Some interesting course conflicts.
Okay, so here's the thing. I'm taking Computer Science and minoring in Math. The lab for Operating Systems (CIS*3110) is only offered 8:30-9:20am on either Tuesday or Thursday, but I have my Differential Equations (MATH*2170) lecture 8:30-9:50 every Tuesday and Thursday.
I was wondering if this lab is essential (in that we'd be receiving grades on miniature lab assignments or have mandatory attendance) or if it's just a tutorial, which I can then safely blow off. I want to take Differential Equations, and I am certainly taking Operating Systems because it's a program requisite. Will I be able to balance this despite the overlap? I am a highly competent programmer, so I don't think that CIS*3110 would be a threat. Rather, I'm afraid of missing Differential Equations due to mandatory labs, because my mathematical skills usually quickly devolve from good to subaverage by missing class.
Your feedback is highly appreciated.
- Andrew G. Crowell
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Talk to the Professor
I'd go chat with the prof if I were you. One of the big things will probably be if there are evaluation exercises during the lab times. From what I recall, the labs were when we demoed our assignments.
Good luck!
- Dave Heppenstall
B.Comp Senator
In the past, the labs
In the past, the labs haven't been mandatory, and since Dobo is teaching the class, they probably will not be. However, they may be useful. It all depends on how effective the TA's are.
Also, are you taking CIS*2750? Because the labs for that class conflict with your Math course too.
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Josh Gaber
Put 1000 monkeys in front of 1000 terminals, and they'll eventually code Windows Vista
Yes, I am also taking
Yes, I am also taking CIS*2750 but I *thought* the half-hour of overlap wasn't going to be that big of a deal. Am I mistaken? It doesn't say who's teaching the class yet, but I have a feeling it's either McCaughan or Calvert. I looked at Calvert's old course outline, and it made no mention of lab marks. Is this when CIS*2750 will have assignment submissions demonstrated to TAs?
I seem to remember when I took CIS*2500 (who Calvert taught), I had to show up during TA Office Hours to get things marked. If it's for something like that, I think I could grab the notes for the 30 minutes I miss in Differential Equations.
Meanwhile, CIS*2520 pretty much just used online submissions. So maybe a similar thing will be in place for 2750. Though, people SAY that 2750 gives you enough rope to hang yourself, so there COULD possibly be some tedium with lab stuff.
Dave McCaughan is teaching
Dave McCaughan is teaching CIS*2750. The labs for this class are never for marks, and their usefulness waivers from year to year. Also, keep in mind that these are not "labs", they're "seminars". This means there will be no computers involved. This means that a half-an-hour is a much bigger loss.
But I'll let you weigh that out for yourself.
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Josh Gaber
Put 1000 monkeys in front of 1000 terminals, and they'll eventually code Windows Vista
Finally! I can sleep at
Finally! I can sleep at night knowing who will teach CIS*2750...
*relief*
In all seriousness, I am in the "likes McCaughan" camp -- he's not an angel or perfect, but you will learn something and have to deal with minimal distraction while doing it.