NUS Computer Science vs Information Systems

[hengheng98]

Thanks for reading this post. I am currently a poly student, without any computing/programming background, wanting to enter Computer Science.

However, Computer Science has a lot of Mathematics and I am worried because I did not take any O level or A level mathematics before. I entered into NP through the Poly Foundation Programme (PFP), meaning I only has a N level cert. I did take up O Level E Math (doubt got any use) and scored a B3. I also took up A Math through the Diploma Plus Programme offered by my poly.

Can I seek some of the opinions of people (preferably those in Comp Science and Info Sys courses) on which course should I select? I am willing to sacrifice my personal time to catch up on the math that I am missing out. But my concern is the Math in Computer Science very overwhelming till the extent that I would not be able to understand a single thing given my lack of A level math or O level Amath knowledge? I actually struggled a bit while studying the Diploma Plus A Math programme in poly.

And to those working professionals out in the IT industry, can you please tell me what are some of the jobs out there that I can possibly consider after graduating? I am quite interested in being a software developer*.

Thank you once again for reading this and possibly helping me to make a more informed decision!


*[Software developers*are the driving creative force behind programs. Software developers are responsible for the entire development process. They are the ones who collaborate with the client to create a theoretical design. They then have computer programmers create the code needed to run the software properly. Computer programmers will test and fix problems together with software developers. Software developers provide project leadership and technical guidance along every stage of the software development life cycle]

 

[patryn33]

This definition of software developers and computer programmers is new in my world

 

[hengheng98]

This definition of software developers and computer programmers is new in my world

Haha is there any other definitions? I found this online. But in simple words, I would like jobs that need to me to plan, develop, monitor, improvise etc etc. So I guess it is more inclined towards project management? Or system engineer. Idk there are so many terms but job descriptions are the important ones here. Haha.

 

[nyvrem]

i might be wrong but here goes.

Comp Sci is a branch mathematics. Be it school or work, you're going to be looking at Math everyday. Foundations of Comp Sci would need you to master things like discrete math, calculus, linear algebra. programming is really a super tiny aspect of Comp Sci in your degree program (or it ought to be). As per the degree name, you are studying the science of computing.

Info Sys is geared towards the business aspects of Tech. You'll learn the foundations of Comp Sci, but you'll also touch on the 'management' part. The program ought to train you to utilise your 'knowledge of technology' to implement them in the business world.

most Unis would put an IS program under their business school, CS would be under their Computing/Engineering/IT school.

in spite of explaining both, most companies in SG use IS and CS interchangeably since they're more concern about the industrial skill sets and experience that you have. eg - web dev would need html/css/js/etc etc. java would need another set of skills. understand the use of stacks etc.

Perhaps the very technical jobs would need a CS/CE person. eg, working with embedding systems or IoT, etc.

 

[patryn33]

Haha is there any other definitions? I found this online. But in simple words, I would like jobs that need to me to plan, develop, monitor, improvise etc etc. So I guess it is more inclined towards project management? Or system engineer. Idk there are so many terms but job descriptions are the important ones here. Haha.

Plan, develop, monitor, improvise means what?
Project managers plan high level milestone, develop plans don’t develop a single line of code, monitor progress if program. Improvise in pm world is cool some reason to smoke clients lol

System engineers depending on company they can be ppl who work on integration of the full system. The also plan when to what on top of proj manager milestones. They can do real hard work of coding, improvise sure they have to think outside the box to solve a. Issue.

 

[snoozex]

Thanks for reading this post. I am currently a poly student, without any computing/programming background, wanting to enter Computer Science.

However, Computer Science has a lot of Mathematics and I am worried because I did not take any O level or A level mathematics before. I entered into NP through the Poly Foundation Programme (PFP), meaning I only has a N level cert. I did take up O Level E Math (doubt got any use) and scored a B3. I also took up A Math through the Diploma Plus Programme offered by my poly.

Can I seek some of the opinions of people (preferably those in Comp Science and Info Sys courses) on which course should I select? I am willing to sacrifice my personal time to catch up on the math that I am missing out. But my concern is the Math in Computer Science very overwhelming till the extent that I would not be able to understand a single thing given my lack of A level math or O level Amath knowledge? I actually struggled a bit while studying the Diploma Plus A Math programme in poly.

And to those working professionals out in the IT industry, can you please tell me what are some of the jobs out there that I can possibly consider after graduating? I am quite interested in being a software developer*.

Thank you once again for reading this and possibly helping me to make a more informed decision!


