what math course should i take for computer programming

by Braxton Rolfson 5 min read

Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, number theory, and graph theory are the math courses most relevant to the computer science profession. Different corners of the profession, from machine learning to software engineering, use these types of mathematics.

Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, number theory, and graph theory are the math courses most relevant to the computer science profession. Different corners of the profession, from machine learning to software engineering, use these types of mathematics.

Full Answer

Which math courses are most relevant to the computer science profession?

Aug 14, 2018 · Because math simply make a person more logical, creative and intelligence. To be a better programmer one must know at least a very little of Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Cryptography, Geometry and Statistics. That’s why I’ve created this list for you to get started.

What Maths do you need to be a better programmer?

Linear Algebra is a good class to take. Statistics, trig, calc, etc all have lots of applications. The FAQ is right: just take math and more math and you'll do alright. 6. level 2. Olaftheminotaur. 6 years ago. I hate my linear algebra class but it has made me such a more organized and logical programmer. 2.

Do you need calculus to get a computer science degree?

Calculus, while not directly used in intro-level computer science classes, is generally a sequence of courses offered by your university to buff up your math skills. As you start getting into things like numerical programming and machine learning, though, it will prove immensely useful.

How many introductory courses are there in Computer Science and programming?

So in summary: the answer is a LOT. If you want to go into CS, I highly suggest building up a strong background in statistics, probability, calculus and linear algebra, and make sure you pay attention in geometry to proofs. Moving forward, these are becoming basic, must have tools for strong computer scientists. 999.

What are the different types of computer science?

Since you specify "computer scientist", we'll take the hard route: 1 Analysis of Algorithms relies on calculus, differential equations, and discrete mathematics. (Many view analysis of algorithms as the primary differentiator between computer science and software engineering programs). 2 Computer graphics/scientific visualization requires an engineering analysis sort of background: numerical methods, linear algebra, etc. 3 Computational geometry 4 Function approximation 5 Set theory, logic/first-order calculus 6 Probability / Statistics 7 the list goes on :)

What is linear algebra?

This will give you a better understanding of how to do numerical computation and simulation, and is fundamentally necessary for machine learning, one of the most important applications of computer science. Linear Algebra is a class that you will find primarily useful for machine learning and (advanced) algorithms classes, ...

What is discrete math?

Discrete Math is the most important and basic class for computer science, and for this reason it is usually offered in CS departments instead of math departments. This class will underpin your intro to algorithms to class and teach you how to prove things mathematically and give you the fundamentals for analyzing data structures and algorithms.

Is probability covered in math?

Probability is usually covered in some extent in your discrete math class, but you'll want to take a class on continuous probability distributions and statistical inference, probably in the math and statistics department. This will give you a better understanding of how to do numerical computation and simulation, ...

Computer Science-The Basics

Although broadly defined, computer science is basically the practical and scientific approach to computation as well as its applications. More specifically, computer science is the study of the structure, mechanization, and expression of the processes used to store, communicate, and process information encoded within bits in computer memory.

Computer Science Degree Requirements-Math

Individuals who want to know whether obtaining a computer science degree will necessitate the completion of a lot of math courses should know that the answer is generally yes.

Mastering Computer Science Math Courses

In some cases, individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in the field of computer science may find that they are not confident in their mathematical abilities. However, this does not have to preclude them from exceling as a student and/or within their chosen vocational field.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in computer science, you should know that doing so can be both personally and professionally rewarding. Now that you have obtained an answer to the important question “Does a computer science degree require a lot of math courses?,” you can prepare yourself to excel in your required math courses.

What is the department of computer science?

The department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences offers five introductory-level courses in computer science and programming. It can sometimes be difficult for new students to decide which courses they should, or should not, take.

How to enroll in a course?

Please pay special attention to pre-requisites, co-requisites and exclusions when you enroll in courses: 1 To enroll in a course you must have successfully completed all pre-requisites. If you have not satisfied pre-requisite, even if the computer system allows you to enroll, you will be removed from the course before the course begins. 2 Co-requisites are courses that must be taken in the same session. 3 When one course is an exclusion of another, then you will not get credit for both courses. If you take both then one of the two will not count toward the 20 credits needed to graduate. In some cases exclusions are not both ways. That is, it is ok to take course A before course B, but not course B before course A. Pay attention to this so you are not surprised by having too few credits when you apply to graduate.

