<p>Hi, I am a new student starting my first year at UCSD and a Physics major, I am curious as to what programming course I should take to get the most relevant and useful skills for my major. This will also be my very first computer programming course. My choices are:
MATLAB programing and engineering analysis
Intro to Computer Sci/ Java A
Basic Data Structure and OO Design
Intro to Programming
All of these have no deep meaning for me, so I am searching for advice and direction, thank you.</p>
<p>I think MATLAB (CSE 7) will be most useful for a Physics major, and CSE 7 shouldn’t be too difficult or intensive so you won’t feel overwhelmed as a beginning programmer. You can’t really go wrong with CSE 8A, CSE 5A or CSE 7. The other classes (CSE 11, 12) are not even available to you yet.</p>
<p>CSE 7 says is is an intro to programming with MATLAB, while MAE 8 says it is MATLAB program for engineering analysis. What is the difference? Would it be better to take MAE 8 in the fall, or wait to take CSE 7 that is not available this fall (when is it usually available/does it fill up fast?)</p>
<p>Thank You</p>
<p>take MAE 8 this quarter, unless you have more important classes to take besides programming (e.g. math, chem, intro engineering). coding is a lot of work/time so make sure your schedule balances out, especially since it’s your first quarter of college.</p>