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LESSON TWO Landmarks of Modern Science Part I. The Text. Abstract This passage deals with the three important aspects of modern science; the history of development, the working mechanism and their application as well as some possible negative effects are discussed in detail. Key words: Computer, nuclear engineering, genetic engineering, virtual reality, recombinant DNA, radiation Summary Outline Text Computer Engineering Computer Engineering involves the development and application of computer system, which performs tasks, such as mathematical calculations or electronic communication, under the control of a set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside within the computer and are retrieved and processed by the computer’s electronics, and the program results are stored or routed to output devices, such as video display monitors or printers. Computers are used to perform a wide variety of activities with reliability, accuracy, and speed. Development of Computer System Computer systems have been classed into three generations. The fist generation consisted of vacuum-tube-based machines. They used magnetic drums for internal storage and magnetic tapes for external storages. These computers were slow compared to modern machines, and owing to their bulk, and they required data to be brought to them. Second-generation computers using transistors began to appear in 1959. The internal storage used magnetic cores, with small doughnuts of magnetic material wired into frames that were stacked into large cores. This storage represented a tremendous increase in speed and reduction in bulk over previous storage methods. The eternal storage also added to increased speed and greater on-line capability as compared to magnetic tape systems. Beginning in 1964, a third generation of computers began to emerge. These computers utilized integrated circuits to increase capability and decrease size, while integrated technology also provided improved intern