Computer Science VS Computer Engineering At The University Of Pretoria | What Is The Difference?

[@liamroodt9921]

Hi Mitch Big fan of the videos! I just graduated BSc Computer Science from NMU. I find your comparison between the two slightly misleading. Hopefully I can offer some insight. BSc Computer Science is basically the modern-day math degree. My two majors were Computer Science and Mathematics. Other majors include Applied Math, Physics or Mathematical Statistics (different from “normal” statistics). At the start, we shared some classes with the BEng Mechatronics students (the only BEng offered at NMU). For every math related course they did, we did that and more. They went into about second year level for math, applied math and physics. So, from the outside looking in, the engineers did a wider variety of subjects (hence more courses in general), but in less detail. Engineers don’t really go into math further than maybe Calculus 3? The math they do is more “calculation based” and less focused on “theory”. They don’t do any Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Real or Complex Analysis. More of their focus was on the Applied side rather than the Pure side. So, the statement on engineers doing more math is not true. BSc Computer Science degree is a math degree before anything else. One thing I do completely agree on is that programming your own applications and stuff like that is completely self-taught. Don’t go into Computer Science or Computer Engineering if you simply want to learn how to code! Now that I’ve waffled on like a proper doos, thanks for making these videos. You are a valuable source to those contemplating studying STEM and a companion to those already doing so. Keep up the good work!

[@jjborenfff]

Actually engineering math may also include topics like PDEs, Complex Analysis and mathematical logic.

[@kanyaralarala4104]

I did BSc in Electrical Engineering @UKZN, I did lots of linear algebra, Complex analysis, Residue theory, Fourier analysis and applications, Laplace etc

[@liamroodt9921]

@@kanyaralarala4104 Exactly! That is the difference between a BSc and a BEng.

[@mitch7w]

@Liam Roodt Thanks for your insight! As I said in my video, this is based on the degrees at Tuks - where the maths is far more involved for Comp Eng than it is for Comp Sci - go look at the yearbooks. But yeah, at the end of the day you have to put in the effort and teach yourself everything anyway. Here's to a great career in STEM for CS and CE graduates! :)

[@muhammednakooda7953]

@@kanyaralarala4104 you do that as well in a Bsc

[@shay8770]

Please could you do another video like this one but instead where you talk about computer engineering and give your experience and someone else in their final year of computer science at tuks talks about their honest experience with the degree. That way we can grasp the idea of what it'll be like for us in the future. I'm struggling to choose between these two degrees to study next year so this video will really help me

[@daimageorge6457]

check out some of his older videos... they are very detailed, really helped me decide

[@mitch7w]

I'm not an interview channel and don't know many people doing CS. Study the yearbooks in the description - they are very helpful.

[@vindhyasuvarna247]

@@daimageorge6457 what did you end up choosing?

[@tlotlegomogapi2174]

CS teaches you possibly the 4 most important concepts apart from Data Structures and algorithms, Database Design, Networking, Software Engineering and System Design. If you planning on being a backend developer or go into Dev ops, you'll be applying all those concepts.

[@mitch7w]

It's an interesting one to give advice on cause so much that's necessary - cloud computing and good programming practices are self-taught anyway

[@tlotlegomogapi2174]

@@mitch7w Yeah sure...But you need to keep in mind that A LOT of companies require a CS degree for those roles, and for good reason. Most self taught programmers are web developers, but for higher paying fields like Dev Ops and Data Science, it's hard to get in as a self taught. CS degree is standard.

[@venator7889]

Hey Mitch I really like your videos because I know now how challenging University is, I thought it was like school but no it's on another level in terms of work ethic and cognitive thinking. I better prepare for the most challenging 4 years of my life!

[@mitch7w]

And the most enjoyable social 4 years of your life too! :D

[@sakhile_eskey]

Notification gang already here.. Lemme like before watching 💯✨😎

[@mitch7w]

Gotta watch man! ;)

[@tlotlegomogapi2174]

Lol I'm sorry but CS majors are also math majors. We do Applied Math, Calculus 1 and 2, Linear Algebra 1 and 2. Perhaps it's a little different at UP.

