Computer Science Degree Questions

[huskiesgoaler34]

Although I am in grade 10, I am planning for the future. I have a few questions though:

1) Which Univeristy in Toronto has the best CS program. I've heard Waterloo. Any other opinions? How about the States, any good schools...hopefully with a hockey team.

2) Will Comp Engineering help me in my programming skills?

3) What is the best language to learn. I am learning Java this semester (grade 11 comp sci). Is Java the most useful language to learn b/c the syntax is very similar to C/ C++

Thanks!

[Insectoid]

1. UWaterloo isn't in Toronto, it's in Waterloo, and yes, it's one of the best in Canada, if not the world. As such you'll need top marks top get in.

2. Yes.

3. There is no best language, though C is a good place to start. Java is one of the worst languages to teach to new programmers, I dunno why schools do it.

[huskiesgoaler34]

Thanks. I meant to write Ontario. Sorry

Is U O T's program good as well? I've looked into it and it looks pretty good. It appears to me that U of T offers a lot more computer courses than Waterloo. Waterloo requires lots of math courses (not saying it's a bad thing) and less Computer courses.

[Tony]

1) UWaterloo is in... Waterloo. If you are looking at GTA area, UofToronto is a good choice. If you are looking globally, Stanford is probably the best choice.

2) CS/SE/CE/ECE are all related and there's a lot of overlap in job opportunities. If you want to write software, any of those is fine. Check out http://compsci.ca/blog/choosing-between-computer-science-and-computer-engineering/ to decide what you should apply to.

Quote:

I?ve discovered that ECE courses put emphasis on energies inside the systems ? power management, thermodynamics, magnetic fields.

But then again you'd be better of if you'd end up working with any hardware...

3) In the long run, you'd want to be familiar with programming paradigms rather than specific syntax. One doesn't learn Java, one learns Object Orientation and Enterprise-level code bases. Still, Java is a required learning in a way that it's the lowest common denominator of programming. Everyone knows (some) Java. Many don't like it, but when you need to work with other people (group projects or technical interviews) you'll discover that often Java will be the language that most people in the room are familiar with.

[huskiesgoaler34]

Thanks for the advice.

[Tony]

P.S. UWaterloo's CS program is offered by the Faculty of Mathematics. If you get here, you'd be doing lots and lots of Math. With a few notable exceptions (one course in 1st year and one course in 2nd year), no class at UW teaches you any "programming" (you are expected to pick up all of that yourself).

[huskiesgoaler34]

Yeah I saw that. I like Math but I like Computers more. U of T will probablt suit me more.

[Tony]

I would suggest doing the same course-comparison as in CS vs. CE example, but for CS-UW vs. CS-UofT.

Keep in mind that UW also has co-op, and downtown Toronto actually has things to do.

Point is, it's a tough decision. Apply to both and decide later

[whoareyou]

Is it computer science or computer engineering that focuses on how the things inside a computer actually work (ex. what is in a cpu that makes it process stuff and how it does that)? If it is mixed in between, would the Digital Hardware option for computer science at UW be helpful?

[jrcdude]

It's computer engineering that focuses on that stuff. The Digital Hardware option will allow you to explore those interests, as it gives you some of the computer engineering courses while still gaining a degree in computer science.