<p>I'm currently in cogs18, Intro to Java, and doing pretty well. I have a mid-low A. The course is pretty watered down since its not a CSE class and not very difficult.</p>
<p>I'm working on CSE minor so eventually I need CSE 8b /11, and CSE 12, etc. I want more experience in programming. Should I take CSE8a and then 8b or just go to CSE 11. 8b isnt offered in the fall, and I want to stay fresh before I take it.</p>
<p>I did the opposite. I took cse8a, now cse8b. I tried to petition for these classes to replace my Cogs18 requirement but they wouldn’t let me. Said the courses ‘weren’t the same’. pssh</p>
<p>But I’d say go for the 8 series. The prof is Beth Simon and she’s a really, really good teacher. heck, her research is on how people learn!
I was in cogs 18 a week before I dropped it. I didn’t like it. I don’t think you really get the concepts down from that class. (unless you tell me otherwise?)</p>
<p>Especially if you’re interested in really just understanding and learning Java. I think cse11 would be too fast paced for you. Cse8b is already pretty hard.</p>
<p>Hmm, ive heard of people petitioning CSE12 for COGS18, Professor Marx told me that COGS18 is similar to CSE8A. I think you are a cogsci major also so you have to take COGS18 for lower div requirements no matter what. Go talk to Thanh, the undergrad adviser in the cog sci building. She is really really helpful. See if anything can be done.</p>
<p>I would have to agree with you in that you dont really learn the concepts because its pretty quick. you just get a general introduction. People who take that class /w no programming experience tend to struggle, the class average is ~78% this quarter. Marx basically gives you a lot of code on the programs with new topics each week and you dont have enough time to practice really understanding the concepts. </p>
<p>Marx is pretty helpful though, she talks way to much but actually wants her students to succeed. Also, there are a lot of tutors in the lab some of which are really helpful.</p>
<p>CSE8A:
9-10 coding assignments, 1 per week, approximately 3 - 6 hours per assignment + you get a partner (earlier ones take 3 hrs, later ones take 6 hours++).</p>
<p>CSE8B:
5 coding assigmments, 1 per every 2 weeks. approximately 12-24 hours per assignment, no partner.</p>
<p>Both have easy tests/quizzes. Teacher is very very good, and classes are podcasted. I have had almost no previous cs experience, and both classes were np. I’d reccomend them as well.</p>