Registration Guide: Computer Science

You should begin with CAS CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science 1 (offered either semester). This course is a rigorous introduction that develops computational problem-solving skills by programming in the Python language, and exposes students to variety of other topics from computer science and its applications. If you have advanced credit for CS 111, you should then take CS 112 Introduction to Computer Science 2 (offered either semester, CS 111 is the prerequisite for CS 112). CS 112 covers advanced programming techniques and data structures. Topics include recursion, algorithm analysis, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, tables, searching, and sorting.

• If taken at BU, CS 111 fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking.
• If you have AP, IB or other advanced credit, CS 111 fulfills a single requirement in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II.
• If taken at BU, CS 112 fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking.
• If you have AP, IB or other advanced credit, CS 112 fulfills a single requirement in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II.

**If you have AP, IB or other advanced credit for both CS 111 and CS 112, please move to the next course recommendation.

NOTE: Please fill out the CS Course Interest form if you are interested in a course that is currently full, please note that this form is not a waitlist. If you have any questions about the Computer Science department and programs, please contact their undergraduate advisors at csadvise@bu.edu and they will be able to assist with your inquiry.

Computer Science students are expected to be comfortable with standard high school mathematics as a well as calculus at a level equivalent to completion of CAS MA 123 Calculus 1 (offered either semester).  If you have advanced or external credit for CAS MA 123, see below for CAS CS 131 information.  If you don’t have credit for CAS MA 123 Calculus 1, register for this class.

• If taken at BU, this course fulfills a single Hub requirement in the following areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. 
• If you have AP, IB or other advanced credit, MA 123 fulfills a single requirement in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II.

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CAS CS 131: Combinatoric Structures (offered either semester): If you do have credit for CAS MA 123 Calculus 1, you should next take CAS CS 131 Combinatoric Structures. If taken at BU, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking.

CAS Language Course: CAS students must exhibit proficiency through the fourth-semester level of a language other than English. If you have not already done so, please review the full language policy here.

If you will fulfill this requirement through coursework at BU, then your next course should be a language. If you’re new to the language, you’ll start with the first-semester level (usually coded as 111 – for example, Spanish 1 is LS 111, Arabic 1 is LY 111, etc.). If you have previously studied the language, you will need to take a placement test to determine what level to start with (for instance, LS 112 Spanish 2, LY 211 Arabic 3, LK 212 Korean 4, etc.). Please review the CAS Language Requirement page for detailed information about placement tests and appropriate levels.

If you will fulfill your language requirement through advanced credit (such as AP/IB scores) or through native proficiency of another language, you have fulfilled your language requirement and can instead take a course of interest (as seen below).

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Course of Interest: Select a course that interests you – perhaps based on subjects you’ve enjoyed in the past or a new subject you’re excited to try for the first time! If you’re not sure where to start, you can review our Registration Instructions for tips on browsing by topic or Hub requirement.

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CAS CC111: Core Natural Science 1: Origins—of the Big Bang, Earth, Life and Humanity (offered Fall only):  The origins of the physical world, a scientific parallel to CC 101. Explores how the fields of astronomy, earth science, biology, and anthropology help us to understand our place in the cosmos from a scientific perspective. Topics include the Big Bang, evolution of the stars and earth, evolution of life, and the origins of human life and society. Assignments include computer-based and experimental laboratory work as well as team-based investigation and original research.

This course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Teamwork/Collaboration.

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CAS CC 212: Core Natural Science 2: Reality, Science, and the Modern World. (offered Spring only): Studies the paradigm-shifting scientific theories of quantum theory and relativity that created a new world view and forced the 20th century into a new understanding of our relation to reality. Students parallel these theories with current debates about science, such as those concerning climate change and the phenomenon of “junk science.” Considers the role of science in the modern world, how we know what we know, the roles of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and chaos theory, and the nature of truth in a 21st century context. 

This course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following Hub areas:  Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking.

Your fourth course should be a writing course:

• If you did not apply to BU with a TOEFL/IELTS score, you can take either:
  • CAS WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar. Each section of WR 120 focuses on a specific topic/theme, so you should register for a section that pairs with your interests.
  • CAS CC 101 Core Humanities 1: Ancient Worlds: (offered Fall only): An interdisciplinary study of the origins of civilization, from Mesopotamia and the Hebrew Bible to the development of Greek civilization through Homer, Greek tragedy, and the philosophy of Plato. You should enroll in CAS CC 101 if you are considering the Core Curriculum. This course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, First-Year Writing Seminar, Creativity/Innovation.

• If you applied to BU with a TOEFL/IELTS score, you should take the Multilingual Writer Placement (instructions will be sent via email) before you register for a writing course. The writing placement is a suggestion, but it will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate level for you. Depending on what level WR course you register for, you will fulfill the following Hub requirements:
  • CAS WR 111 Academic Writing for ESL Students 1 – fulfills The Individual in Community Hub
  • CAS WR 112 Academic Writing for ESL Students 2 – Global Citizenship & Intercultural Literacy Hub
  • CAS WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar – fulfills First-Year Writing Seminar Hub (If you place into WR 120, you are welcome to take CC 101 Core Humanities 1 instead to fulfill your FYW Hub.)

First-Year Seminar: FY 101 (offered Fall only, 1 unit) – Optional

FY101 is a one-unit course that serves as a semester-long introduction to BU and college life. Each section is co-taught by a BU staff member alongside a BU student.  You will meet with a small community of other incoming students who will serve as conversation partners as together you learn how to leverage BU’s resources to create a more successful and meaningful college experience. Through discussions, activities, class field trips and program-wide events, you will make immediate connections with the BU community. Specialty sections are available for natural science majors, social science majors, computer science and math majors, undeclared students and first-generation college students. There are many sections available for all CAS students, too.

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First-Year Career Development Seminar: FY 102 (offered spring only, 1 unit) – Optional

FY102 will help first-year students get started on utilizing the Career Development Cycle to maximize their time at BU. During this course students will create a plan of action towards choosing a major, creating a resume, finding an internship, and preparing for a career that they will love. Seminars are offered in various fields of interest and include guest speakers from different industries.