ML1

An Introduction to Computer Science
Learn to Think Differently

What is it?

MCS1 is an exciting one semester course introducing students to computer science. Students will learn to program in four different languages. They will explore the relationships between computer science and other fields through explorations in a wide range of subject areas including computer science, biology, philosophy, economics, game theory, and epidemiology. Students will be encouraged to look at the world and think differently.

Who should take it?

All students. This course is meant to be taken during the sophomore year, but students can take it at any time in their Stuyvesant careers. The advantage of taking it early is that it will prepare students for both more advanced computer science courses as well as give students a set of modeling tools that they can use in their non computer science courses such as research courses.

Why should I take it?

Regardless of what you want to do in the future, CS is a critical field with which to be familiar with. Many biologists, for instance, think that the computer is the most important advance in the field of biology in recent history. Crossover fields such as computational biology, computational physics and others have come into being. Even social sciences are now more dependent on having some knowledge of computer science. Taking MCS1 will give you the background you need no matter what you want to do in the future. Of course, if you want to study advanced computer science, MCS1 is the way to start. See this New York Times article on the other side of this sheet for more information about computer science and other fields

What will I learn?

You will learn four programming languages: Python, which is used extensively for web development; starlogo, which is parallel programming and modeling system; scheme, which is a lisp variant taught at MIT and other universities; and C++. You will learn how to think differently and how to approach problems from a different point of view while exploring a wide range of problems.

What does it prepare me for?

After taking MCS1, you will have a set of tools that you can use in almost any field. For example, these tools can be used for modeling if you decide to work on an Intel research project.

If you want to study advanced computer science after taking MCS1, you can take the advanced placement computer science course MPX3. This can then be followed by our systems programming and graphics courses.

Where can I find out more?

To find out more, either look at cs.stuy.edu, send email to zamansky@drnick.stuy.edu or see Mr. Zamansky in room 301.

Program Coordinator:

Mike Zamansky

Room 301

(212) 312-4800 x 3011

Teachers:

Peter Brooks
Jon-Alf Dyrland-Weaver
Ashvin Jaishankar
Rick Platek

ML1