Module Information

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of problem solving by computing and programming using an imperative programming language. It is the first and foremost introductory course to computing and is equivalent to CS1010, CS1010S and CS1010E Programming Methodology. The course will be taught using the Python programming language and topics covered include problem solving by computing, writing pseudo-codes, basic problem formulation and problem solving, program development, coding, testing and debugging, fundamental programming constructs (variables, types, expressions, assignments, functions, control structures, etc.), fundamental data structures: arrays, strings and structures, simple file processing, and basic recursion.

~ NUSMods

Prerequisites

  • Not a current undergraduate.
  • Have not taken any of the CS1010 Variants

General review

I would definitely recommend anyone who can take this module to take this module. Here are some of the pros and cons of taking CS1010X before school begins

High Workload of CS1010 Variants

CS1010 and its variants are known for being high in workload and hard to cope with during the school term. By taking CS1010X instead of the various CS1010 variants before the start of the school term, we can dedicate more of our time to learning the foundations of programming before the school starts.

Settling into the pace of school before the start of university

This can also be taken as an opportunity to ease yourself into the pace of school. Especially for Singaporean guys who has to serve their national service, this is a good time to get used to studying life again.

By taking a lower workload before the school term, it will make the 1st term less scary.

A chance to really learn its contents

Taking CS1010x before the start of school also allows us to learn the content more deeply. Instead of having to juggle multiple courses, you only have to worry about this single course. The module is quite content heavy and some of the concepts require some time (especially for those new to programming) to grasp.

This is the perfect opportunity to learn the content fully with the additional time that we have.

Trade-offs

Of course, taking CS1010X comes with some trade-offs that you may have to consider. By taking CS1010X before the school term, you are sacrificing your time to enjoy your free time before the start of university life.

If you are the type who wants to enjoy life before school starts, taking CS1010X may not be for you.

What to do after CS1010X

This was available during my time as a CS1010X student, I am not sure if it is still available now.

After taking CS1010X, if we perform well enough, we will also have the opportunity to take CS2030 and/or CS2040 during the special term. This is a 6 weeks course which will cover almost the full content of CS2030 and CS2040.

For those who are interested in finishing their degree earlier, this may be worth it to take up. Please do note that the intensity of the modules are quite high as they are compressed to 6 weeks, please ensure that you are free during the whole duration.

These links below may also be useful for other CS1010 Variants

Notes

  1. Time Complexities
  2. CS1010X Repository by mclsun

Past Year Papers

  1. CS1010S Finals Nov 2013
  2. CS1010FC Finals Jun 2014
  3. CS1010S Finals Apr 2014
  4. CS1010S Finals Nov 2014
  5. CS1010FC Finals Jun 2015
  6. CS1010S Finals Apr 2015
  7. CS1010S Finals Apr 2016
  8. CS1010S Finals Apr 2017
  9. CS1010S Finals Apr 2018
  10. CS1010S Finals Apr 2019
  11. CS1010S Finals Nov 2015
  12. CS1010S Finals Nov 2016
  13. CS1010S Finals Nov 2017
  14. CS1010S Finals Nov 2018
  15. CS1010X Finals Jun 2016
  16. CS1010X Finals Jun 2017
  17. CS1010X Finals Jun 2018

Other Reviews

  1. Zanblade’s Review
  2. MarcuStudioz’s Review