Welcome to computing at the University of Utah! The following advice is given to help you be successful and avoid common difficulties previous students have had when taking CS 1400 and CS 1410, or CS 1420. Wisely choosing your first CS course is essential to your success this semester and in the future. If your first course is too challenging, you may have to back up, retake classes, and add several extra semesters to your degree.
Use the following guide to help you choose the course sequence that is a good fit for you:
The most common path for students is to take CS 1400 followed by CS 1410. This two-course sequence teaches students two of the most popular programming languages (Python followed by Java) and presents material at a pace designed to help inexperienced students make a successful start.
Choose this course sequence if you are just getting started in a computing major, if you perform better when introduced to new topics at a comfortable pace, and/or if you appreciate extra class time to practice new skills. If you are new to college and need time to develop good study habits, this two-course sequence will help you stay on track.
The alternate path is CS 1420. This Java-only programming course is designed for students who arrive most prepared for a computing major.
Choose this course if you are ready for an intensive introduction to programming. You will be required to complete substantive work at a faster pace (as we assume that you are prepared for this course). You are most likely to succeed in this course if you have previous exposure to programming, you have a course load under 15 hours, your extracurricular/home/work time commitments will not interfere, and/or you have good study habits (time management, independence, etc.).
Historically, the single-course path, CS 1420, has a significant number of students who drop, withdraw, or fail, as well as others who do not perform to the level they expect or find they do not have the time needed each week for coursework. Do not choose this class for convenience or planning reasons -- be ready for it! Take the CS 1400/1410 sequence if you are not prepared for this course.
If you feel that you need additional guidance, please reach out to the undergraduate advisors.