Prerequisites - CompSci 161, Winter, 2026 (Dillencourt)

The prerequisites for this course as listed in the course catalog are:

• Math 2B (Single-Variable Calculus II)
• ICS 6B (Boolean Logic and Discrete Structures)
• ICS 6D (Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science)
• ICS/CSE 46 (Data Structure Implementation and Analysis) with a grade of C or better

In addition, it is assumed that you have mastered the mathematics that leads up to calculus, in particular high-school algebra and basic arithmetic. You should be able to correctly perform the following computations using only pencil and paper without using a calculator or other computing device:

• Multiplication of two 3-digit integers
• Long division by a 3-digit divisor
• Arithmetic on fractions with up to a 3-digit denominator
• Calculate any value a^b, where a and b are positive integers and the value a^b is less than 2000.

Some of the prerequisite/introductory material that you will be expected to know is covered in the class lecture notes (Notes 1, and the first 7 slides of Notes 2). During the first few lectures, I will go over this material, but I will not cover all of it in detail. I recommend you do the following:

• Read each slide
• If you understand everything on the slide, move on to the next slide
• If there is something you don't understand on the slide, watch the corresponding portion of the recorded lectures.
• If you still have a question about the slide after watching the corresponding portion of the recorded lectures, ask your question as a public post on Ed Discussion. Keep in mind that focused and specific questions usually receive better answers than broader and unfocused questions.

I will cover a few topics from the prerequisite/introductory material in detail in class. These topics include:

• Asymptotic notation
• Harmonic numbers
• Proofs / Proof by induction
• Basic probability

As noted on the landing page for the class web site, there will be an online self-assessment quiz on the prerequisite/introductory material. This quiz will be released on Friday of Week 1 and is to be taken by by Tuesday of week 2. The quiz will be given on GradeScope, so you should sign up for GradeScope before the release date of the quiz. (Click here for instructions on how to sign up for GradeScope.) Taking this quiz by the due date is worth 2% of your grade, irrespective of your score on the quiz.

If you do poorly on the quiz, you should seriously consider dropping the class, reviewing the prerequisite/introductor material, and taking the class after you have a stronger background in the prerequisite/introductory material.