<p>So far at my cc I took c++ and another programming language and passed with an A however those were just intro classes.
Can I become a decent software engineer if I'm not naturally good at math or physics? I took calc 1 over the summer and got a C+ and currently taking calc2 and not sure what I will get and I have many more phy/math to go.</p>
<p>Just wondering, if I suck it up and pass everything, Will this determine my ability to code in the future if I'm not acing these courses?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, in most cases, programming/software development uses very little higher level mathematics and almost nil of physics, because in most cases programming is done with entirely abstract things (and e.g. not physics simulations). The sub-field or the types of programs that you’re interested in determine how useful you will find mathematics and physics. Most of the stuff that sells a lot or is produced commercially has very little to do with higher level scientific knowledge. It’s more about tacit knowledge and practice, knowing how things in software have been done, how the software libraries work, how the operating system works or (rarely) how the hardware works etc. Part (abstract) engineering, part an art form.</p>
<p>If you’re interested in “coding”, then you should code, because mathematics/physics aren’t coding. Mathematics is useful because it deals with abstract concepts, just like programming. If you were to e.g. make a 3D game, you would be lost without linear algebra classes.</p>
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Don’t sell yourself short; introductory programming classes often (but not always) weed out a large number of CS hopefuls. That you did well in these courses is a good sign and you should be proud of your accomplishments.</p>
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Probably. Although plenty of math and most of physics is mostly irrelevant to a practicing software developer, the same kind of analytical ability that makes one a good programmer usually translates into introductory math and physics courses, and vice versa; at least that’s my perception.</p>
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Calculus and its ilk are among the less directly useful areas of mathematics to software developers and students of computer science. Some of the concepts treated in Calculus - like limits, series and sequences - are actually important and useful, while the real benefit is the mathematical maturity.</p>
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Not likely, unless the problems you’re having in calculus and physics courses point to a weakness in a more general sense. What trouble did you have with calculus and physics that you didn’t have with programming?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be too worried about math in CS. While much of what CS students could arguably be construed as “math” (since it’s “math” most people don’t take, this would likely qualify as “higher math”), it’s a different kind of animal than calculus and differential equations. As a CS major, hold out until you take a course in discrete math (if your program requires one) and see how you do. I’d take trouble there more seriously than trouble in calculus.</p>
<p>Do any of the 4-yr schools you are considering offer software engineering as a major? Math is more important for CS than for software engineering. Physics isn’t particularly important for either.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies!
@aegrisomnia I just didn’t have a strong foundation in previous math courses and summer went a little bit too fast while the intro of c++ class it didn’t require previous coding experience. Guess I just have to review more.</p>
<p>@sacchi Just searched and UCI offers software engineering.
Is CS more valuable than software engineering degree or vice versa and what are the differences?
Do they get the same jobs in the end?</p>