Systems Programming (256) is mostly C (NOT introductory), w/ a bit of shell programming (very little). So basically every week you have a programming lab due, as well as a couple of larger assignments. If your familiar w/ unix (which I'm guess you are), you'll do VERY well in this course, but this course assumes you already know C. Intro to Algorithms I & II are basically C courses (Introductory) as well. Apparently they used to not have any programming in those 2, but they do now, and they're the reason you can't take 60-106 w/ a CS H. degree (60-106 == 60-140). 60-100 (Key Concepts) has absolutely no C. You can use Miranda if you want to play w/ some of the examples in class, but you do pretty much no "real" programming, it's all pen & paper. It's decently tough course, though I still got an A in it. If you've done Java before, you'll be bored out of your mind in 60-212, and I don't think you should have to take it.

I just have one piece of advice, take 62-190 (Mathematical Foundations) as soon as you can. I've only seen it offered 3 times in my 3 years, and all 3 were in the summer. 62-190 ends up being a prerequisite for so many computer science courses (whether directly or indirectly), that you really need it before 2nd year (at the latest 3rd) in order to guarentee you'll graduate in 4 years.

thanks for the tips.

ive really gotta look for someone to talk to to sort this out and get my courses all planned out. when do you think i should start doing this? (to begin in the winter semester) and do you think i should schedule a meeting with the Dean to get maximum attention rather than someone at the registrars office who wouldnt know what the programs are about anyways.

I wouldn't go to either. Instead, phone the comp sci. department, and ask to speak to an academic advisor. Explain your situation, and set up an appointment to talk w/ them in person if possible. If you need any more help, my e-mail is switzec at uwindsor dot ca

thanks again ill call them next week