Computer Engineering: Your First Year

1
Computer Engineering Your First Year

• Originally prepared by Carl Alphonce Modified by
  Bina Ramamurthy
• bina_at_cse.buffalo.edu
• Computer Science Engineering
• University at Buffalo

2
Overview

• Academic advice
• Sample program
• What is CSE 115?
• What is CSE 116?
• Non-academic advice

3
Sample first-year program

• Fall semester
• CSE 115
• MTH 141
• CHE 103
• 3 other credits

• Spring Semester
• CSE 116
• MTH 142
• PHY 107
• 3 other credits

4
Full admission to major

• Complete with average GPA gt 2.5
• CSE 116
• PHY 107
• MTH 142 or MTH 152 (Enriched Calculus I)

5
CSE 115 Introduction to CS I

• Object-oriented design and programming
• Problem solving
• Modeling and design before coding
• Key using good abstractions
• Programming projects
• Early projects are small
• Later projects are larger
• Language used is Java

6
Recent CSE 115 final projects

• Game
• Tetris
• Minesweeper
• Blackjack
• Programmable simulator
• Communication network simulator
• TM simulator

7
CSE 116 Introduction to CS II

• Semester-long project
• Team-based project
• Multi-stage project
• Each stage comes with a specification
• Specs from previous stage may not be respected
• Code-swap

8
Recent CSE 116 term projects

• Distributed Scrabble
• Othello with computer player
• Graphically simple adventure game
• Lotus (2-4 player board game) with computer
  player
• Scotland Yard board game

9
General academic advice

• Attendance is very important to keep up with the
  class.
• Make best use of the office hours of your teacher
  and the teaching assistants.
• We have online submission of the projects for
  most of the CEN courses. DO submit the projects
  even if it is incomplete to get partial credit.
• Make sure your teacher knows your name. May come
  in handy for recommendation letters for higher
  studies or jobs.

10
General academic advice (contd.)

• Talk to the teacher right away if you have
  difficulty with any aspect of the course.
• Manage your time
• Studying happens every day, not just before
  exams!
• Start projects/homeworks promptly
• Ask questions!

11
Talk to me.

• Bina Ramamurthy (bina)
• bina_at_cse.buffalo.edu
• 716-645-3180 (108)
• www.cse.buffalo.edu/bina
• Office room 127 Bell Hall

12
Non-academic advice

• Academics arent everything!

• Time management make time for
• Sports/Clubs
• Friends/Family
• Hard time? Talk to someone!
• Counseling services http//ubcounseling.buffalo.e
  du
• HAVE FUN!!!