We have developed a new introduction to the computer science major, consisting of two courses, called Science of Computing 1 and Science of Computing 2. This sequence emphasizes balanced development of basic abilities in all three of computer science's fundamental methods of inquiry (design, theory, and empirical analysis), as opposed to the more traditional emphasis on programming and data structures. Science of Computing 1 introduces students to all three methods of inquiry, in the context of recursive algorithms and their mathematical and experimental analysis. Science of Computing 2 extends, and provides extensive practice in, all three methods. Both courses use a strongly hands-on approach to demonstrate the importance of, and interactions between, the three methods of inquiry. Preliminary results indicate that these courses successfully teach basic design, theory, and empirical analysis, and encourage students to continue studying computer science at a rate as high as or higher than that of traditional introductory courses.

Computer science is a ftmdamentally creative endeavour. The creativity necessary for science is not produced through a knowledge of many facts, but through deep insight into the relationships between facts and the methods of inquiry through which they are discovered. The goal of computer science education should be the development of insight into the methods and nature of the discipline, not simply exposure to its current factual content. Unfortunately, few aspects of insight are explicitly addressed in any standard curricula. We call for, and present an outline for, a curricula based on insight rather than topics.