themes, adding the ethical and values-based dimension that informs how students approach both their studies and their relationships. The liberal arts emphasis also ties to the teamwork and communication skills covered earlier: technical ability without the capacity to collaborate and communicate is incomplete.
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