*[Software developers*are the driving creative force behind programs. Software developers are responsible for the entire development process. They are the ones who collaborate with the client to create a theoretical design. They then have computer programmers create the code needed to run the software properly. Computer programmers will test and fix problems together with software developers. Software developers provide project leadership and technical guidance along every stage of the software development life cycle]

Hi,


I think it would be better for you to focus on your current poly program first and get some decent cGPA as entry to NUS is competitive. And if maths is your weakness, brush it up now!



Just wondering what poly program are you currently in? If you are currently in business, then perhaps you may want to explore IS more.... Anyway, there are many other options if you are keen to enter the IT world...

 

[hengheng98]

Hi,


I think it would be better for you to focus on your current poly program first and get some decent cGPA as entry to NUS is competitive. And if maths is your weakness, brush it up now!



Just wondering what poly program are you currently in? If you are currently in business, then perhaps you may want to explore IS more.... Anyway, there are many other options if you are keen to enter the IT world...

Hi I am currently in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from NP Business School. I know it is quite a huge jump. I have already completed my internship so I am just waiting for my graduation lolol. Result wise it is above average. I will consider take up some additional math lesson during the 2 years in army to brush up my math but got no idea how to and where to go haha do you have any idea? Thanks!

 

[hengheng98]

Plan, develop, monitor, improvise means what?
Project managers plan high level milestone, develop plans don’t develop a single line of code, monitor progress if program. Improvise in pm world is cool some reason to smoke clients lol

System engineers depending on company they can be ppl who work on integration of the full system. The also plan when to what on top of proj manager milestones. They can do real hard work of coding, improvise sure they have to think outside the box to solve a. Issue.

Thanks for your reply. Actually I do not really want to get involve in hard core coding. I would prefer to help in coming up with plans and monitor the project etc. In this case, would CS or IS be a better fit?? Thanks!

 

[hengheng98]

i might be wrong but here goes.

Comp Sci is a branch mathematics. Be it school or work, you're going to be looking at Math everyday. Foundations of Comp Sci would need you to master things like discrete math, calculus, linear algebra. programming is really a super tiny aspect of Comp Sci in your degree program (or it ought to be). As per the degree name, you are studying the science of computing.

Info Sys is geared towards the business aspects of Tech. You'll learn the foundations of Comp Sci, but you'll also touch on the 'management' part. The program ought to train you to utilise your 'knowledge of technology' to implement them in the business world.

most Unis would put an IS program under their business school, CS would be under their Computing/Engineering/IT school.

in spite of explaining both, most companies in SG use IS and CS interchangeably since they're more concern about the industrial skill sets and experience that you have. eg - web dev would need html/css/js/etc etc. java would need another set of skills. understand the use of stacks etc.

Perhaps the very technical jobs would need a CS/CE person. eg, working with embedding systems or IoT, etc.

Thanks for your info! Helps alot!

 

[Fearah]

Thanks for your reply. Actually I do not really want to get involve in hard core coding. I would prefer to help in coming up with plans and monitor the project etc. In this case, would CS or IS be a better fit?? Thanks!

Im a comp student in nus. If youre really split between the 2, just apply for cs first. Im assuming your grades are very good to enter cs. Its much easier to transfer to IS after your first semester than the other way round. And you can make a more informed choice in sch.

Of course, based on your description, IS is surely a better choice for you as it has less programming, less modules and more business/consulting focus. CS is very intense on coding and maths!

Have you read the modules and specialisation they offer?

 

[patryn33]

Thanks for your reply. Actually I do not really want to get involve in hard core coding. I would prefer to help in coming up with plans and monitor the project etc. In this case, would CS or IS be a better fit?? Thanks!

IS imho is a better fit, CS allow u to get into those roles but u have enjoy uni years of hard core coding. Math part of CS is not something I will be overly concern. Most ppl in CS remember the hard times of coding not really solving math

I have to agree with ppl here, do focus on getting the GPA required by the programs

 

[snoozex]

Hi I am currently in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from NP Business School. I know it is quite a huge jump. I have already completed my internship so I am just waiting for my graduation lolol. Result wise it is above average. I will consider take up some additional math lesson during the 2 years in army to brush up my math but got no idea how to and where to go haha do you have any idea? Thanks!

Hi,


There are many options if you are keen to brush up your mathematics or even picking up some coding now.



- If CS, they will focus more on discrete mathematics. Perhaps you may want to get a book and learn on your own or sign up for free lessons through MOOCs. You can get materials too from your friends who are in CS programs and so on...


-For coding, do the same too... if you have some spare cash, u can also sign up some courses. Interestingly, if you are still a full time student, you can technically do (certain) IT courses for "free". Go and check up Citrep fundings as they have a 100% reimbursement scheme for full time students... otherwise, it will be 70% I think....



