<p>I'm an incoming freshman Engineering student, with anticipated BME major. Wanted to find out about CS131 because I am thinking about adding it to my Fall schedule (may defer Intro to BME until 2nd year). Took AP Comp Sci in HS, 4 on placement exam. I know there is a placement exam that I also have to take in August if I want to try to place out. But if I don't place out -- what do you think of CS 131? How difficult is it? Already have lots of labs and break out sessions with Chem, Physics and Calc, and CS 131 has both studio and lab sections too. Any information would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I got a 5 on ap comp sci AB and still learned a ton in 131. I wouldn’t recommend skipping it if you plan to take future cs courses.</p>
<p>@marcdvl, planning to second major in CS, entering freshman, looking at starting the CS program on my second year. Got a 5 on ap. If I pass the placement test, you still recommend taking CS 131, right? Is it a must take and help to be ready for CS 132, 240, 241, 332S, and other CS elctives? Do other CS majors think the same as you? Thanks</p>
<p>I don’t know how others feel, personally, I think you’ll lack too much by skipping 131, (even more so if only did A and not AB which I heard they stopped). 131 covers a lot more than the ap exam. I’m all for skipping unneeded classes, but you’ll have a rough time in 132 without 131. You need to build strong cs skills which often aren’t as emphasized in a high school class.</p>
<p>That said, old webpages for 131 are online. if you look through topics and understand them then go for it.</p>
<p>CSE131 has not, to my knowledge, changed at all from my freshman year to now. The material each semester seems to be identical.</p>
<p>Also, the difficulty of this class is split. You either find it really easy, or really hard. Most BMEs that take it find it exceptionally challenging, while most (if not all) CS majors think it’s a joke. At least for my year.</p>
<p>131 is also a prereq for 132 and successive courses.</p>
<p>240 is extremely easy, 241 varies depending on the professor, 332S is just annoying. At least for me. I didn’t find C++ interesting at all. Python is more my cup of tea.</p>
<p>Even though 131 is relatively easy and straightforward for people that enjoy this type of thing, you’ll still need some of the concepts and mentality for future courses.</p>
<p>Don’t they select some freshman TA’s for CSE 131 by their performance on the placement test?</p>
<p>Yes, and some of them are pretty awful TAs.</p>