Soon to be 1st year computer science student at unisa

Hey guys, I've applied for 2nd semester and would like you guys to give me any useful tips like maybe which modules to take first etc etc. That would help me a lot

thanks!

is there a choice?isnt it a set program?

Unless it's changed since I was a 1st year (and a student at that) you can still choose the order, to a certain point though because some modules have prerequisites. All I would suggest is try to get as many 1st year modules done as you can possibly handle (and are allowed) as you will need more time when doing 2nd and 3rd level e.g. if you want to finish in 4 years (eight semesters), try to get as many 1st level modules as you can out the way in the first two semesters.

alright thanks so much!

Yo vaniilla, you need to look first at which modules have no pre- or co-requisites and take them first but take it easy the first semester and I would say 4 should be your max but rather go 3. Just remember you can mix 1st and 2nd level modules so don't worry if your schedule requires you to say do 2 1st level modules next year S2 and then 2 2nd level modules - I did it.

Also 2nd semester feels much shorter and more rushed so there is very little time to settle down.

I would say you would plan your first 3yrs like this

2011 S2 - 3 modules - 3 x 1st level

2012 S1 - 4 modules - 4 x 1st level
2012 S2 - 4 modules - 3 x 1st level + 1 x 2nd level

2013 S1 - 4 modules - 4 x 2nd level
2013 S2 - 3 modules - 3 x 2nd level

You see I limit it to 4 max per semester as it can get very exhausting by the 2nd year. I'm now in my 4th year at UNISA and 4 is my limit with a full time job (and a family).

thanks chris you the man

I even took 1st level subjects in my final year needed something to keep me sane.