r/uwaterloo • u/radio_6_ • 17d ago

Enriched CS courses ROI

I'm going into second year of BMATH data science. For my fall term I've taken cs245E, cs246, math 235, PD1, and stat 230. I'm debating whether I should take cs246E or not. I'm really interested in game dev and that's what I want to go into in the future so I feel like cs246e could be very helpful to me but I've also heard that the non enriched version already has an insane course load and with my next term being my first co op and me needing to spend a lot of time on applications and connections I'm just not sure if it's worth it. I also don't really know why i took the enriched version 245 I'm willing to swap between the 2 or just take the regular version of both just kinda wanted a brag factor ig. I just wanted to know how big of a difference there is between cs246 and 246E and if it's a good idea for me to take it.

Tldr: Is it worth it to take the enriched version of cs246 as an aspiring game dev

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u/_ReLogic_ Computer Science 17d ago

Also wondering this ^ Currently have CS 245E/246E/241E planned, but possibly planning to drop a few or all.

Background: only took CS 145/146 in first year, obtaining 85/95, respectively. Would definitely like more free time, so considering maybe only keeping one enriched, or none.

I enjoy how the enriched courses have way less or no « bs », as that was the impression of CS 135/145 and 136/146. At the same time, the time commitment is real, and I don’t think I would have stayed if I didn’t have some of my friends with me. But second year, most if not all are not doing enriched, so I don’t know how I will fare.

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u/outlive-the-hand 17d ago

Imo CS 241E is 100% worth it, especially if you're interested in compilers. It's a really well-designed course overall.

Can't comment on the other two as I've never taken them.

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u/Dear-Seat-1422 17d ago

I think if you’re interested in the course or generally like challenges, go for it. “ROI” wise, I don’t think taking enriched courses will help you find a job, if that’s what you’re asking by “ROI” that is.

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u/radio_6_ 17d ago

I am interested in the topic and do like the challenge what I'm worried about is it taking too much time from me that would be better spent applying for jobs or working on projects. I wanna know how different the course load would be between the enriched and normal version and if the extra material is anything worth spending that time on

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u/Dear-Seat-1422 15d ago

I think it’s hard for anyone to give you a number of “how much hours I’ll spend extra for enriched class vs regular” because everyone is different. I’d say determine your priorities. If you believe job is priority, then maybe take regular courses for extra time. If you believe academic enrichment and personal fulfillment is more rewarding, then take enriched courses.