CS Placement
We encourage incoming students to answer the CS placement
survey at www.cs.stolaf.edu/placement/.
This brief online form is worth filling out even if you have no
background in CS or programming.
CS placement is not a proficiency test; instead, it is a quick online questionnaire on background and preferences. There's no risk---the results are a non-binding recommendation about a first CS course that would fit you well.
Here are descriptions of the various CS placement recommendations for students entering in Fall 2006.
- CS 121 in Fall 06 (or later)
- This is our standard introductory course, "Principles of Computer Science" (CS1). It has no prerequisites other than mature study skills, and well-prepared first-term students can do well in the course. CS 121 serves as the prerequisite for the other "foundation" courses in CS, and also provides a one-course "hands-on" survey of the field of Computer Science for students who are just curious. Applications include producing web pages, creating and modifying sounds and music, making and modifying images and drawings, and animations. Satisfies [MAR].
- CS 121 in Spring 07 (or later)
- Students with this recommendation are encouraged to get a semester of college-level experience before taking CS 121 (see above).
- CS 125, offered Fall only
- This is our
accelerated introductory course, achieving the goals
of
CS 121 and
CS 251 in a single course, and designed for those with
advanced placement in CS or having comparable C++ or Java
programming background. CS 125 satisfies prerequisites for many
subsequent CS courses at the "foundation" or "core" levels.
Offered Fall only; satisfies [MAR].
Note: To take CS 125 in Fall 2006, register for any section of CS 121 and contact R. Brown (
rab@stolaf.edu) to attend separate meetings. - CS 241, offered Fall only
- These students should get in touch with the Director of CS if they haven't already done so.
Discipline-specific advising notes
Music majors interested in CS should complete CS 121 and CS 251 in their first year, to avoid load conflicts during the second year of the music majors.
Students interested in Biology are encouraged to speak with Prof. Ann Walter about connections between CS and Biology.
Finally, we encourage you to consider our placement recommendations carefully. If something doesn't seem right, or if you have any questions about placement (or about CS at St. Olaf), please contact the Director of CS or a CS faculty member---we'd be glad to talk with you!
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