Department of Computer Science – A Brief Introduction

The Department of Computer Science was established in September 2009 with the inception of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal. Starting with three contract Computer Science Lectures, Mr. Irfan Ullah, Mr. Shahzad Khan, and Mr. Sami Ullah, and a small Computer Lab with eight Pentium 4 Desktop PCs, the Department of Computer Science offered only the BS Computer Science program. The Computer Lab remained open not only during daily working hours but also in the evening for two hours to benefit from the Power Generator (that was kept on for all the faculty and students of the University by the approval of the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Jehandar Shah, to study and prepare classes) in teaching Computing Skills to technology freaks and knowledge enthusiasts. With time, the Department of Computer Science gained momentum. It has progressed to offer various BS, MS, and PhD programs equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs, classrooms, and highly qualified MS/MPhil and PhD faculty. Computer Science is a balanced combination of theory, engineering, and experimentation for the design and use of computers. It adopts a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications by following a systematic approach to study feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of algorithms (methodical procedures) that underlie data acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication, and access [WordNet Princeton, NCEAC 2023]. Computer Science adopts a scientific, systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approach to the design, development, operation, evaluation, and maintenance of software systems, including mobile apps, Web applications, and intelligent systems [NCEAC 2023]. The Department of Computer Science offers all its programs with the aim of equipping students with the knowledge of basic and applied concepts and practical skills with the following objectives [NCEAC 2023]:

• To develop effective ways to solve computing problems. This includes the design, development, evaluation, and maintenance of software systems, including mobile apps, desktop-based solutions, web applications, and intelligent systems.
• To devise new ways to use computers intelligently and effectively, in areas of artificial intelligence, data science, networking, database, human-computer interaction, mobile & web application development, software & web engineering, cyber security, machine learning, and many more.
• To design and develop software systems by adopting a systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approach with all the necessary training and skills for the successful implementation of software systems that solve challenging programming jobs.

With these objectives, the Department of Computer Science not only increasing the number of seats but also offering new BS programs and expanding the research areas in MS and PhD programs.

Our Vision

To produce graduates with intellectual, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to be highly competitive in the job market and can enhance the socioeconomic base of the province and the country.

Our Mission

To equip graduates with knowledge, skills, ethical values, novelty, and creativity in theoretical and applied sides of Computer Science, encouraging them to be active team players, and entrepreneurs, exhibit professionalism, and establish startups.

Graduate Attributes (GA)

We aim to attain education objectives by ensuring that students demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes/student outcomes [derived from Graduate Attributes (GA) defined by Seoul Accord (SA) www.seoulaccord.org] [NCEAC 2023 Curriculum].

• Academic Education: To prepare graduates as computing professionals.

• Knowledge for Solving Computing Problems: An ability to identify, formulate, research literature, and analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering sciences.

• Problem Analysis: Identify, formulate, research literature, and solve complex computing problems reaching substantiated conclusions using fundamental principles of mathematics, computing sciences, and relevant domain disciplines.

• Design/Development of Solutions: Design and evaluate solutions for complex computing problems, and design and evaluate systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.

• Modern Tool Usage: Create, select, adapt, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern computing tools to complex computing activities, with an understanding of the limitations.

• Individual and Team Work: Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and multi-disciplinary settings.

• Communication: Communicate effectively with the computing community and with society at large about complex computing activities by being able to comprehend and write effective reports, design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and understand clear instructions.

• Computing Professionalism and Society: Understand and assess societal, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues within local and global contexts, and the consequential responsibilities relevant to professional computing practice.

• Ethics: Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of professional computing practice.

• Life-long Learning: Recognize the need, and have the ability, to engage in independent learning for continual development as a computing professional.

Programs Offered

The following programs are offered in the Department of Computer Science:

MS Computer Science:

The Department of Computer Science started the MS Computer Science program in 2014. Scholars can do research in any of the following areas.
Table 1. List of Specialization/Research Areas in MS/MPhil Computer Science

S.No.	Specialization/Research Area	S.No.	Specialization/Research Area
01	Artificial Intelligence	07	Digital Transformation
02	Cloud Computing	08	Human-Computer Interaction
03	Computer Networks	09	Information Retrieval
04	Computer Vision	10	Software Engineering
05	Cyber Security	11	Web Engineering
06	Data Science	12	Web Semantics

PhD Computer Science:

The Department of Computer Science started PhD Computer Science in 2022. Scholars can do research in any of the following areas.
Table 2. List of Specialization/Research Areas in PhD Computer Science

S.No.	Specialization/Research Area	S.No.	Specialization/Research Area
01	Artificial Intelligence	07	Digital Transformation
02	Cloud Computing	08	Human-Computer Interaction
03	Computer Networks	09	Information Retrieval
04	Computer Vision	10	Software Engineering
05	Cyber Security	11	Web Engineering
06	Data Science	12	Web Semantics

BS Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science started the BS Computer Science program in September 2009. In the year 2024, the number of seats has been increased from 50 to 100. The program is offered in two sections, each with 50 students.

New BS Programs

The Department of Computer Science plans to gradually introduce the following new programs:

• BS Artificial Intelligence
• BS Data Science
• BS Cyber Security
• BS Software Engineering.

Dear Students, as the Head of the Department, I welcome you to join us in exploring new horizons of knowledge and required technical skills for a better and brighter future.

Dr. Irfan Ullah Associate Professor/Chairperson
Department of Computer Science
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal
Email: csheadoffice@sbbu.edu.pk
Phone: +92 944 885416