CPSC Advising Information
Where to start?
All of the introductory computer science courses at MWC are currently
taught on a UNIX system using the C++ programming language. Students who
have little or no prior programming experience should select CPSC 110
as their first CPSC course. Students with some experience in programming
with another block structured language may choose to take CPSC 110 in
order to learn C++. However, students with extensive programming experience,
regardless of the language used, should not take CPSC 110. Students with
programming experience in a high level language such as Pascal, C, or
C++, should select CPSC 220 as their first CPSC course. Students who have
completed an AP course in computer science and earned a 4 or better on
the AB exam can be given credit for CPSC 220 and enroll in CPSC 230 and
Math/CPSC 125. These students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves
with the C++ language before beginning CPSC 230.
Scheduling Advice
Students should study the catalog carefully and note the prerequisites
for CPSC courses. The major is very linear and demands that courses be
taken in a particular sequence. In addition, staffing limitations dictate
that not all courses required for the major can be offered every semester.
For example, at the present time CPSC 405 is only offered during Fall
semesters, while CPSC 401 is offered only during Spring semesters. These
factors make it very important that students stay "on track". Because
of the high work load they entail, students are strongly advised not to
take more than two CPSC courses during any one semester. Some students
find it difficult to take two 300 level or two 400 level courses at the
same time, particularly if those courses are using different programming
languages.
Summer Offerings
The CPSC department usually offers one upper level elective course during
the summer session.
Evening Offerings
While the CPSC department does offer some evening courses every semester,
BLS students should not expect to complete the major by taking only evening
courses.
Advice for First Year Students
Professor Initiated Drop
If you miss two class meetings during the first week of classes the
professor has the right to drop you from his enrollment. You are especially
vulnerable in classes where the demand for seats is very high. If you
decide to drop a class, be sure to complete the drop process yourself
anyway because otherwise you may end up with an unexpected F in the
course!
Class Add/Drop
If you are considering adding a class, I would encourage you to attend
the first meeting and look at the syllabus before you make your final
decision. Lots of students do this. The last day to add a class is generally
the last day of the first week of classes. Professors may
also permit students to FORCE ADD closed classes but do not count on
this.
Adding a Class
Any open class may be added to your schedule (up to 18 credits) during
the add/drop period. Students may be successful at obtaining permission
to FORCE ADD already closed classes. If a class is closed and you know
a student who is dropping that class then stand in the drop/add line
together and request to add the class as soon as the other student completes
his drop. Class Withdrawal: You may drop a class without penalty during
the initial announced drop period. Courses dropped before that will
not appear on your transcript. After that you may still withdraw from
a course, but any course you drop will appear on your transcript. Your
gpa will not be affected, so this is a better idea than continuing with
a course where you are assured of a D or F grade. There is a final deadline
for dropping courses without receiving an automatic F. Make sure you
know what that deadline is each semester.
Staying on Campus
You must carry at least 12 credits to retain the right to live on campus.
Exemptions may be granted. Playing NCAA Athletics: You must carry at
least 12 credits to retain the right to participate. No exemptions!
Foreign Language Placement: Foreign Language courses may be added/dropped
during the first THREE (3) weeks. This is to help you select the most
appropriate level. Speak with your instructor to get more guidance.
Attending Class
DO NOT SKIP CLASSES UNLESS YOU ARE TOO SICK TO ATTEND. TAKE COPIOUS
NOTES IN EACH OF YOUR CLASSES. LOOK OVER YOUR NOTES AND FILL IN GAPS
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. COMPARE YOUR NOTES TO THOSE OF YOUR CLASSMATES.
IF YOU TAKE INADEQUATE NOTES THEN YOU WILL BE SHORT-CHANGING YOURSELF
BY NOT HAVING ALL THE MATERIALS THAT YOU NEED TO STUDY.
Test Preparation
Treat each test as though it were a high school final exam. It is better
to be over-prepared. College courses have very few opportunities to
influence your grade.
Teacher Certification
Contact the Education Department (Trinkle third floor Ext. 1034); for
the dates of the informational meetings. You need to attend one of these
meetings before sheduling an individual advising session with a representative
from the Education Department.
Pre-Med, Vet, Dental, Physical Therapy, etc.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Steve Gallik in the Biology Department.
Getting Help
Feel free to contact your advisor with any problems that may arise.
If he/she do not know the answer, he/she will try to find someone who
does.