What is CSCA08?

CSCA08 - Introduction to Computer Science I#N#This course is designed for students who are considering pursuing a degree (specialist, major or minor) in Computer Science, or one of the related disciplines. It focuses on helping students learn how to build and analyze simple algorithms. This course assumes no prior knowledge of or exposure to programming.

What is a co-requisite in college?

Co-requisites are courses that must be taken in the same session.

What is a co-requisite?

Co-requisites are courses that must be taken in the same session. When one course is an exclusion of another, then you will not get credit for both courses. If you take both then one of the two will not count toward the 20 credits needed to graduate. In some cases exclusions are not both ways.

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Pre-Algebra

  • Several basic math skills from middle school are prerequisites for almost any kind of programming, because of how often they come up in programming (or in simply understanding how your computer works.) These math skills tend to be taught in the years...
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Probability and Combinatorics

  • While not technically required, it’s strongly recommended that you eventually learn basic combinatorics and probability because they are areas where a small amount of math is highly useful. You probably remember that probability is about calculating the odds of something happening. But…
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Geometry

  • Computers deal in numbers, so it’s no surprise that their use of graphics relies heavily on geometry, the mathematics of shapes. This means if you want to program computer graphics, including games, multimedia, and or even interface development on the web, mobile, or desktop, you’ll need to have a solid grasp of geometry. Good news! Re-memorizing formulas you learned i…
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Statistics

  • Statistics is a must for any kind of data science, analysis, or machine learning. However, once you become comfortable with the basics, you can learn both programming and statistical elements in parallel. In fact, immediately putting into practice the statistical concepts you learn is a fantastic way to cement the topics in your mind. If you intend to focus on practical uses of programming …
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Graph Theory

  • In a mathematical sense, graphs are collections of nodes and the connections between them. You might’ve already spotted the application to computing: networks, including the Internet, are graphs. For example: Google’s original algorithm for ordering results, PageRank, is a graph algorithm that scores each node based on the rank of pages that link to it. Other information ca…
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Linear Algebra

  • Linear algebra studies vectors and matrices, which are widely used in both video games and machine learning. Vectors are a quantity with a magnitude and a direction. Often, they’re in two dimensions, but they can have more. Matrices consists of rows and columns of numbers. Vectors are useful in computer graphics, including games, for representing points and motions. Matrice…
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Calculus

  • Calculus also has applications in both video games and machine learning. In video games, calculus is useful for simulating motion and other physics. In machine learning, calculus is used for the progressive optimization many algorithms rely on. For a lot of programmers in these specializations, it’s enough to understand the role that calculus plays without even learning its c…
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Coding Confidence

  • While computer programming may not be as math-y as you previously thought, understanding what’s behind the curtain means you can write programs that are more reliable and efficient, allow you to contribute to the fundamental libraries that often implement the math, and honestly, be more confident in your work.
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Computer Science-The Basics

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Although broadly defined, computer science is basically the practical and scientific approach to computation as well as its applications. More specifically, computer science is the study of the structure, mechanization, and expression of the processe...
See more on computersciencedegreehub.com

Computer Science Degree Requirements-Math

  • Individuals who want to know whether obtaining a computer science degree will necessitate the completion of a lot of math courses should know that the answer is generally yes. Thus while each educational program will have its own unique requirements, students can typically expect to take a plethora of math courses throughout their undergraduate career. Some of the math cours…
See more on computersciencedegreehub.com

Mastering Computer Science Math Courses

  • In some cases, individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in the field of computer science may find that they are not confident in their mathematical abilities. However, this does not have to preclude them from exceling as a student and/or within their chosen vocational field. In order to ensure that one passes the math courses that are required to obtain a computer scienc…
See more on computersciencedegreehub.com

Conclusion

  • If you are thinking about pursuing a career in computer science, you should know that doing so can be both personally and professionally rewarding. Now that you have obtained an answer to the important question “Does a computer science degree require a lot of math courses?,” you can prepare yourself to excel in your required math courses. Related Resources: 1. Can You Get a Go…
See more on computersciencedegreehub.com