Python, Java, intro to C/UNIX aren't computer science in my opinion. Dijkstra said, "Computer science is as much about computers as astronomy is about telescope

Python, Java, intro to C/UNIX aren't computer science in my opinion. Dijkstra said, "Computer science is as much about computers as astronomy is about telescopes." I'm in Dijkstra's camp when it comes to defining what computer science is. Computer science is applied mathematics. Math comes easily to few people. It's going to take time; you're going to have to study. I have a similar problem; the math of computer science doesn't come easily to me, either... but I think this is where the magic is. When studying math, I have a lot of "aha" moments - I won't understand a concept for hours, but finally some explanation will make sense and the entire thing will gel in my mind. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Go to study groups. Go to office hours. In my opinion, some of the more important computer science classes are classes on algorithms and classes on compilers. Make sure you take those. Industrially, you have an advantage - understanding OO design, VCS, et cetera are important for actual work, but they aren't computer science... they're development tools. If you can arm yourself with the deeper magic of the math behind the constructs we use in development, you'll be ahead of the game. As a footnote, related questions have been asked a lot on HN. Try searchyc.com to find them.