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Computer Science is designed for students focused on understanding computational processes from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Key research areas span algorithms, system architecture, AI, computer vision, computational biology, distributed systems, databases, machine learning, natural language processing, networking, numerical analysis, software development, programming languages, robotics, and computational theory. Cornell's Ph.D. program in computer science ranks among the nation's top six, featuring groundbreaking research across all disciplines. The program stands out due to its distinguished faculty, rich history of innovation, and comprehensive doctoral curriculum. Faculty and doctoral candidates work across both the Ithaca campus and Cornell Tech in New York City. The Computer Science Field also incorporates faculty from Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Biology, and Architecture, who may guide Ph.D. research.
The completion of the human genome project highlights the growing demand for computational methods in biology. These tools are crucial for processing, interpreting, and applying the vast biological data now available. Computational biology challenges range from sequencing analysis to protein structure prediction, gene network modeling, and cellular-level computations. As part of Cornell's university-wide genomics initiative, the Computer Science Department plays a pivotal role. Faculty researchers are involved in diverse projects, including genetic mapping, sequence analysis, protein folding, structural comparisons, genomic comparisons, and molecular simulations.