CSE is a broad multidisciplinary area that encompasses
applications (science/engineering), applied mathematics, numerical
analysis, and computer science and engineering. Computer models and
computer simulations have become an important part of the research
repertoire, supplementing (and in some cases replacing)
experimentation. Going from application area to computational results
requires domain expertise, mathematical modeling, numerical analysis,
algorithm development, software implementation, program execution,
analysis, validation and visualization of results. CSE involves all
of this.
Although it includes elements from computer science, applied mathematics, engineering and science, CSE focuses on the integration of knowledge and methodologies from all of these disciplines, and as such is a subject which is distinct from any of them.
To avoid misunderstanding, we note how CSE differs from activities in some more traditional disciplines. CSE makes use of the techniques of applied mathematics and computer science for the development of problem-solving methodologies and robust tools which will be the building blocks for solutions to scientific and engineering problems of ever-increasing complexity. It differs from mathematics or computer science in that analysis and methodologies are directed specifically at the solution of problem classes from science and engineering, and will generally require a detailed knowledge or substantial collaboration from those disciplines. The computing and mathematical techniques used may be more domain specific than the general ones that one might learn otherwise, and the engineering and science skills needed will be broader. Finally, CSE is more than a scientist or engineer using a canned code to generate and visualize results (skipping all of the intermediate steps).
