Question to those pioneers that are cutting that path for the rest of us. Does anyone have a recommendation of course order for each of the concentrations? I am going to register for two courses starting Spring 2005 as my initial registration into this program. My choices are: Java for Distributed Computing Algorithms and Data Structures Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures Security, Privacy and Usability Since I haven't decided which track I want to conentrate on (I prefer ITM, but SE is a better fit geographically), I want my three preadmission courses to be germane to either concentration. Therefore, I cut Algorithms and Data Structures out. My plan is to take Java for Distributed Computing and Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures. If I decide tto pursue the SE concentration, then I will sign up for the Algroithms and Data Structures course in Fall 2005. So the question: does it make sense to take Java for Distributed Computing and Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures in the same term? Also, is there a discussion board or other on-line collaboration venue anywhere specifically for those in this program?
This is dangerous. Algorithms is by far the most challenging course of the three, which is why there's a "Theory" matriculation requirement for the SE concentration. If you don't take it early, you won't know if you have what it takes to make it further. The Algorithms course requires a solid understanding of discrete math, and preferably more advanced mathematics in that area, and more than a little math aptitude. My math SAT score was 780 (back in the dark ages), and I've tutored discrete mathematics. I was still mauled by the course. By the time I finished, I had made myself sick studying too hard, and was bedridden for days afterwards. I considered dropping out dozens of times. I probably averaged about 50 hours or so per week on that course, maybe more. If I find a person who can get a C+ in the Algorithms course, I would bow down and call him Master. (I got an A. *brag*) So the question: does it make sense to take Java for Distributed Computing and Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures in the same term? That's no problem. They're not related in any way. Also, is there a discussion board or other on-line collaboration venue anywhere specifically for those in this program? I don't personally know of any. That's part of the reason I like hearing from other ALM in IT students here.
If I could "do over," I would have saved CP&IA for the summer session. It is one of the few courses offered DL that apply to the IMS. If you plan on taking the summer off anyway, then I'd take it now.
Dool, having read your quals in the other thread, how much programming background do you think a typical student in this ALM should have? You mentionned that you have an extensive background, and you still found difficulty in the courses. Would these classes be impossible for a novice programmer?
Re: Re: Harvard ALM IT Recommendations This is good advice. If you're expecting to be resident over the summer, then you'll have to keep a course or two available. Look at www.summer.harvard.edu to see what's available.
Dool might not know the answer to that, since the two courses he's taken so far are non-programming ones.
What do you mean that the software engineering track is better geographically? Also, does anyone think it is crazy to try and do this one course at a time? By my measure, we're talking about 3 and a half years.
Actually, for the 12 IMS courses, it'll take 6 years if you take summers off. Not crazy, more like chinese water torture. Except its snake venom not water. Most working students I've met seem to find their rhythm at 2 courses/semester. So 3 years it remains.