[@mitch7w]

As I said in the video - depends on the varsity. The more people doing Maths the better imo

[@akhirovermaak-ndlovu3486]

@@mitch7w Na man at UP the maths for CS is identical to a maths major

[@sreekumarsreenivasan4880]

Thank you very much for sharing such valuable information in a professional manner. Thanks for your sincere time and efforts to keep us informed. This is one of the best videos that clearly explained the differences os CS and CE. Thank you so much. wish you an excellent career as a leader in the Computer world. Stay happy, Stay blessed.

[@mitch7w]

Thanks for the appreciation - I appreciate it. ;) Your detailed questions are more appropriately sent to someone at the varsity and faculty not a student. I advise you contact them. However, I'll give it my best non-informed shot. 1. See the varsity's yearbook www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home for application details. Looks good so far. 2. Bursaries are income-dependent, scholarships are few and far between but I think there are quite a few work-back contracts (for engineering degrees at least) where companies will pay for your undergrad then you have to work for them for an equal amount of years afterwards. 3. There are occasional career fairs that employers come and advertise at but it's up to you to find a job, the varsity won't help you at all. 4. Comp eng = hardware and software, comp. sci = more software. In SA there are far more software jobs but comp. sci grads can't do the hardware jobs that comp. eng guys can and do apply for. But I think it's a pretty similar job market in SA yeah. 4. Let your son do his undergrad before getting set on doing masters. Undergrad degrees are hard and masters aren't often necessary in order to get a good job. CS and CE both have AI-research so contact faculty for more info. 5. Some personal advice. Remember that your son needs to live his life and enjoy his varsity years too. Don't get too hung up on deciding the rest of his future rn, like masters programs or post-varsity work, just pick a good degree and support him. You can learn so much just by yourself on the internet and so the choice of degree won't make or break you if you work hard enough.

[@prowez]

I completed my BEng at Tuks almost 2 decades ago and it's amazing to see that these 2 courses and their differences haven't changed fundamentally. Great video!

[@mitch7w]

Haha damn, fundamentals still the same!

[@jeremystott6861]

Hey! I thought I'd add to this video for curious viewers who are considering BSc Computer Science at Wits, since it seems the courses differ. If you are doing the prescribed route your studied will look like this: First year: Intro to Programing Computer Organisation (gates, logic, computer representation of data) Calculus 1 and 2 Algebra and Linear Algebra Newtonian Mechanics Linear Optimization Numerical Methods Mathematical modeling. Second year: Mobile computing Databases Algorithm analysis Computer networking Multivariable calculus (Calc 3) Real Analysis (Calc 5) Differential Equations (calc 4) Mathematical Statistics Linear Algebra Abstract Mathematics (Modern Algebra) Mathematical modelling 2 Nonlinear optimization Lagrangian mechanics Numerical Analysis 2. 3rd year Computer Science 3 And computer applications.

[@mitch7w]

Appreciate all the info!

[@theperfectionist1607]

Damn didn't know computer scientists took mechanics

[@dlaminidlamini7844]

this is an applied maths degree mosi, which faculty is your(WITS) computer science?

[@jeremystott6861]

@@dlaminidlamini7844 computer science is in the Faculty of Science at Wits

[@kabelochuene5558]

I know at UL the degree is also called a BSC in Mathematical science majoring in CS..sounds like you guys also do a Maths degree dashed with programming,sounds really hectic and difficult💀

[@obakengmokgatle4352]

Thanks for outlining the ain differences between them, it gives me confidence on the course I've chosen.

[@mitch7w]

Great stuff! Glad you appreciate it

[@user-wi5py4lv1e]

Bloody hell, best explanation on the internet

[@mitch7w]

Haha thanks!

