Automata theory and formal languages

I'm going to take this course next semester.

Today I learnt that a different prof is going to offer the course. I mean, she most probably took automata course like 30 years ago. The topic is completely out of her research area.

So what I have lost prog? Is automata "that" important? Is it easy to teach yourself? Because I'm sure she will come with a paper and copy its content to the board and won't be able to answer our questions.

>>1
I took a formal languages course in the university back in the days and barely passed it.

Well, you know, the strangest thing happened. During the last five years in the programming industry the hardest algorithmic problems I've faced have been easier than `reversing a linked list', a question I successfully answered in an interview I failed in the end. My escape from the dead end job that still funds my mortgage payments wasn't successful.

So, if you're after a fulfilling life with no pay in research, go for it. If you're looking for fulfilling life with good pay, you should've chosen mechanical engineering or something entirely different, like being a lawyer or a doctor. If you've looking for neither, do whatever that floats you're boat.