Please note that this information only applies to students completing our old concentration requirements and not the current ones.
1. Is it possible to place out of CSCI0150/0160 or CSCI0170/0180?
We do not make use of the results of AP scores in CS. However, students with truly exceptional CS backgrounds may substitute more advanced CS courses for intro courses. However, we strongly recommend such students take the placement exam for CSCI0190 and take it instead of bypassing the intro courses entirely. CSCI0190 is a challenging course that even those with extensive CS backgrounds from high school will find helpful.
2. May I use COGS1020 as an AI course for the ScB?
No. You must take a CS AI course, such as CSCI1410.
3. How may I place out of the Math prerequisites?
You must either have AP credit that places you out of MATH0090 and MATH0100, or you must pass a higher-level Math course that requires and uses a knowledge of calculus at least as advanced as that taught in MATH0090 and MATH0100. Any of (and only) the following courses may be used for this purpose:
MATH0180, MATH0190, MATH0200, MATH0350, MATH1010, MATH1130, MATH1140, MATH1260
APMA0330, APMA0340, APMA1180, APMA1260, APMA1330, APMA1340
4. If I take a Math or Applied Math course from the above list to satisfy the Math prerequisites, may I also use this course as one of the Math or Applied Math courses beyond MATH0100/0170 that I'm required to take for the ScB?
Yes
5. I passed the AP exam, placing me out of MATH0090 and MATH0100. However, the results of the exam do not appear in my transcript. Will I still be allowed to graduate?
No. For AP credit to count, it must appear on your transcript. Please obtain the appropriate form from the registrar. However, see the answer to question 4.
6. The Sc.B. requirements state that I must complete eight 1000-level courses. Areas are given for five of these courses. Allowing for overlap, that means that I must take two or three additional approved 1000-level courses in "Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Psychology, Economics, Music, Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, and other departments that cover material relevant to the student's concentration and that are not duplicates of CS courses." Is there a list of approved courses?
Yes. The following courses are definitely acceptable. Other courses might be acceptable, depending on your program: check with your concentration advisor, who will consult with the director of undergraduate studies.
Acceptable courses:
Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences: CLPS 1211, CLPS 1342, CLPS 1350, CLPS 1491, and CLPS 1520. Note that, until CSCI 1430 is taught again, CLPS 1520 satisfies all concentration requirements that would be satisfied by CSCI 1430.
CS: All 1000-level and 2000-level courses.
Applied Math: APMA1170, APMA1200, APMA1210, APMA1360, APMA1650, APMA1660, APMA1670, and APMA01710.
Economics: ECON1110, ECON1160, ECON1620, ECON1630, ECON1640, ECON1870.
Engineering: ENGN0520, ENGN1570, ENGN1580, ENGN1600, ENGN1630, ENGN1640, ENGN1660.
Math: all 1000-level math courses.
Music: MUSC1210.
Neuroscience (BN): NEUR1020, NEUR1030, NEUR1040, NEUR1650, NEUR1670, NEUR1680.
Biostatistics: PHP2630, PHP2650
7. How do questions get added to the FAQ?
Either the director of undergraduate studies (currently Tom Doeppner) makes them up out of thin air, or people ask him things sufficiently often that he decides to do something about them. Feel free to email him your questions.
8. In general, may the various sections of CSCS1950 and CSCI1951 be used to satisfy concentration requirements?
In general, the answer is yes. Which requirements they satisfy depends on the section in question, but usually it's pretty obvious. Please contact the instructor or the director of undergraduate studies (Prof. Doeppner) to find out for sure. (And make sure you add such courses to your signed concentration contract as soon as possible, just in case he changes his mind.)
9. Both APMA1710 (Information Theory) and MATH1580 (Cryptography) seem to be related to CS theory. May they be used as CS theory courses for the CS concentration requirements?
Though the names sound suggestive, they aren't CS theory courses. Thus they may not be used to satisfy concentration requirements for a CS theory course. However, both courses may be used as 1000-level courses in CS or related areas for the ScB.
10. I've taken MATH0200, but the Applied-Math/CS ScB requires MATH0180. May I use the former in place of the latter?
Yes.
11. For the Math/CS ScB, MATH0520 or MATH0540 is listed as a prerequisite for the concentration. I already know linear algebra; must I take one of these courses?
No. Instead, as one of your 1000-level Math courses, you must take a course that demonstrates your knowledge of linear algebra. Either MATH1530 or MATH1540 may be used for this.
12. I have a signed concentration contract based on older concentration requirements. Is it still valid with the most recent concentration requirements?
Yes it is: we will honor any concentration contract that is no more than three years old.
13. Are there any courses I may take instead of CSCI220?
Yes, you may substitute any of CSCI1550, CSCI1570, MATH 0750, or MATH1530 for CSCI220. However, such a substitute may not be used to satisfy any other concentration requirements.
14. What courses may be used to satisfy the Math requirement of the CS ScB? (this applies to the pre-2018 requirements)
The Linear Algebra requirement may be satisfied with CSCI 530, MATH 520, or MATH 540.
The other Math course may be any of:
MATH 180, 200, 350, 750, plus any 1000-level Math course. Note that MATH 420 is not permitted.
APMA 200, 330, 340, 350, 360, plus any 1000-level APMA course. Note that APMA 650 is not permitted.
CSCI 1450
Note that any course used to satisfy part of the Math requirement may not be used to satisfy any other concentration requirement.
15. Do any CS courses satisfy WRIT requirements?
CSCI1570, CSCI1800, and CSCI1951F are all WRIT courses.