Any Computer Science majors here?
Of course there is!
How are intro courses to computer science? Would I be able to jump in with no computer science knowledge (I mean absolutely no knowledge, nothing, nada, zilch), and pull off a good grade?
November 20, 2013
13 Comments • Newest first
The intro CS classes here are stupidly hard. But all intro classes here are stupidly hard.
I have friends who are in our first programming class and have EXPERIENCE with programming and still find it difficult.
My RA tried doing Biostats for her major and couldn't even get past the first CS class here because she had no background in it so she had to ditch the major all together.
But other colleges actually don't assume you know the whole before coming in, so it probably isn't bad.
It wouldn't hurt to try and learn the language you are using before the class though to get an idea of what you're up against.
I'm currently in final year of my course, being Information Systems Engineering. I guess it's a mix of both software engineering and computer science? We learn about computer systems architecture, business management, webpage development, C and Java programming, database administration, networking, calculus & algebra, discrete maths and a few more. Could say I'm pretty well rounded. Would recommend you to take up fundamentals first though. And math is really important.
[quote=Newspaper]I've thought about doing CompSci but my math scores are low. The highest math I've completed in HS was Alg 2, and they recommend at least Calculus for discrete math.
My plan B is to do System Administration which does have ICS111 (Intro to CS) as a required class.[/quote]
They recommend calculus, but the only thing calculus-related in discrete math is finite/infinite series/sequences, which the class should review.
@Newspaper you only need algebra to do discrete math. you could do IT. it requires only up to pre-algebra. You could always learn Calculus in college. you don't know what you're capable of until you try.
There are many good lectures on YouTube to help get you started
I can't find the one I watched some years ago, but from the looks of this guy this one seems like a good start
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkMDCCdjyW8
On the side, as a hobby, do something programming related. Maybe make a website. Make your own pizza slice server for educational purposes (this is actually a good way of learning).
[quote=Ecyz]From what I've heard, Music courses are harsh. Really harsh.[/quote]
I took an intro to music course my freshman year for GE credits, and it was the easiest 'A' I'd ever earned.
I assume deep music courses are more difficult, though.
[quote=Yumtoast]It depends on the course. Intro to Music is going to be easier than let's say, general chemistry.[/quote]
From what I've heard, Music courses are harsh. Really harsh.
[quote=RattyNails]Do you understand the concept of introductory courses, my honey?[/quote]
It depends on the course. Intro to Music is going to be easier then let's say, general chemistry.
[quote=assumptions2]No, I'm horrible at math. I take it that will be a problem?[/quote]
Huge problem. Majoring in CS is practically trying to earn a degree in math.
Sample required math courses for CS/SE majors at my university: discrete math, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential calculus, applied stat, integral calculus, combinatorics, etc etc. You take so many math classes that you end up minoring in math by the time you graduate.
[quote=Yumtoast]Are you good at math?
Daily reminder that CS majors are NOT engineering majors.[/quote]
No, I'm horrible at math. I take it that will be a problem?
Are you good at math?
Daily reminder that CS majors are NOT engineering majors.
I've heard intro comp sci courses are pretty easy. Can't speak for any of the upper year courses. I'd say to take a general science course load first year with comp sci as an elective, and that way if you bomb it, you can still pick a different science major.
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What's up with all the CS major threads on Basil...?
Intro courses weren't terribly difficult for me. My classes didn't assume the students had any CS knowledge and taught everything from the ground up. If you were really motivated, you could learn basic CS skills online. CS (at least at the basic level) is really more about getting your hands dirty and writing programs than it is about memorizing facts.