1st semester grad school class choices

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for selecting between two graduate-level courses: Intermediate Analysis 1 and Applied Linear Algebra. Participants explore the implications of each choice, considering prior coursework and the relevance of the subjects to future academic and career goals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about taking Intermediate Analysis 1 due to a lack of prior exposure to Advanced Calculus, despite having successfully completed a course in Discrete Math.
  • The same participant acknowledges the importance of understanding analysis for pursuing a PhD and expresses a desire to progress in their academic career.
  • Another participant requests clarification on what Intermediate Analysis 1 entails, seeking a course description.
  • A subsequent reply provides a course description for Intermediate Analysis 1, indicating that it covers topics such as the real number system, metric spaces, sequences, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, power series, and functions of several variables, suggesting it is akin to advanced calculus.
  • This participant also notes that Intermediate Analysis 2 has a similar description, implying that not all topics may be covered in one semester.
  • The original poster later announces a decision to take Applied Linear Algebra instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the difficulty of Intermediate Analysis 1 or its necessity for future studies, as the original poster ultimately decides to take Applied Linear Algebra.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the original poster's uncertainty regarding their preparedness for Intermediate Analysis 1 and the implications of their course choice on their academic trajectory. There is no resolution on the perceived difficulty of the analysis course without prior exposure to Advanced Calculus.

Mogarrr
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Hi there, fellow physics forums members & guests.

I'm starting the 1st semester of grad school, and I'm faced with a tough choice between two different classes. I could take Intermediate Analysis 1 or Applied Linear Algebra.

The only course I've taken involving proofs is Discrete Math, and I had no problem there. However, I am concerned that since I have never been exposed to Advanced Calculus, the Intermediate Analysis 1 course could destroy me.

On the other hand, I would really need to understand this stuff, if I am going to get a PhD. I am working on a Masters degree, and I would like to move on with my life and start working in the real world.

As far as Applied Linear Algebra goes, I'm not worried. I took Linear Algebra as an undergrad and rocked it.

Anybody have any insights to offer? Is Analysis impossibly hard to understand without prior exposure?
 
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What is intermediate analysis 1? Do you have a course description?
 
Jorriss said:
What is intermediate analysis 1? Do you have a course description?

5318. Intermediate Analysis 1 (3). The real number system, introduction to metric spaces, sequences, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, power series, functions of several variables, and differential forms.

I think this is advanced calculus.

Also, Intermediate Analysis 2 had the same description, so I don't think all topics would be covered in one semester.
 
Decision made. Taking LA.
 

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