Mathematical Knowledge Required prior to entering Computer Science

Question

I am currently a College Student in a Systems Analysis (3 year course). I am about to finish my course and would like to enroll in Computer Science at a University near me. I have a deep interest in learning sorting algorithms, measuring time complexity, cryptography, systems programming and security research. I am bored by the typical, high-level knowledge; java and general algorithm knowledge. I have absolutely no problem learning and utilizing new programming languages, mentalities and syntaxes.

My only worry with regards to entering this course is what Mathematical knowledge is required prior to entering. I have done linear algebra but not quadratic equations; I have not done Calculus, nor have I done any Big-O notation. I plan on enrolling in 1 (one) year, so this gives me one year to prepare. I would like to know what I should be studying and reading to prepare. Books, worksheets, videos and any sort of advice or opinion(s) would be greatly appreciated. I have a great passion for efficient computing/programming and solving problems in the most efficient manner. I'm just trying to figure out if I would be in over my head entering Computer Science. Some people have said that I am to old, 22 this year, I would love to hear the opinions and advice of the Stack community.

Thanks To All In Advance,

Answer 1

Just go in!!! And good luck! You are not too old, and you have the passion. You don't need to have done calculus or big-O notation before you enroll in CS. Advanced complexity analysis requires calculus, but you don't need that to become a very successful programmer, data structure designer and algorithm architect.

I've done calculus, theoretical complexity analysis, discrete mathematics, cryptography and what not but I haven't needed them in my work too much. In my opinion what matters most is

• Capability to visualize data structures and algorithms in your mind
• Transcending beyond the syntax of programming languages and seeing the "essence" of algorithms
• Understanding practical algorithm complexity and how to reduce it
• Passion for elegance and correctness

Answer 2

Age is not a factor.

Ultimately your current mathematical skills along with a DESIRE to learn is more than enough.

And dependant on your location/area of development you want to get into. CS may not be nessecary... many companies (in my area atleast) would rather see experience/certifications over class room time.

Answer 3

From a CS graduate: algebra (a must) + function (domain of a function etc...) + discrete mathematics + solving inequalities + arithmetics + some calculus (limits & derivatives) + logarithms & exponentials + discrete probabilities + combinatorics

If you know the above, you are good to go for most courses.

Answer 4

Concrete Mathematics would be a good book covering various Math topics that tie into Computer Science. Rather than knowing specific course material before you take the course, I'd advocate understanding how you learn best and what kinds of Math interest you in terms of what kind of upper year courses may suit you better,e.g. Number Theory, Group Theory, Combinatorics, Analysis, or Topology to name a few topics.

Answer 5

You are definitely not too old. I completed my degree in Computer Science last year at 24. In general, you will want to study beginning and intermediate Calculus. For research purposes, you definitely want to study Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.

EDIT: Typically, the more math you know, the better off you will be in the development world since it is all math based.

Answer 6

If you want a head start, learn Discrete mathematics else Algebra will be fine. They'll teach you Calculus which you'll more than likely not use directly. But DeMorgan's Law is the law all IF / THENs are governed by and a very common oversight by developers.

You can find an example of this fact here

Answer 7

A (good) three year degree in Computer Science will include a course on "Discrete Mathematics" which should cover the basics. If that's not part of the one year course you intend to take, see if it is available as a once off ... or try to get hold of the course materials and textbook and do it yourself informally.

Some of the topics that you mentioned may require deeper maths knowledge and skills, and it is not possible to predict whether you will learn the depth of knowledge in a straight CS degree / post-grad course. Serious cryptography for example probably requires a PhD in Pure Mathematics.

I have a great passion for efficient computing/programming and solving problems in the most efficient manner.

That can be dangerous ... if not moderated. Usually, it is more important that you get the program finished on time, that it works, and that the next guy (the one who takes over when you get hit by a bus) can maintain it.

Answer 8

How much math you need depends on the type and rigor of CS program you're entering. If it's a theorectical CS program, you will need some math. At minimum, plan on mathematical logic and proof, set theory, basic algebra, basic calculus, combinatorics and probability. In addition, I found graph theory and abstract algebra to be extremely helpful, especially in upper level courses.