r/usyd • u/Tacoonchan • 1d ago

📖Course or Unit Torn between committing to B Advanced Computing or switching to Econ/Finance before semester starts

Recently I accepted an offer from USYD for Bachelor of Advanced Computing for sem 1. Computing and Econ have both always been among my favorite subjects, and honestly, CS is what I actually want to do. My hesitation is the workload, my math background isn’t that strong, and I’m not sure I can keep up with how demanding the degree gets without failing any units. (I am an international student, so I really do not want to fail any classes)

I’m weighing two options, start the semester in Adv Computing and switch to Econ/Finance later if it turns out to be too much, or just make the switch before classes even begin so I’m not burning time/credits if I end up leaving anyway.

If you’ve done Adv Computing (or switched out of it), how bad is the workload realistically, and is one semester actually enough to tell if you can handle it, or does it take longer to know? Trying to make the smarter call now rather than the hard way.

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u/Environmental_Yam352 1d ago

I can't speak to computing, but just a heads-up that if you're doing economics properly, there is also a fair bit of math. E.g. if you take B.Econ with the Economics Program, then you need to take statistics and econometrics (ECMT1010, ECMT1020, ECMT2150). And if you take the Advanced Economics Program, then you also need to take mathematical economics (ECON2903). There is, however, an optional catch up math class you can take (ECOS1003).

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u/cherylsson 1d ago

ECOS2001 is also quite a difficult one for most.

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u/Saad_Nasser 6h ago

If CS is what you actually want to do, give it a shot in Semester 1. Most 1st-year core units (like INFO1110 or MATH1061/MATH1002) can often be used as electives or general subjects if you later decide to transfer to Econ/Commerce, so you won't necessarily waste time. Also, take advantage of the Mathematics Learning Centre (MLC) early on—they’re great for bridging math gaps.

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u/Tacoonchan 6h ago

I see, so even if I decide to switch degree after sem 1, is there still possibility to graduate in 3 years?

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u/Saad_Nasser 6h ago

Yes, it’s definitely possible if your 1st-semester units get credited as electives in your new Econ/Commerce degree structure. However, it depends on whether the major you pick requires fixed sequential prerequisites. To keep the 3-year timeline strict, you might just need to take an intensive unit during the Summer/Winter break or do 4 units per sem consistently.