Computer Science Major is seeking Help

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Hi everyone,
I am a Computer Science Major, and I started my first semester a few weeks ago. I am going to a European University and the rules and regulations are a little different here. You are allowed to take a class without having taken the prerequisite first, as long as you take the prerequisite at some point before you graduate. Basically, there is a given list of classes you have to take before graduation, and you can mix and match and take which ever class you want, whenever semester you want as long as you have taken them all at some point before graduation.
They do have a "recommended" order of classes and you are free to choose whether you want to follow this recommendation. It is pretty similar to the American system, beginning with Intro programming, Calc, Calc I and so on. The problem is, that I started in spring. And they only offer the first semester/introductory courses in the Fall. So right now I have to take what is usually "recommended" as the "second semester". (And I will take the actual introductory courses in the upcoming fall. Basically the prerequisites to what I am taking now.) </p>

<p>Here is what I am taking: </p>

<p>Functional programming
Logic & Discrete math
Algorithms & Data Structures
Comp. Architecture</p>

<p>I know these are too advanced for a beginner. I know that this is crazy, and a very long shot. But I HAVE to take these classes and master them somehow.</p>

<p>I am writing in this forum to seek your advice about what you guys could recommend me regarding preparation and "catching up" to this "second semester" level on my own so that I can manage to pass these classes. I am a very persistent and studious person, I am willing to invest all my time and effort into this to make it out alive somehow, but WHAT must I study & learn to catch up? </p>

<p>If you have any idea or recommendation about what would help me, which websites to check out or which books to read, or study tips that will be of help to learn these topics more efficiently - really ANYTHING will help.</p>

<p>My teachers say that it is doable. Other than myself, they admitted a lot more students without Intro classes, so it must be manageable. I just think it is very difficult and my lack of experience / intro-knowledge is slowing me down a lot. So I would really appreciate if you guys could suggest me ways to acquire, as much as I can, my own Intro-level knowledge about the subject matter. </p>

<p>I apologize for the long post and thank you all in advance!</p>

2

<p>You’re saying those are the four classes you are taking right now without ever having taken a CS course? Okay, what math and programming/CS background do you have?</p>

3

<p>@TomServo: I don’t have a CS background. I did read a C++ book and tried to code a little bit with C++, Java and Python before but not to an extent that can count as “real” experience. they are offering an intro to programming “tutor” course on the side though (you don’t get credit for it, its just as help for those of us that got admitted into the “second” semester). As to math, I completed pre-calc level math</p>

4

<p>Depends on what your functional programming course is like. You still didn’t clarify whether you are in these classes right now or will be in the Fall. In any event, I think you should take algorithms and data structures and computer architecture AFTER the other two.</p>

5

<p>@TomServo: I apologize, I wasn’t being clear. I have no CS background and I am taking the following courses right now:
Computer Architecture
Functional Programming (w/ SML)
Algorithms & Data Structures
Logic & Discrete Math</p>

<p>And in the following Fall semester, I will be taking:
Introduction to Programming,
Calculus
Calculus 1</p>