New CSCI courses (2081, 3041, 3061): What are they and how can they be used?

Three new CSCI course options (CSCI 2081, 3041, & 3061) were created for the new CSE Data Science B.S. program. These courses may be great options to consider for students pursuing the computer science minor or just wanting a few more CSCI courses as electives. The information below should help you determine if you’d like to change your schedule for the fall semester.

General information

  • These new options do not work for our Computer Science B.A. or Computer Science B.S. curriculum so please disregard this message if you’re planning on pursuing a major program in computer science.
  • These courses will likely have smaller class sizes compared to other CSCI courses counting towards the CSCI major.
  • These courses move through topics more quickly and students will get a broader (but less deep) exposure to computer science in fewer courses.
  • These courses allow data science majors and computer science minor students to get to many advanced CSCI elective courses sooner compared to taking courses counting towards the CSCI major.
  • Any additional questions that you may have can be directed to csciug@umn.edu (intended or declared computer science minor students) or dsciug@umn.edu (intended data science B.S. students).

CSCI 2081 - Introduction to Software Development

  • This course covers important content from two other CSCI courses:
    • CSCI 1933 - Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
    • CSCI 3081W - Program Design and Development
      • Note that only CSCI major students can typically access 3081. CSCI minor students can get exposure to software development very early on in their minor with this new option!
  • This course is the required second CSCI course for the Data Science B.S.
  • This course can be used in the computer science minor as the second CSCI course requirement. Minor students should not take CSCI 1933 or 3081W if they take CSCI 2081 due to overlap in content.
  • This course cannot be used in the computer science major programs in CLA and CSE.
  • This course should be taken after completion of CSCI 1133.

CSCI 3041 - Introduction to Discrete Structures and Algorithms

  • This course covers important content from two other CSCI courses:
    • CSCI 2011 - Discrete Structures of Computer Science
    • CSCI 4041 - Algorithms and Data Structures
  • This is mostly a math and problem solving course, with some Python programming applications to ground it in reality per the instructor.
  • This course is a required junior level CSCI course for the Data Science B.S.
  • This course can be used in the computer science minor. Minor students should not take CSCI 2011 or CSCI 4041 if they take CSCI 3041 due to the overlap of content.
  • Per the instructor, you would likely be sufficiently prepared to take the course if you’ve completed CSCI 1133. Concurrent registration in the listed prerequisite (CSCI 2081) is also fine.

CSCI 3061 - Introduction to Computer Systems

  • This course covers important content from two other CSCI courses:
    • CSCI 2021 - Machine Architecture and Organization
    • CSCI 4061 - Introduction to Operating Systems
      • Note that there are restrictions on this course to hold spots for CSCI majors, making it challenging for non-majors to enroll. CSCI minor students can get exposure to operating systems in their minor with this new 3061 option!
  • This course is the required junior level CSCI course for the Data Science B.S.
  • This course can be used in the computer science minor. Minor students should not take CSCI 2021 or CSCI 4061 if they take CSCI 3061 due to the overlap of content.
  • This course cannot be used in the computer science major programs in CLA and CSE.
  • Per the instructor, you would be prepared to take this course if you have completed an approved introductory CSCI course sequence (1133 & 2081; 1133 & 1933; 1103 & 1913; 1113 & 1913).

Questions?

For questions about these courses or to declare your computer science minor, contact:

CS&E Undergraduate Advising Team
csciug@umn.edu