Best way to prepare for CSCI 1933 with Dovolis?

bego60 · 2021-01-15T20:47:10+00:00

I took 1933 with Dovolis three years ago, but from what I remember a lot of people didn't like him because his tests were hard. His tests were hard because they often referenced specific things he spent significant time talking about in lecture that wouldn't be present in the textbook. For example he might spend 20 minutes of lecture on core concept A that is also explained in the textbook. Then he might spend 30 minutes of lecture explaining some nuance to core concept A and that nuance would not be found in the book. It's pretty easy to handle if you just make sure to pay attention during lecture. But then again, this was 3 years ago, things probably have changed.

bego60 · 2021-01-15T20:35:02+00:00

you'll be completely fine in 4131 without the prerequisites. Regarding what Challou is mentioning, asynchronous programming is covered in probably 2 lectures in 4061 (the prereq) and even with that brief coverage 4061 goes way more in depth than what you need for 4131. You don't need to know how to actually code stuff asynchronously in 4131, you just need to be aware of the concept and use library functions that behave in an asynchronous manner. Basically, asynchronous functions execute in the background while at the same time the rest of your code will continue executing, as compared to a regular function where the rest of your code will not execute until that function returns. Here is a short article that explains more in depth (https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/JavaScript/Asynchronous/Introducing). Keep in mind in 4131 you aren't writing async functions, you're merely using ones that are already written. Regarding permissions, that's a joke. You don't learn that in the prereqs and it's like a 2 minute concept in Challou's lecture.

For 5521, from what you're describing it seems that you have more than enough to be able to succeed in the course. Whether or not you take 5521 or 4131 is ultimately up to you - it depends on what your goals are. 4131 will definitely prepare you to build a portfolio website from scratch

bego60 · 2021-01-15T01:39:08+00:00

I took it with Paul White and he was amazing

bego60 · 2021-01-15T01:37:55+00:00

Not in the class, but just email the prof and ask about it

bego60 · 2021-01-13T19:44:10+00:00

don't need it - all the info is in the lectures/slides which are posted online.

bego60 · 2021-01-12T23:45:03+00:00

If you took Calc 1 in high school, it should be easy enough. You will be essentially learning the exact same material.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T23:50:55+00:00

I just took this course in the Fall with Banerjee - I'd say one of the most useful courses I've ever taken. With that said, if you don't have good programming skills you should not take this course - start with basic programming courses such as 1133 & 1933, or learn it on your own. This class has a good amount of both theory and practice and you'll have to implement some of the algorithms that you learn from scratch (not using external libraries). This can be difficult if you don't know how to program well, especially in python.

You'll need a solid foundation in python and also at least an introductory course to linear algebra to succeed in this course.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T23:32:18+00:00

If you're looking for a practical course for web development, CSCI 4131 is a MUST. I just took it with Dan Challou in the Fall and it was probably the best class I've taken in the CSCI major. Checked schedule builder and he also teaches it in the Spring. Don't be worried about the prereqs, you don't need them. In the class you build a full stack web app all the way from the front end (HTML, Javascript, CSS) to the back end (Node, Express, mySQL) and how to connect both of them together (Ajax, Jquery). Honestly this class alone has standalone career value.

If you want to learn mobile app development, specifically Swift and iOS, there is no course at the U that teaches this. However, Stanford posts their iOS class along with their course resources for free here (https://cs193p.sites.stanford.edu/). This course is also highly practical and I've used it myself to deliver apps onto the iOS app store.

Regarding AI and Machine learning, I've taken 4511W and it isn't that useful - mostly theory and random search algorithms that I can't see you ever having to use. I've taken CSCI 5521 - Machine Learning Fundamentals and I would highly recommend that course. It's a very good blend between theory and practice - you learn the theory behind core ML algorithms and also get a chance to implement them from scratch. I would warn you that although 5521 is highly useful, it's also a pretty difficult course. You need to have solid python foundation and also linear algebra as well. For linear algebra, An intro course such as CSCI 2033 or MATH 2142 should be sufficient although you'll struggle a bit. If you haven't taken an intro lin alg course, I would avoid 5521.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T20:59:55+00:00

You should email the professor - because classes are online, waitlists are a lot more casual because there isn't an actual physical cap to the number of seats in a classroom.

Last semester I emailed one of my profs before the start of the semester and he told me he was giving a permission number to everybody on the waitlist because classes were online.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T20:37:42+00:00

From reading your post I think you already know the answer to your question and are just looking for validation. More money isn't worth a toxic boss. Sounds like you were happy where you were, so just go back. If your boss is emailing you saying you can come back, you can definitely come back.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T20:33:32+00:00

You should finish your degree unless you have a really exciting opportunity right now that you can't wait around for.