Hope this helps...

 

[guyz92]

Thanks for reading this post. I am currently a poly student, without any computing/programming background, wanting to enter Computer Science.

However, Computer Science has a lot of Mathematics and I am worried because I did not take any O level or A level mathematics before. I entered into NP through the Poly Foundation Programme (PFP), meaning I only has a N level cert. I did take up O Level E Math (doubt got any use) and scored a B3. I also took up A Math through the Diploma Plus Programme offered by my poly.

Can I seek some of the opinions of people (preferably those in Comp Science and Info Sys courses) on which course should I select? I am willing to sacrifice my personal time to catch up on the math that I am missing out. But my concern is the Math in Computer Science very overwhelming till the extent that I would not be able to understand a single thing given my lack of A level math or O level Amath knowledge? I actually struggled a bit while studying the Diploma Plus A Math programme in poly.

And to those working professionals out in the IT industry, can you please tell me what are some of the jobs out there that I can possibly consider after graduating? I am quite interested in being a software developer*.

Thank you once again for reading this and possibly helping me to make a more informed decision!


*[Software developers*are the driving creative force behind programs. Software developers are responsible for the entire development process. They are the ones who collaborate with the client to create a theoretical design. They then have computer programmers create the code needed to run the software properly. Computer programmers will test and fix problems together with software developers. Software developers provide project leadership and technical guidance along every stage of the software development life cycle]

During your Poly School Holiday, Go to codeacademy to learn some basics and see if Computer Science xor Information Systems is really what you want to do to earn a living.

To have a feel of what computer science is about, try do some basic Data Structure and Algorithm. Try create a word ladder solver using stack and queue. If you can understand how this works and you like solving this kind of problem using algo, then computer science may be what suite you more.

 

[hengheng98]

Im a comp student in nus. If youre really split between the 2, just apply for cs first. Im assuming your grades are very good to enter cs. Its much easier to transfer to IS after your first semester than the other way round. And you can make a more informed choice in sch.

Of course, based on your description, IS is surely a better choice for you as it has less programming, less modules and more business/consulting focus. CS is very intense on coding and maths!

Have you read the modules and specialisation they offer?

Thanks for your reply! Yup I had read up the modules and specialization! I agree that it will be easier to switch from CS to IS. Thanks for highlighting that! I will consider it seriously! Thank you!

 

[hengheng98]

IS imho is a better fit, CS allow u to get into those roles but u have enjoy uni years of hard core coding. Math part of CS is not something I will be overly concern. Most ppl in CS remember the hard times of coding not really solving math

I have to agree with ppl here, do focus on getting the GPA required by the programs

Hi! I also feel Info sys would be a better fit in my case. Thank you for your help!

 

[hengheng98]

Hi,


There are many options if you are keen to brush up your mathematics or even picking up some coding now.



- If CS, they will focus more on discrete mathematics. Perhaps you may want to get a book and learn on your own or sign up for free lessons through MOOCs. You can get materials too from your friends who are in CS programs and so on...


-For coding, do the same too... if you have some spare cash, u can also sign up some courses. Interestingly, if you are still a full time student, you can technically do (certain) IT courses for "free". Go and check up Citrep fundings as they have a 100% reimbursement scheme for full time students... otherwise, it will be 70% I think....



Hope this helps...

Thank you so much for your advise. Would consider brushing my math during my 2 free years thanks to NS haha

 

[hengheng98]

During your Poly School Holiday, Go to codeacademy to learn some basics and see if Computer Science xor Information Systems is really what you want to do to earn a living.

To have a feel of what computer science is about, try do some basic Data Structure and Algorithm. Try create a word ladder solver using stack and queue. If you can understand how this works and you like solving this kind of problem using algo, then computer science may be what suite you more.

Hi! Thanks for your tips haha I would try to know more about different areas of computing so as to settle down on the area that interests me the most. Thank you!

 

[fzhfzh]

Just a word of advise from someone already working in the tech industry for some time.

Everyone likes to go for the easier path of no need to code, just manage and talk etc. But the job market is one of supply and demand. When you graduate and realized that you can’t even really code, you are competing with all the people who can’t really code and hope to be able to just talk and manage. While your peers in cs who’s proficient in coding gets snatched up like hot cake by companies.

Don’t settle for the easy path. Everything you want in life is outside of your comfort zone. The whole point of school is to force you to learn difficult stuff and get you out of your comfort zone. If you are trying to enjoy yourself in school you are doing it wrong.

 

[nyvrem]

can try some coding stuff here for free during ur free time.

see if u like the 'feel' of it mah ~

https://www.theodinproject.com/