While other courses provide some ad-hoc use of computer algebra and scientific software, a systematic introduction into standard software systems like Maple, MATLAB, or Sage is a solid investment.
Research in higher mathematics increasingly relies on computer algebra systems like Maple. MATLAB is the standard scientific software tool in all engineering disciplines. Sage is developing into a free open source alternative to Maple and MATLAB.
Math 310 (Applied Linear Algebra) and MCS 471 (Numerical Analysis) are two examples of courses in which the experience of MCS 320 will certainly be an advantage.
Previous programming experience is not strictly required for taking MCS 320. Maple, MATLAB, and Sage offer very flexible environments to produce code, graphics, and animations.
As MCS 320 places its main emphasis on acquiring practical skills, all lectures are held in a computer lab. All quizzes and exams are at the computer (and thus open book). No textbook is required for the course, lecture notes are provided for free by the instructor.
The course web site of Spring 2010 is still available.