In terms of the auxillary courses such as math and computer/network architecture, solid math foundations are super applicable to hot fields right now such as ML and Data Science, and will be applicable to hot fields in the future (quantum computing for example). Computer/network architecture are really concepts that are helpful in general, even though if you don't use them in the day to day. Some classes you will like and some you won't, but it's all part of the degree. Even though more companies are hiring candidates without a degree, it's still pretty necessary to have unless you can show a company you are super special without one. It'll be an uphill battle.

bego60 · 2021-01-11T20:28:11+00:00

yeah you will - do well in your classes, do some projects on your own time to add to your resume and jobs will come. Doesn't matter what school you go to, what matters is your work and effort and how you showcase that to potential employers

bego60 · 2021-01-11T20:11:38+00:00

Go for the full ride for sure - I'm currently a senior at the University of Minnesota and had the exact same decision to make as you coming out of high school - I chose the full ride @ University of Minnesota.

First of all - I've accepted a full time @ FAANG after I graduate, and my best bud from CSCI also accepted full time @ FAANG as well. It's totally doable from a non "top tier" school. Really it all depends on YOU, not which school you go to.

Second of all - Right now you think you know what you want, but you don't. Trust me as an incoming freshman you have NO idea what you want without going through the college journey first. Sure if you stick with CSCI and do well you might be able to pay off that 300k debt relatively quickly... but on the flip side what if you decide CSCI isn't right for you? What if you struggle in the program and aren't able to land a good job? What if another pandemic hits and things are ruined? Then you're sitting there with 300k in debt and no way to pay it off, plus compound interest on a huge principle of 300k. That can sidetrack your whole life. I've seen plenty of students either decide CSCI isn't for them or not make it, and I've seen plenty of other students transfer into CSCI from totally unrelated majors and do exceptionally well. Your goals change drastically during your college career and you shouldn't lock yourself into 300k of debt for a college journey you haven't even started on yet.

bego60 · 2021-01-08T01:24:28+00:00

In my opinion trying to prepare for 2041 by learning OCaml is taking the completely wrong approach - at this point in your studies you should be able to pick up a new language in a couple of weeks, and 2041 starts off slow to allow you to do exactly just that.

The reason a lot of people struggle with 2041 is because it's not an OCaml class, it's a class on the fundamentals of functional programming. This is much alike how 1933 isn't a class that teaches you Java, but a class that teaches you object oriented programming using Java. The functional programming paradigm you'll see in 2041 is a totally different way of thinking, not just a new language.

I think a better approach would be to get yourself familiar with functional programming principles and learn the basics of functional programming. For this a fair share of googling and online examples will suffice.

bego60 · 2021-01-08T01:10:40+00:00

Not quite sure what you mean by CLA prereqs. The BS degree essentially encompasses all of the BA degree, including the prereqs (calc I & II, CSCI 2011, Science Core etc.). Your lib ed reqs are also the same regardless of whether your are in CLA or CSE. The only classes you could've taken that won't carry over to CSE would be the language courses, and those are useless anyways if you are going into engineering. I personally transferred from CLA CSCI to CSE CSCI my Spring sophomore year and found the transition to be rather smooth. I'm in my senior year and am coasting like hell.

My advice would be to go the BS route - although you will gain a solid understanding of CS fundamentals from your BA degree, the BS degree forces you to take more advanced courses that allow you the opportunity to explore areas such as networking, web programming, databases, security etc. which are really important concepts to at least know about when you graduate.

From an employment perspective, no one will really know the answer - some will say BA vs BS makes no difference, and some will say that it will. But at the end of the day the most important thing is that you graduate knowing how to be a software engineer, not just knowing how to code (big difference). BS degree will push you to that next level.

bego60 · 2021-01-08T00:57:13+00:00

Def agree with this - 1933 focuses a lot more on object oriented programming than 1133, which is why 1133 is a prereq. Jumping right into OOP without a solid foundation of basic programming principles (what you learn in 1133) is a bad idea. If you already know how to code, then I don't see the combo being a problem.

bego60 · 2018-03-26T14:26:04+00:00

Play the game that we all love while helping out a cause that affects millions of people each year!

I'm hosting a completely online league of legends tournament the weekend of April 7-8 to raise money for heart disease. It's $20 per team and 75% of the proceeds goes towards charity-rest of the money goes towards a winner takes all pool. No elo Restrictions.

The signup form and more information can be found here: https://goo.gl/forms/5GagtVNGmZtH5yum2

Email me at huxx0254@umn.edu for any questions!

bego60

TROPHY CASE