[@dlaminidlamini7844]

When he said "if you're a CS student you probably think I'm a moron", I was like ... "yes, yes I do"... but I also get it Beng students only dala those 5 COS modules till the second year but trust me it gets really interesting in CS even though its most hectic, you can also choose data science electives when you do CS giving you the opportunity to broaden your scope and knowledge... great video btw @Mitch Williams 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mitch7w]

Thanks for the opinion and enjoying the video :)

[@ibrahimmoakkit260]

Thx for the video I'm an electrical engineer in my third year I love communications and electronics, but I also love programming and AI, machine learning, app developments and these kind of stuff But I also hate low level programming languages (like assembly ) and dealing with the low level languages and processors (computer hardware in general)... So did I pick the right major? 😂 also when I finish my electrical engineering degree I will take a master degree in computer science, is it allowed to take a master degree with something different from your major? and also do u think is it a good idea to take the computer science master degree because I love these fields?

[@mitch7w]

Dunno about doing a master's in a different area to your undergrad but you probs doing the right major. Tbh, so much can be learned from the internet - especially programming, app development and A.I. and I would lean toward more self-teaching yourself that.

[@MylesGmail]

Awesome! Thx!!

[@mitch7w]

Sure

[@danielromeo99]

I took CS coz I’m not with all that hardware stuff. I write machine learning models and web apps.

[@mitch7w]

That's dope. Glad it's working out

[@keananpather6957]

I disagree with the math part, I did Electronic engineering.. and we did alot of math but it was more hardware focused. Where as I am studying Cs now and there is way more math in it as it covers all aspects of math. 3 years of Calc , LA and alot of stats. This allows easier entry into the data science field. The Theoretical concepts do improve your code as it improves your problem solving when it comes to coding specific tasks.

[@mitch7w]

Depends on which varsity you did it at. And yeah, Eng is more hardware

[@thandazanisnegugu3857]

Lol CS people in comments, came for war and they are fighting 😂😂😂😂

[@mitch7w]

Was expecting it lol

[@LUYOLO16]

But I understand where they're coming from though. Traditionally and in most universities it is compulsory for CS students to do maths at major's level all the way to 2nd year, for example it's like that at Wits and UCT. I see it's difference at UP since you can choose to do it as an elective or avoid it completely. And CS is always offered by the science faculty unlike at UP.

[@sibusisohopewell6481]

Next, Do Electrical Engineering vs Computer Engineering.

[@mitch7w]

Lots of shared modules but computer has more coding + software

[@adlawnmariga]

🤣 Its always hard to pick whats best for yourself ....but my deduction is if you really know you want to work at a software development Company and nowhere else its best if you go for BSc Computer Science Then if you see yourself looking to apply some bit of hardware and software then Computer Engineering is for you or rather if you unsure which you are more good at ( practical application of computers or rather theoretical application).

[@mitch7w]

Good summary!

[@thabisokhosa1862]

nuh man..we have maths as well calculas, algebra....lots of it actually..not just discrete...though cool video loved it..

[@mitch7w]

Appreciate the insight

[@smooth9019]

Hey, it's me again. What do you know about feeder course and how I can apply for them. I missed the maths requirements by 4% with my final mark. Great videos tho🎉

[@mitch7w]

Don't know. Contact faculty/Tuks admin

[@damiendamien8479]

Howzit bruh ....l reallly like yr videos they are really inspirial

[@mitch7w]

Thanks man, appreciate it!

[@damianjack8]

Hey mitch. I was wondering about studying further for computer science or computer engineering. Do you need to or is the bachelors degree enough and the rest you learn on the job or do you need to go further? Great video btw👍

[@mitch7w]

Don't need to go further at all. Undergrad is very sufficient for most jobs

[@trevorscott3275]

I agree, I'm doing computer engineering, and it's pretty difficult in-comparison.

[@mitch7w]

They're both hard so props to anyone doing either

[@mitch7w]

They're both hard so props to anyone doing either

[@borednes]

This video and your other videos as well are really informative and provided most of the answers i sought. Would you recommend UKZN for computer engineering or any other university? Also, I want to get a pilot license part time in my first year, do you think that this is possible (or is the workload alot)? Thanks.

