Is It Worth Taking Multiple Math Classes for a Good Professor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to take multiple math classes simultaneously, specifically calculus 3, differential equations, and linear algebra, while considering the quality of instruction from a favored professor. The scope includes personal experiences, workload management, and the impact of instructor quality on learning outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experience sharing
  • Workload management

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about taking three math classes at once, especially with a heavy workload from a job, questioning if the quality of the professor justifies the risk.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully taking multiple math classes in the past, suggesting that good teachers are valuable and encouraging the original poster to consider their own work ethic.
  • Some participants argue that having a good teacher is particularly important for linear algebra, while others feel it is less critical for calculus and differential equations.
  • Several participants advise against taking three math classes simultaneously, citing potential overload and negative impacts on performance.
  • One participant suggests postponing some classes to reduce the overall workload, emphasizing the difficulty of managing multiple demanding courses alongside a full-time job.
  • A participant mentions their usual course load of 18 units, indicating a preference for lighter classes in the past and contemplating adjustments to their schedule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether taking three math classes is advisable. Some participants strongly advise against it due to workload concerns, while others believe it is feasible depending on individual work ethic and past experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in managing multiple math classes alongside significant work commitments. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the importance of instructor quality relative to course difficulty.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering their course load in mathematics, particularly those balancing work and academic responsibilities, may find this discussion relevant.

JonF
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My school teaches differential equations and linear algebra at the same time. And this upcoming semester is my favorite professors last semester teaching it for a pretty good while.

Do you guys think it is worth taking three math classes (calc3, de, la) at a time to have a good professor? If I wait on the DE/LA the professor I will take it with the semester after isn’t that good.
 
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oops meant to post in general math
 
When i was an undergrad i took 3 classes in one semester (linear alg,difEQ,real analysis) and i took 5 classes once as a grad student in one semester, so i would say go for it. Good teachers are hard to find.

How many classes do you plan to take total. I wouldn't take to many if you are going to take 3 math classes.
 
Among those 3 courses, I'd say that for Linear Algebra, it's nice to have a good teacher. Less so for Calc and DE.

Just my opinion.
 
those three, calc based physics and 50 hours of work a week
 
JonF said:
those three, calc based physics and 50 hours of work a week

VERY BAD IDEA - do NOT do that ! :mad:
 
but 10 of those hours of work are as a math tutor...

so you say wait?
 
Pick one, (maybe two) courses. I strongly advise against taking 3 - you will do yourself a disservice by trying that. And yes, wait.
 
Yes definitely that sounds like its going to hurt you bad if you overload.
 
  • #10
It depends on how hard you are willing to work. You could take all 3 classes. I have been taking 7 classes every semester since my sophmore year without any problems. If you can study hardcore for hours on end then you can do all 3.
 
  • #11
usually it is foolish to take more than 2 math classes.
 
  • #12
JonF said:
those three, calc based physics and 50 hours of work a week

Holy smokes, 4 classes on top of 50 hours of work? I can't imagine trying that. I never took more than 5 math classes at a time, and always as a full time student.

Can you postpone calc 3 and the physics course? Then you'd only have 2 courses on top of 50 hours of work...still not something I'd want to consider! What kind of courseload do you normally handle on top of the working?
 
  • #13
Well I usually take roughly 18 units normally. But up until now they have been like ½ english classes or something along those lines. No offense to you English people, but those classes don’t really count. I think ill cut the physics and some hours at work.
 

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