<p>I had two questions:
Number one: I only have Econ 1 and Math 16B left as prereqs. Should I take Math 16B with Harrington fall 2013 and take Econ 1 spring or Econ 1 fall with Olney and Math 16B spring during my sophomore year?</p>
<p>Number two: If I'm thinking about minoring in Comp Sci but have no background in computer programming and am very bad at math, what class should I take to see if I'm interested in Comp Sci?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Regarding your second question, I would recommend taking CS 10 your first semester here. It’s a fun, easy course that introduces you to a few basic programming techniques while teaching you about some of the more “big picture” concepts in the field of computer science, so it should be a good way to see if you’re interested in CS. </p>
<p>However, it’s not exactly a typical CS course in that it’s hardly representative of the rigor and difficulty of the rest of the CS curriculum here at Cal. So I wouldn’t really recommend using this course as the basis (or at least as the sole basis) for your decision to minor or major in CS. For that you’d want to use the 61 series, especially CS 61A.</p>
<p>I’d also take a close look at your motives for looking into CS. If it’s only because CS is a marketable major that’ll land you plenty of job opportunities after college, I’d think again. CS is a tough major and the introductory 61 series (as well as the other major pre-reqs) do a wonderful job of identifying with laser-like precision those students who don’t hold a genuine interest in what they’re learning or whose skills/capabilities aren’t ideally suited to the demands of programming. I can’t underestimate the importance of being passionate about CS and, to a lesser extent, having the determination and patience to spend hours on end puzzling out a problem.</p>
<p>Me, I have an obsessive personality that makes it difficult for me to leave a problem alone until I’ve come up with the solution. I love to fix things and excise flaws/errors from a piece of work like a surgeon with a scalpel. I love to create useful tools that serve a clearly practical purpose. I delight in finding neat little shortcuts and discovering more efficient ways of doing things. I like learning by doing. These are qualities I’ve always had, and they’re what make CS the perfect major for me.</p>
<p>All the best with whatever path you choose, and if you do happen to take any CS courses I hope you find them as enriching as I do!</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p><em>Bump</em></p>
<p>If you need motivation for CS, just think about the money you’ll make after graduation.</p>
<p>If you are bad at math, CS 70 (a requirement for the major or minor) could be rather difficult for you.</p>
<p>Probably CS 10. CS61A will be harder than both your math and your econ classes combined (and most likely the rest of your schedule).</p>
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Probably won’t make up for interest in computer science. People there solely to make money get weeded out pretty quickly in 61A.</p>
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I may be in a similar situation to you.</p>
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<p>I think even students who’ve done well in mostly computational/plug-and-chug style math courses like Math 1B and 54 could find CS 70 difficult, since it’s so different from what they’re used to (speaking from personal experience). Of course, one could argue that these students are in fact bad at math in their own way.</p>
<p>I think caprizep gave some very excellent advice.</p>
<p>bump bump bump</p>
<p>Econ-wise, I think you should wait to take it with Professor Olney. She is such a great lecturer! You’ll probably notice that she has really good ratings on Ninjacourses. </p>
<p>(However, her exams are a bit more difficult in that everything is free-response and there was an essay portion to the final exam)…</p>
<p>“If you need motivation for CS, just think about the money you’ll make after graduation.”</p>
<p>lol.</p>
<p>Hahaha, thanks for being brutally honest, Lucyan. But money isn’t everything.</p>