Anyone out there taking a hard minor? What are your experiences taking it and is it worth it?

Im in the math and stats program and want to minor in computer science solely b/c several job descriptions I have looked at include something along the lines: "Must have knowledge of visual basic or SQL"

That being said I also want to be accepted into the co-op program, in 3rd year and am afraid of bringing down my average with the comp sci courses b/c I have no prior programming experience. To the comp-sci majors, can I do well enough in the comp sci courses to be accepted (10-11 achievable?) in the co-op? or should I minor in something I can do relatively well in instead (Economics)?

your answers are much appreciated.

If you have the option, avoid comp sci 1FC3, it could kill your average.

Originally Posted by Eternal Fire

If you have the option, avoid comp sci 1FC3, it could kill your average.

unfortunately its not an option you need it for your minor.....damn.

I'm in the math and stats program about to enter co-op this year, and I am trying to minor in econ as well. Econ so far is fairly easy, first year and second year econ courses generally are. I know third and fourth year courses should be harder. However, since I'm in co-op now, I find it might be hard to get a minor in econ because of course conflicts, courses not being offered, etc. Also, being a math major you could probably do well in 1FC3. I never took it but I heard it is very doable

I got a 12 this year in both CS 1MD3 and 1FC3. So yes I'd say 10-11 is achievable...

Appreciate your answers guys but I've decided against the comp sci minor, while it would be nice I just can't risk killing my average I barely have the 6.0 necessary for second year. I've read a couple of course reviews that scared me off (something about memorizing hundreds of axioms!?) and I know myself and I always get a little tired by second semester. (trying to break the trend this year).

so I will be minoring in econ

thanks for your answers!

You have to be careful if you want to be in co-op as well as minoring in something!

I'm in chemistry co-op and also minoring in math, I have to plan very carefully in my upper years since our 3rd years consists of 2 1st terms and 4th year with 2 2nd terms only. You have to be careful that you may not have the opportunity to take the upper year courses due to timing and pre-requisites.

Take as many courses you need during summer to avoid future conflicts while you can!

Originally Posted by tyrant

Anyone out there taking a hard minor? What are your experiences taking it and is it worth it?

Im in the math and stats program and want to minor in computer science solely b/c several job descriptions I have looked at include something along the lines: "Must have knowledge of visual basic or SQL"

That being said I also want to be accepted into the co-op program, in 3rd year and am afraid of bringing down my average with the comp sci courses b/c I have no prior programming experience. To the comp-sci majors, can I do well enough in the comp sci courses to be accepted (10-11 achievable?) in the co-op? or should I minor in something I can do relatively well in instead (Economics)?

your answers are much appreciated.

I'm not in Comp. Sci yet but programming is really easy. There are many tutorials online which could help you learn the syntax of the programming language and there are several students who are probably willing to help you with level I courses.

Originally Posted by Serene

You have to be careful if you want to be in co-op as well as minoring in something!

I'm in chemistry co-op and also minoring in math, I have to plan very carefully in my upper years since our 3rd years consists of 2 1st terms and 4th year with 2 2nd terms only. You have to be careful that you may not have the opportunity to take the upper year courses due to timing and pre-requisites.

Take as many courses you need during summer to avoid future conflicts while you can!

I thought you couldn't take courses in the summer because of co-op? Or unless you mean before the first term of co-op starts. Because I know I somehow might get screwed with not being able to take certain electives for my minor

Originally Posted by Serene

You have to be careful if you want to be in co-op as well as minoring in something!

I'm in chemistry co-op and also minoring in math, I have to plan very carefully in my upper years since our 3rd years consists of 2 1st terms and 4th year with 2 2nd terms only. You have to be careful that you may not have the opportunity to take the upper year courses due to timing and pre-requisites.

Take as many courses you need during summer to avoid future conflicts while you can!

thanks that's very important, it would suck if I couldn't complete the minor b/c a course wasn't offered in second semester!

Originally Posted by RankNullity

I'm in the math and stats program about to enter co-op this year

Hey, do you know the average needed to get into a math&stats co-op?? I am planning on doing the stats specialization...