[@mitch7w]

Obviously I recommend Tuks. UKZN doesn't have a world-wide reputation but I am sure it's fine if you don't get in elsewhere. You will not be able to do a pilot's licence part time with varsity, too much workload

[@theassignmenthack2939]

Does ukzn even offer comp engineering

[@borednes]

@@theassignmenthack2939 They do, I just got accepted for it.

[@nomfundobuthelezi1730]

hi mitch im also from tuks ...geez it hard shame but i really love computer engineering

[@mitch7w]

I like it too but it's been a painful journey lol

[@rubenbrits7619]

Comp Sci > Comp Eng 😂

[@mitch7w]

As long as you're coding I'm happy

[@chinxeleer]

Yeah even the jobs 🤷‍♂️ are vast for Comp Scie students if they have exposure

[@deanbrimstone7740]

@Ruben Brits Ah. I see you are running away from the tough engineering career field. Lol Just kidding dude. Great choice.

[@veritasiumtry2015]

Hello Mitch. Can I begin with an advanced diploma in computer engineering and then proceed to a masters degree in computer engineering here in Toronto canada ? Thanks for the content.

[@mitch7w]

I have no idea how Canadian varsities work. Contact your faculty at your university of choice to find out

[@jaysonbam8013]

Would you recommend computer science as a secondary option when applying for computer engineering or another program?

[@mitch7w]

Yeah definitely.

[@juwairyalimalia766]

hey i'm a third year CS student and everything you said is correct :p

[@mitch7w]

Lol thanks! ;)

[@ruckus1421]

does it have too much math?

[@akhirovermaak-ndlovu3486]

@@ruckus1421 depending on the stream of maths you chose it can be equivalent to a maths major or as he says easier then the engineering maths

[@greatnation69]

Hi Mitch It would be interesting to know what has been the attrition rate in your course so far?

[@mitch7w]

Only 28% of those that started are remaining. Started with just over 200 people and now's there's 56 of us left

[@greatnation69]

@@mitch7w Wow that's some serious culling. I have to admit the maths you show looks mind blowing. I'm probably one of your oldest followers - your dad's age. It's been great re-living my student days through you.

[@mitch7w]

Not all dropped out, some moved to other degrees but it's quite crazy yeah. That's great though, cool to see how the varsity experience has changed in stone ways and not at all in others

[@tebohomado4990]

Your next one should be Computer Engineering vs Certifications.

[@mitch7w]

Incomparable. One is highly theoretical scientific knowledge and the other is a practical deep-dive into a specific technology stack

[@tebohomado4990]

Good point. I wanna become a Sys Admin. I don't think getting that degree is the way to go.

[@mitch7w]

I agree, far easier ways to get there and without the unecessary ancillary knowledge you'd have to learn in a theoretical degree

[@m4e12]

🙏🏿Thank you

[@maleselamokgohloa7380]

What's the difference between Multimedia and computer science despite that they are from the same field of study

[@mitch7w]

Similar but comp. science has Maths and more programming while Multimedia has programming and publishing/art/marketing side of things too: www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2018/pdf/programme/12131013

[@kabelochuene5558]

I get you put a disclaimer that you are biased but just wanted to point out to prospective students that there is a lot of maths and stats in CS and you might even do wtw114 which is very notorious even Actuarial students know it😂..but the nice part is after 1st year it is your choice if you want to continue with maths

[@mitch7w]

Both very similar job outcomes post varsity too :)

[@Elvis0]

so Mitch as an Aspiring Machine Learning Engineer i can still proceed with Bsc In CS at tuks or do they offer another degree like a Bsc in Data Science

[@mitch7w]

There's multiple degrees, consult the yearbook :)

[@ayandamathafeng1594]

Can u do a video of electrical engineering vs computer engineering

[@mitch7w]

Read the yearbook for details. www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home

[@System6879]

Is this your final year Mitch

[@mitch7w]

Nah, needed to add a 5th year

[@System6879]

@@mitch7w then next year, i will be seeing you around campus as a first year , going into criminology

[@Anonymous_Kid12]

Hey Mitch great video ❤ Is 64% in maths and 47% in physics enough for Computer Science at UP, please help, i am wondering

[@mitch7w]

I wouldn't recommend it unless you're willing to do extra time/years. Maybe do multimedia or something, less quantitative modules

[@OratileMojapelo]

Hey Mitch hope your good, I'm not the best at math so I was wondering if it was possible for me to do CS ?

