The DES-CS program is a one year introductory program in computer science for students with little or no programming experience. DES-CS involves taking 3 credits total for the year at Duke, 1 1/2 credits in the fall and 1 1/2 credits in the spring. For first-year students, this includes 1 full seminar credit which is required of all Trinity first-year students. The courses you would take are
| FALL SEMESTER COURSES | |
|---|---|
| CompSci 4 - 3D Virtual Worlds | 1 credit |
| CompSci 18S - Problem Solving Seminar (Part 1) | 1/2 credit |
| SPRING SEMESTER COURSES | |
| CompSci 6 - Program Design and Analysis I | 1 credit |
| CompSci 18S - Problem Solving Seminar (Part 2) | 1/2 credit |
CompSci 6 requires Math 31 or 31L or equivalent knowledge (AP credit). Math 31 can be taken before or at the same time as CompSci 6.
CompSci 4 is an introductory programming course that teaches fundamental computer science concepts. This version of CompSci 4 uses the tool Alice to create 3D virtual worlds. You will learn programming structures along with how to control objects (raise hands, flap wings, move, turn, spin, walk, etc.). CompSci 4 will prepare you for CompSci 6.
CompSci 18S is a seminar that focuses on solving challenging problems in a specific domain of computer science. Students will work in small groups during class, solving and discussing problems. Requires taking either CompSci 4 or Compsci 6 at the same time. CompSci 18S can be taken twice to satisfy a seminar requirement.
Design and implementation of programs to solve problems in computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. Object-oriented programming using Java, analysis of programs and algorithms, reading, modifying, and designing classes, data structures including arrays, sets, and maps. Intended for those interested in programming and computer science with applications in the sciences. This course assumes familiarity and experience with programming that can be achieved via CompSci 4.