The
real differences:
- Comp1917 covers a LOT more content. In fact, comp1911 covers around 65% comp1917. (The following course 1921 does the rest plus a bit more). It is higher computing for a reason. Some people may feel that it is too much. It is by no means an easy course as you will need to put a lot of time and effort to get the most out of the course. That said, it is one of the most challenging
yet rewarding courses you will do in first year.
- Comp1917 is run like an online course. All lectures are pre-recorded (recycled from previous years). This leaves very little work in the actual timetabled lectures (used for additional content and revision with the lecturer) which gives you added flexibility. The course is run on a system called OpenLearning, which is where all the videos, discussion and activities are set. Comp1911 has a more traditional lecture at uni and then set lab excercises per week.
- Assessments are also different. Comp1917 makes you do a 'resume'/portfolio at the end showing some stuff you have done and what you have achieved. Plus a final exam and a prac exam. ie - no actual marks for labs or assignments. Comp1911 has your good old lab excercises, assignments, projects and exams.
Other myths:
- Students feel that they need to have prior programming experience for comp1917. This is not true and the majority of the cohort would have had little to no prior experience.
- Comp1911 is easier. Not necessarily. It moves at a slower pace but expect a good challenge with some of the assignments and the projects.
- You cannot change. Because of the close parallelism between the two courses, you can to or from 1917. For the exact date ask the lecturer however from memory they are quite lenient about this. Give it a try.
- Comp1917 has harder assessments. It is a harder course but the assignments are cooler. Remember that assignments do not gain marks directly so a good and genuine effort can be rewarded generously.
- Richard is awesome! Yes he is, but the other lecturer, Andrew Taylor is great as well. You won't be too disappointed either way.
- The two courses are about programming. Whilst you would learn programming in both courses, the true art of computing is problem solving. Both courses emphasise this and will teach you how to look at problems in a different, analytical way.
- Only CSE majors do comp1917. Many students from all faculties do the course for their gen ed. Mostly those seeking a challenge, have an interest in computers or to try something new.
- I did IPT/SDD in year 12. Love it or hate it. Whilst some ideas/concepts are useful the majority of it will not give you any advantage. Computing is not taught in schools well so chances are this course will be very different.
In the end, if you are up for the challenge, do comp1917. It is (like most comp courses) difficult, but can be a lot of fun and very rewarding in the end. If you don't have that much time then 1911 is ok as well. As with most things, you can't and won't be forced to put the time and work in. If you have a genuine interest and motivation then go for it.
Hope that helps