is this too heavy a course load?

paridiso

Is this too heavy a course load to take in the spring of my freshman year?

Calculus 3 - 4 credits
Honors Physics 3 - 5 credits
General Chemistry 2 - 4 credits
Intro to Diff. Equations - 4 credits
Some easy gened I have to take - 3 credits

That's a total of 20 credits. Physics 3 covers waves and the calc course is multi-variable stuff. I'm required to take the gened so I can't drop that.

Klockan3

It depends on who you are, how good grades you want and how well you know your prerequisites.

Landau

Don't take this the wrong way, but why would you ask such a question here? No one here knows those courses, the professors, the university, your intelligence, how much time you have, etc.

Your fellow students or study advisor will probably have an appropriate answer. Or just try it out, and drop a course if it turns out to be too much.

paridiso

Yea I guess that makes sense. Lets say I do end up doing it. Generally, would I be better off taking linear algebra instead of diff. equations and taking diff. equations later? I have to take both anyway so which order's better?

Thanks.

qspeechc

Linear algebra will probably be harder than diff. equations, and so will take more of your time, but you will probably be needing linear algebra for your course in diff. equations, unless they teach you the needed linear algebra in the diff. equations course. Is linear algebra a prereq. for diff. equations? On the other hand, you'll probably be needing the material in your diff. equations course sooner (for physics) than the stuff in your linear algebra course! The best thing would be to take to the lecturers of the courses and the student/curriculum advisor.

Landau

In my opinion, linear algebra is so important that you should take it as soon as possible. Also, diff. eq. will probably use linear algebra (although that depends on the course, naturally).

Sankaku

I don't know your courses but knowing Linear Algebra can make Multivariable Calculus and DE's a lot easier.

Edit: Looks like others already said that...

paridiso

Linear Algebra isn't a prereq here. If I end up taking linear algebra I'll be taking diff. equations during the summer.

It looks like they teach the LA you need for Diff. Eq. during the course.

maverick_starstrider

I'd say that's actually a tad light for a standard term of a physics major/specialist so I don't think you should have any problems