Thread: Computer Science

I leave sixth form next year and I'm thinking about taking a CS degree course in the UK and I have a few questions.

Is maths essential? I mean I'm numerate but I've forgotten all of the clever factorisation and trigonometry crap since GCSE maths.

What do Computer Science teachers look for? I hear they get ........ed off by people who think it's just about programming languages. I like making structures and trees and tables, and generally figuring out how to make problems easier to solve. Is it slanted more in that area?

What are some good university CS courses in the UK? I doubt I'd get into cambridge or anything, but what are the good, low-requirement ones?

Thanks.

Is maths essential?
yes.

I mean I'm numerate but I've forgotten all of the clever factorisation and trigonometry crap since GCSE maths.
dont worry, they'll implant it into your brain again... and again and again. As long as your willing to put the effort in you dont need to know everything (anything?) before hand.

What do Computer Science teachers look for? I hear they get ........ed off by people who think it's just about programming languages.
i dont think they get ........ed off, they just know that those people dont "get it"

I like making structures and trees and tables, and generally figuring out how to make problems easier to solve. Is it slanted more in that area?
parts of it are, other areas include straight up theory, hard core programming, crazy math, etc...

Is maths essential?

Absolutely. There is no reason NOT to ake math, as its a common factor in programming. Even if you can skate by without taking it, you will find yourself in trouble in your future position when its required of you.

What do Computer Science teachers look for? I hear they get ........ed off by people who think it's just about programming languages. I like making structures and trees and tables, and generally figuring out how to make problems easier to solve. Is it slanted more in that area?

Depends on the teacher. My teacher looked for us to look beyond the code. The language is merely a direct expression of logic, reasoning, and method. Its about thought, planning, and execution, code is a by-product.