Computer Science Minor

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>I'm an intended business major, but recently discovered that there was a computer science minor offered. One of the courses I have to take for this class is Math 55 or CS 70, and I have read that the CS is harder, but teaches you more CS concepts. Would it be better to take CS 70 for the CS minor or would it be okay to take Math 55?</p>

<p>Also, how hard is the CS minor? Just looking at what courses I'd have to take.. it looks pretty intimidating. I don't have any programming experience (unless you count LEGO Mindstorms NXT). Would it be better to take CS3S first before starting the CS61 series?</p>

<p>Any advice or information is appreciated.</p>

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<p>You can manage 61A without taking 3, but the first couple of weeks won’t be very fun and you’ll have to learn a lot in very little time… I recommend taking 3 if you have space in your schedule, but if not, just buy “Simply Scheme” and read it yourself.</p>

<p>I’m also interested in the question concerning cs70 vs. 55… Hopefully someone can provide an answer.</p>

<p>EDIT: I noticed you said cs 3S… Are they not offering 3L or 3 anymore? I’ve heard the self paced classes are hell…</p>

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<p>Yeah! I’m concerned about CS3S… this spring and next fall has offered it self-paced. I would really feel comfortable starting out the minor with CS3, but I would prefer it to be taught. Self-paced just leaves too much room for falling behind, especially for a subject I’ve never been exposed to before.</p>

<p>EDIT: Summer 2011 has CS3L</p>

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<p>^ Take it in the summer then. I took 3L last summer and it was pretty good. I found it fairly demanding/time consuming, but still doable if you don’t have any other classes to take up your time. Just keep in mind that summer classes move fast. :p</p>

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<p>You don’t even have to buy Simply Scheme – you can read it [here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>The other CS 61 textbook, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, can be read [url=<a href=“http://www-mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html]here[/url”>http://www-mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html]here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>And you can install [url=<a href=“http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/projects/scheme/]MIT”>The Scheme Programming Language]MIT</a> Scheme](<a href=“http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~bh/ss-toc2.html]here[/url”>Simply Scheme: Introducing Computer Science) on your computer to do the exercises.</p>

<p>[CS</a> 61A lectures](<a href=“Webcast and Legacy Course Capture | Research, Teaching, and Learning”>Webcast and Legacy Course Capture | Research, Teaching, and Learning) and other [CS</a> 61A course material](<a href=“http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs61a/sp11/]CS”>CS 61A Home Page) are also online.</p>

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<p>^ Ah, I completely forgot about the fact that they were online. Thanks for bringing it up. :p</p>