Computational science, also known as scientific computing or scientific computation, is a rapidly growing branch of applied computer science and mathematics that uses advanced computing capabilities to understand and solve complex problems. Typically, the term refers to the use of computers to perform simulations or numerical analysis of a scientific system or process. Computation is any type of calculation that includes both arithmetical and non-arithmetical steps and follows a well-defined model, for example, an algorithm. The study of computation is paramount (hypernymous) to the discipline of computer science.