CS100J and CS100M offer an introduction to elementary computer programming concepts. The courses emphasize techniques of problem analysis and the development of algorithms and programs. CS100J uses Java, and CS100M uses Matlab.

Neither course presumes previous programming experience. CS100M requires a firm background in mathematics and at least one semester of calculus.

You may also take CS100R, a fast-paced intro to computer sciece using camera-controlled robots. Take this version only if you learned programming using Java in high school.

Refer to http://www.cs.cornell.edu/degreeprogs/ugrad/CSMajor/CoursesandResearch/FirstCSCourse/ for more information about these courses.

Alternatives

If you are shopping around for a "first course" to take in computer science, the CS department offers both programming and non-programming courses. Beside courses that involve a lot of programming, there are courses on web design; computing in the arts; cognitive science; visual imaging; computation, information, and intelligence, and game design.

See http://www.cs.cornell.edu/degreeprogs/ugrad/CSMajor/CoursesandResearch/FirstCSCourse/ for more information about all these courses.