Recent content by Porthos

Thanks, micromass. I have taken a first-year linear algebra course, and I would definitely take the second linear algebra instead if possible, but I don't have one of the prerequisites for the linear algebra course offered via the Applied Mathematics Department that was recommended above a pure...

I know that I have already posted a couple of threads like this one (albeit dealing with different courses), but I have had excellent responses here, and I was hoping I could get a couple more. I know that it is best to speak to academic advisors and professors, but there are only a couple that...

While I was reading Pliny's account of the effects that nearly reached him in the third link, all I could think of was images of the atomic bomb. Then I see in the Vesuvius link that the eruption released one hundred thousand times the energy of Hiroshima. Wow. I knew they were powerful, but...

Thanks, 256bits. I agree that imagination is key in all of the forms of writing that you mention. I focused a bit less on creative writing and more on writing essays and on other forms of argumentative writing, but that writing would not have been as technical as the writing for a scientific...

Thank you both for your responses. I will send an email to the professor tonight. I agree that it is the best approach; the only reason I haven't done so already is that many professors here don't answer email over the break (I don't blame them), and the course begins on the Monday back. I will...

The general question: Has anyone taken a course geared toward writing in the sciences? If so, did you feel that the course was useful? Alternatively, do you think that writing for the sciences was something that was better learned through the actual science courses you took? My specific...

Thanks for the excellent links jedishrfu and atyy. I think that the link from jedishrfu highlights how contentious the issue we are discussing really is, particularly in the section entitled, "Being Honest with the Letter Evaluator." It seems that a lot of this really hinges on what the...

I have tonnes of respect for mathwonk's opinion, as I am someone who has followed these boards for a long time (despite not having posted often) and followed a lot of his suggestions, so I must admit that he made me think twice about my position on this. I want to clarify my position, lest a...

I agree with jedishrfu on this one. It may feel weird, but it is a common practice, as professors often don't have the time to write letters on a timeline that would work for you. Additionally, the more specific a letter can be, the better, but events that you can remember in detail (as they...

Thanks, jedishrfu and Mmm_Pasta. That is what I figured, but I thought that it wouldn't hurt to ask. I appreciate you both taking the time to respond.

I am planning my courses for next semester, and I am unsure of which direction to go in with linear algebra. I have already taken the following course: Linear Algebra I Properties and applications of vectors; matrix algebra; solving systems of linear equations; determinants; vector spaces...

Thanks for the explanation, axmls. I appreciate it.

StatGuy2000 is right to point out that the University of Waterloo has excellent co-op programs, but often students applying to Canadian universities think Waterloo is the only place where this is the case. (I am speaking anecdotally, thinking of the many students I have taught that apply to...

I agree with Choppy on this one; if your professor specifically said that you should speak to him at the end of the semester about the grade, then you should do so. If you were simply going to him because you WANT a B, that may be something to feel uncomfortable about; however, if you believe...

The advantage of Canadian universities is that they give an excellent education for a much lower price than most American schools. Tuition for a domestic student here would rarely approach $10,000/year (and is generally between $5000 and $8000) unless you are talking about a professional degree...