Computer Science Degree Courses Overview

Introduction

• Discussed courses taken throughout a computer science degree at UBC.
• Importance of selecting courses, especially electives that fit interests and requirements.
• Utilized resources like Reddit and Google for course recommendations.

First Year Courses

CPSC 110

• Essential computer science course.
• Fun professor: Gregor (may vary by year).
• Key concepts: trust in natural recursion, binomial distribution in understanding.
• Language: Dr. Racket, limited online documentation.
• Tips: Attend office hours, practice extensively.

Math 100

• Calculus course options: bio-based, business-based (easier), physics.
• Personal struggle with course difficulty.
• Advice: Consider business calculus for ease.

CPSC 121

• Covers Boolean algebra, logic circuits, proof techniques.
• Time-consuming assignments, difficult exams.
• Tips: Start assignments early, utilize office hours.

Math 101

• Continuation of calculus focusing on integration.
• Preemptive tutoring recommended.
• Business calculus could be a better option.

CPSC 210

• Second-year software construction, taken in the first year.
• Easy computer science class, project in Java.
• Key for co-op applications.

First-Year Electives

• Chem 121 & 123: AP Chemistry background, enjoyed 121, less so 123.
• Science 113: English for science students, interesting bi-weekly seminars.

Second Year Courses

CPSC 123

• Focus: Operating systems and I/O architectures.
• Use of C language, difficult course, disliked assembly.
• Recommendation: More office hours, additional resources like YouTube.

CPSC 221

• Data structures and algorithms, vital for interviews.
• Importance of understanding for future coding challenges.

Math 200

• Extremely challenging final, required course.
• Advice: Ask questions, use Wolfram Alpha.

Stats 251

• Basic statistics, similar to AP Stats.
• Overall fair assessments.

CPSC 310

• Software development course, crucial for career.
• Intensive work, partner collaboration important.

Math 221

• Matrix algebra, linear algebra, challenged personally.
• Necessary for computer graphics interest.

Second-Year Electives

• EOSC 116: Mesozoic period focus, fun professor, easy course with cheat sheets.
• Philosophy 220: Symbolic logic, easy if familiar with CPSC 121 concepts.

Summer Course

• BIO 112: Chosen for science breadth, no labs, engaging professor.

Third Year Courses

CPSC 320

• Advanced data structures and algorithms, challenging assignments.
• Focus on understanding assignments for exam prep.

CPSC 313

• Covers pipelining, caching, virtual memory, disks.
• Weekly assignments and quizzes, open book.

Computer Science Electives

• CPSC 304: Relational databases, useful skills, manageable project.
• CPSC 317: Internet computing, interesting but disorganized.
• CPSC 314: Computer graphics, fun, supportive professor.
• CPSC 404: Advanced relational databases, easier 400 level course.

Non-CS Electives

• Forestry 303: Popular easy elective, great GPA booster.
• FNH 330: Wine Sciences, fun course with wine labs.

Fourth-Year Course Plans

• CPSC 410: Advanced software engineering, app development.
• CPSC 330: Applied machine learning.
• CPSC 430: Computers and society.
• CPSC 416: Distributed systems.
• CPSC 344: Human-Computer Interaction.
• Electives: Econ 311, Commerce 457, APBI/Animals and Society, FNH 355.

Conclusion

• Excitement about fourth-year courses and the potential for a fun final year.
• Encouragement for others to secure desired courses and share experiences.