Where do I start?

Choosing a first course in math or computer science

Find your programming background across the top, and your math background down the left hand side, of the following table. The table entry where they cross will tell you what math course and what CS course to take first.

Programming background

Little or none Half a year w/grade
of B or better 4 on AP CS AB, or
5 on AP CS A 5 on AP CS AB exam

Math
background "Hate math", took very little MTH 101/102 MTH 101/102 MTH 101/102 MTH 101/102

CSC 160 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

Haven't taken pre-calculus MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140

CSC 160 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

Took pre-calculus Under 15/25 on dept. placement test MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140 MTH 110/140

CSC 160 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

At least 15/25 on dept. placement test MTH 141 MTH 141 MTH 141 MTH 141

CSC 171 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

4 on AP Calculus BC or
5 on AP Calculus AB MTH 142 MTH 142 MTH 142 MTH 142

CSC 171 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

5 on AP Calculus BC exam see advisor see advisor see advisor see advisor

CSC 171 CSC 171 CSC 172 see advisor

	Programming background
Little or none	Half a year w/grade of B or better	4 on AP CS AB, or 5 on AP CS A	5 on AP CS AB exam
Math background	"Hate math", took very little	MTH 101/102	MTH 101/102	MTH 101/102	MTH 101/102
CSC 160	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor
Haven't taken pre-calculus	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140
CSC 160	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor
Took pre-calculus	Under 15/25 on dept. placement test	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140	MTH 110/140
CSC 160	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor
At least 15/25 on dept. placement test	MTH 141	MTH 141	MTH 141	MTH 141
CSC 171	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor
4 on AP Calculus BC or 5 on AP Calculus AB	MTH 142	MTH 142	MTH 142	MTH 142
CSC 171	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor
5 on AP Calculus BC exam	see advisor	see advisor	see advisor	see advisor
CSC 171	CSC 171	CSC 172	see advisor

MATH 101 and 102 are independent courses; you may take either or both, in either order. They are not remedial courses on math skills, but conceptual courses intended to demonstrate, through interesting real-world applications, the usefulness of mathematics and mathematical notation, particularly for students who "hate math". Those considering computer science or physical science will find MATH 101 particularly useful.
MATH 110 and 140 are both referred to as "Pre-calculus", but MTH 140 goes a little bit faster and includes trigonometry. Students planning to major in math, computer science, or physics must take MTH 140; those majoring in most other subjects may take either one.
Students planning to major or minor in math or computer science, as well as those who have always liked math but don't like calculus, should also take CSC/MTH 156 some time in their first few semesters.
CSC 160 is primarily for students who have never written a program before; it uses the simpler Scheme language in order to concentrate on concepts of programming rather than language syntax. Those with a strong background in math or programming (e.g. in Java or C++) may take it if they wish, or may skip it and go straight to CSC 171.

Last Updated Fri Aug 29 12:23:02 EDT 2003
By Stephen Bloch