Course Material | Computer Science | SIU

Course Material

The final exam schedule is typically available online at the Office of the Registrar. If you have any questions about obtaining this information reach out to your instructor or the SIU Office of the Registrar.

You may be able to retrieve textbook information before the course starts by following procedures outlined by the Office of the Registrar. In some cases, instructors are still being decided for your course and this information won't be immediately available.

Tips for Effective Study of Computer Science

1. Stay Organized: Keep all course materials, including textbooks, lecture notes, and assignments, well-organized. Use folders, notebooks, or digital tools to manage your resources.
2. Active Reading: When reading textbooks or articles, engage actively. Take notes, highlight key points, and jot down questions as you go.
3. Understand the Fundamentals: Ensure you have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced topics. Build a strong foundation.
4. Practice Coding: In computer science, practice is key. Code regularly to reinforce programming concepts. Try solving problems on coding platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, or HackerRank.
5. Utilize Online Resources: Take advantage of online resources such as video tutorials, online courses, and forums like Stack Overflow to supplement your learning.
6. Teach Others: Explaining a concept to someone else can reinforce your understanding. Consider teaching a fellow student or even creating your own tutorials or blog posts.
7. Solve Problems: Practice problem-solving regularly. Work on coding challenges, algorithmic problems, and real-world projects to apply what you've learned.
8. Participate in Discussions: Join study groups or online forums related to your course. Discussing concepts with peers can provide different perspectives and insights.
9. Seek Help Early: Don't wait until you're stuck. If you have questions or are struggling with a concept, seek help from your instructor, teaching assistants, or peers.
10. Test Yourself: Create practice quizzes or flashcards to test your knowledge. Self-assessment helps identify areas that need improvement.
11. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: When tackling complex problems or projects, break them into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track progress.
12. Time Management: Manage your time effectively. Create a study schedule that includes breaks to prevent burnout.
13. Stay Updated: Computer science is a rapidly evolving field. Stay updated with the latest developments and technologies in your area of study.
14. Review Regularly: Periodically review previously covered material to reinforce your memory and understanding.
15. Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset. Explore related topics that pique your interest, even if they're not part of your coursework.
16. Stay Healthy: Don't neglect your physical and mental health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep contribute to better cognitive function.
17. Take Breaks: Short breaks during study sessions can improve focus and retention. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break).
18. Stay Persistent: Computer science can be challenging, but persistence pays off. Don't get discouraged by difficulties; keep trying.

Additional Resources for Computer Science Students

1. SIU Computer Science Tutoring Center - The SIU Computer Science Tutoring Center provides free tutoring and academic support for computer science students.
2. ChatGPT - ChatGPT is an AI language model that can assist you with coding and programming-related queries.
3. GeeksforGeeks - GeeksforGeeks is a popular platform for computer science students with coding challenges, articles, and tutorials.
4. Codecademy - Codecademy offers interactive coding lessons in various programming languages.
5. LeetCode - LeetCode is a platform for practicing coding interviews and algorithmic problems.
6. Stack Overflow - Stack Overflow is a Q&A community for programmers where you can find answers to coding questions.
7. GitHub - GitHub is a platform for version control and collaborative coding. Explore open-source projects and contribute to them.
8. Khan Academy - Computer Programming - Khan Academy offers interactive computer programming courses for beginners.
9. HackerRank - HackerRank has coding challenges and tutorials in various domains, including algorithms and data structures.
10. MIT OpenCourseWare - MIT OpenCourseWare provides free course materials from MIT, including computer science courses.
11. Code.org - Code.org offers coding tutorials and resources for students and teachers.
12. W3Schools - W3Schools provides tutorials and references for web development technologies.
13. Reddit - r/learnprogramming - The r/learnprogramming subreddit is a community where you can ask questions, share resources, and learn from others.

Always, confirm with your instructor that the use of the above additional resources are acceptable for your course/assignments. Also, note some of the sites listed above offer paid services. Students are encouraged to utilize our tutoring center for free.