[@mitch7w]

You can maybe do it if you improve and work hard. Comes down to your own ability. Check the yearbook for exact specifications of what the maths modules entail. But it is a lot of maths...

[@giftkarabo9953]

Can you do difference between information systems and computer science from tuks

[@mitch7w]

I know nothing about information systems. Go read the yearbook for more details. :)

[@tafaramutenje2957]

Hi Mitch can you please tell me what kind of projects yall get in the fourth year

[@mitch7w]

All different projects. Some hardware robot-based, some more software - all including major design and building out of complex engineering systems. Things like robot cars, puzzle-building robots, visible light communication, computer vision systems just to name a few

[@pokeman316]

Why am I watching this I’m a Civil Eng student lol

[@mitch7w]

Gotta check how the other half lives ;)

[@nhlanhlamtetwa5547]

Can you survive Computer Science without having Physical Science in High School?

[@mitch7w]

Dunno about the entry requirements but maybe, depends on your maths

[@juwairyalimalia766]

i'm a CS student and you definitely can survive without physics but you do need a good maths mark

[@ljlinen]

A BIG FAN OF THE INTRO LOL

[@mitch7w]

Haha thanks

[@kovikan8918]

Hey mitch,prospective UP student here... So im applying for study in 2023 and i applied to UP yesterday.Unfortunately i could not apply for computer science at UP because it was closed,although i was determined to get into comp sc.i applied to wits and 2 more universities.but if i get into tuks,ill be satisfied.since i was unable to apply for comp sc at UP.i applied for bsc mathematics.do you think its possible to switch to computer science later in the year or in 2nd year,or do you think i can do an honors in comp sc.i dont know how majors work,but apparently i can major in computer sc if i do a bsc in mathematics.

[@mitch7w]

You can't switch degrees like that a year in, the syllabus is very different. You might be able to switch before you even start but I am doubtful/unsure. Contact Tuks admin for information about all these questions, I can't answer I don't have the knowledge :)

[@ayandamathafeng1594]

So if i get a computer engineer degree how do i fill in the gap of software and will it be worth it to do a CS degree after and is it a possibility to get exemption or hv one less year to do. Basically i want both degrees in the shortest time

[@mitch7w]

You do not need both degrees. You learn a whole lot of software in Comp. Eng too and it is uneccessary to do another degree. You can learn what you don't learn in your degree on your own time. No one does 2 degrees like that.

[@thaboshikwambane]

Computer Systems Engineering (TUT) vs Computer Engineering (UP) ?

[@mitch7w]

Don't know much about TUT tbh

[@thaboshikwambane]

@@mitch7w Cool. Thanks for the response

[@robertgouldie2925]

Not a good depiction of CS at all. Classic engineering ous

[@mitch7w]

Make your own video then ;)

[@zwivhuyandou493]

Hi What are the chances of passing first year of computer engineering with no background knowledge of computer science and engineering drawing only maths n science

[@mitch7w]

Tough but guys do it all the time. They teach you basic coding in first semester in COS132 and Comp. Eng doesn't do technical drawing.

[@zwivhuyandou493]

@@mitch7w I've just registered for BscENG electrical and computer engineering at UCT

[@rofunwathemeli5124]

big fan of your channel, but as a computer science student at wits I feel demotivated after after watching this video ; )

[@mitch7w]

They're both great degrees to have

[@sreekumarsreenivasan4880]

WITS is offering Bsc Computational and applied mathematics. Is it a better degree than CS ,Will I add value. Will the industry consider us as CS graduates or rather as mathematical graduates. Your kind opinion on it as a WITS student will be appreciated.

