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3. Course Map

Not just a list of courses, but grouped into knowledge blocks. For each course, answer: What is it for? · Key knowledge · Which direction it relates to · Extra resources · Mini-project to do.

Mathematics & Computing Foundations​

  • Calculus
  • Linear Algebra
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Discrete Structures
  • Mathematical Modeling

Why it matters: the basis for AI/ML (linear algebra, probability), algorithms (discrete structures), optimization and modeling. Strongly related to AI, Data.

Mini-project ideas: visualize matrix transformations; Monte Carlo probability simulation; solve combinatorial problems with dynamic programming.

Programming Foundations​

  • Introduction to Computing
  • Programming Techniques
  • Advanced Programming
  • Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)
  • Principles of Programming Languages

Why it matters: the core skill for every direction. DSA determines your problem-solving ability and your job interviews.

Mini-project ideas: a small CLI tool; re-implement data structures (list, tree, hash); practice DSA on LeetCode/Codeforces and push solutions to GitHub.

Computer Systems Foundations​

  • Digital Systems
  • Computer Architecture
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Database Systems

Why it matters: understand how computers actually run — the basis for Systems, Security, Backend. Databases are needed for almost every real application.

Mini-project ideas: a mini shell; a process scheduler; packet analysis with Wireshark; design a schema + SQL queries for a small app.

Engineering & Professional Skills​

  • Software Engineering
  • Professional Skills for Engineers
  • Project Management
  • Teamwork
  • Git workflow
  • Technical writing
  • Presentation

Why it matters: turn code into a product and work well in a team. Employers value Git workflow, documentation and presentation very highly.

Mini-project ideas: run a team project with a real Git workflow (branch, PR, review); write a README + technical report; deliver a 5-minute demo presentation.

→ Tools and workflow: Tools & Setup · DevOps & Research Infra. How to document a project: How to document a project.