Computational Sciences

• National Institute for Computational Sciences
• National Center for Computational Sciences
• Computational Sciences Education
• Center for Computational Thinking (Carnegie Mellon)
• Computational Thinking for Everyone (National Academies)
• Computational Science at the National Laboratories
• Physics and computing (by Nature)

Computational sciences now contribute equally along with experiments and theory to the advancement of science. Computations can complement experiments and theory in a way that allows us to understand even more about our natural world. For example, simulations allow scientists to obtain insight for natural phenomena that experiments cannot provide. Sometimes, experiments are too time consuming, or expensive, and in those cases simulations may provide us with required results faster as well as more inexpensively.

It is important to keep in mind though that computational models need to be validated before used to predict any physical quantity. This can be done by comparing the new computational method with an already validated computational method or with good quality experimental data.

You can read more about computational sciences here:

• Definitions (by Penn State)
• Article on the need of software engineering education
• Computational Science: Ensuring America's competitiveness (President's Report)