[@rofunwathemeli5124]

No go for CS instead you can still major in CAM And cs in third year

[@ayandamathafeng1594]

Is getting both degrees worth it

[@heisenberg6442]

No...I think it would take too much time.

[@lukeerasmus5874]

Hey Mitch, is there any advice you could give to first year Comp Eng students starting this year, in terms of networking while being fully online. Weird times right now. All the best for this year dude, go smash it 💪🏼

[@anonduckduck]

Hey Luke, I’m also starting Comp Engineering at Tuks this year, I’d be down to link up if you want to 🤗

[@jashketchum]

I'm going into 2nd year comp eng at Tuks this year. Only had like 6 weeks on campus lol, but in my experience the people I met by chance in those first 2 weeks will most probably be my friends throughout my degree. It's so useful making friends in your year and in your degree so that you can help out each other when either one gets stuck. I've had multiple 8hr discord calls with friends while we worked on a programming prac or helped each other understand a mechanics assignment. Obviously it's going to be a lot more challenging in your scenario, cause you can't just run into someone and start chatting. But I recommend just joining any of the comp eng whatsapp groups whenever they become available to you and try find people there. (I will say though, for whatever reason, the comp eng whatsapp groups are dead quiet compared to any of the other eng groups, idk why)

[@mitch7w]

Geez, that's a hard one hey - tough to make friends fully online. I would say just don't be afraid to be the one to reach out to random people on your degree Whatsapp groups and make an effort to meet people around you and on campus if it ever happens

[@mitch7w]

@Jash Ketchum That's great that you managed to make mates man! Wouldn't have gotten this far in the degree if it wasn't for my friends

[@user-gn7gm6vr4z]

The bast computer engineering

[@sehar_ml]

Hi Mitch Can you get a scholarship at UP

[@mitch7w]

Depends on how smart you are - there are lots of companies that offer work-back clauses for degrees like actuarial, engineering and accounting.

[@manqobamazibuko6584]

Right now🤷‍♂️ I'm undecided. 😂

[@mitch7w]

Read the yearbooks and see whether the modules appeal to you

[@vaishthamansiritharan4971]

Is engineering hard what does it involve more on maths or science

[@mitch7w]

Yes it's hard, more maths.

[@vaishthamansiritharan4971]

???

[@muhlurigolele7061]

Lol, mitch is this a biased or rather a very misinformed review??, computer science students can take all the maths comp eng students take,hell we can take physics,chemistry,finance subjects and whatever else we want really until our final year but the most interesting is that computer science has a data science stream (Computer science+ mathematical statistics) we do the same stats as actuarial science students, we can determine risks and work in way more industries then computer engineers. E.g business analysts, actuarial analyst, quantitative analyst, data scientists, data engineer, business intelligence specialist,data architect,machine learning engineers,statistician,enterprise architect etc. In conclusion there's a reason why CS degree is part of the top 3 in demand degrees in the world and not computer engineering, hence CS>CE :)

[@muhlurigolele7061]

@Tys W Dead serious,its just a matter of which modules you choose. You can do actuarial science modules with CS and get the accreditation from the Actuarial Society of SA. You don't necessarily have to be a qualified actuarial scientist to be an actuarial analyst,most just get actuarial science,mathematical statistics or comp science degree then go into that role. As long as you have a few exemptions you'll work as one

[@mitch7w]

@Muhluri Golele If you'd taken the time to read the first line of the description you would have seen that I admitted to being very biased. But thanks for the insight into the Comp. Sci degree + electives you can take. It's really cool that you can tailor your path to a more mathematical and statistical path - sure that's useful in many industries.

[@googleaccount4470]

Maybe you should run for president 🤔

[@mitch7w]

Can't get enough done with politics!

[@mitch7w]

Can't get enough done with politics!