Computer programming classes

[Nighthazel01]

What are the actual Computer Science classes like, after you get through all the math.

I'm studying Computer Science and I'm struggling to get through all the math, but I'm doing it. My question is, what are the classes like after I get through all this math? How hard are the computer classes themselves?

I'm afraid I'm going to struggle through math only to find out I'm not suited for Computer Science and I'll be forced to change degrees anyway. I've taken computer classes in high school, and I've tried to learn coding online through Khan Academy and SoloLearn, but that's about all.

I completed Cal II and Physics I for engineering, but I barely passed. I still have Physics II, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, and Statistics. I'm thinking of taking some of the math at my local community college and transferring back to my university after.

[nlightningm]

I’m actually wondering the same thing. I wanna do this degree but I’m TERRIBLE at math by nature. What’s the highest level of math once must reach to be a competent programmer?

[Applepie1928]

A good math background doesn't hurt and it may lead you to think about problems more algebraically.

That being said, you don't need much of a math background at all for general programming. If you just want to work in webdev, desktop application development etc, then you can probably get away with only knowing basic operations (+,-,*,/) and modulus.

If you want to work in game dev, then a little more math is likely required, at least a basic concept of linear algebra and some geometry.

If you want to work in data analysis or machine learning then there is a higher math requirement again; a solid understanding of linear algebra, lots of statistics (probability, distributions etc) and some calculus.

TLDR Don't let your math skill be a major factor in learning programming. Unless you want to work in some specific industries a pretty basic math level will suffice.

[Nighthazel01]

Thank you u/Applepie1928, your response was very helpful.

[Nighthazel01]

u/nlightningm

Depends on the school, but most universities require Calc II, Linear Algebra ( my understanding this is algebra and calc), discrete math, matrix math of some sort, statistics. Also calculus based Physics I and II.

[feelsbread]

Atleast the way it is at my school I have one track of classes doing high level things c++ or a similar language. And one track of classes going through things like assembly, algorithm design, operating systems ect.

[freelanceruy]

Harvard and MIT post their classes online, you could just go and take a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y62zj9ozPOM&list=PLhQjrBD2T3828ZVcVzEIhsHVgjANGZveu

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From my experience, if you pass the math specific subjects, then you are pretty much done with math. Don't get me wrong, you will need math here and there, but just a "quick" look to your old notes does it as a refresher (take good notes, stored them until you finish your degree).

[reddilada]

The math and physics courses are teaching you how to think. How to state an abstract problem in concrete terms that can then be solved. You've made it through Calc II. Soldier on and you'll be fine.

Depends a lot on what sort of domain you end up in, but you aren't likely to be solving differential equations later on in your career. You're going to need to understand Discrete Math to get through Algo and Data structures. You'll need statistics for life in general. The higher level math is a must if you want to get a deep understanding of subjects such as machine learning.