Calc III and Solid State Physics courses in same semester?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of taking Solid State Physics and Calculus III concurrently, particularly in the context of the participant's previous coursework and mathematical background. The conversation touches on time management, academic advising, and the challenges posed by the mathematical requirements of Solid State Physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confidence in managing Solid State Physics and Calculus III together, citing a successful background in math and physics courses.
  • Another participant suggests consulting an academic advisor for tailored advice based on the university's course structure and the individual's situation.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of time management, noting the expected weekly hours for each course and suggesting a workload assessment to avoid burnout.
  • Concerns are raised about the mathematical demands of Solid State Physics, particularly regarding differential equations, with the participant planning to use additional resources to support their understanding.
  • One participant expresses hesitation about taking an upper-level physics course with limited math preparation, despite acknowledging the original poster's past successes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether taking both courses simultaneously is advisable. There are differing opinions on the adequacy of the participant's mathematical preparation and the potential challenges of the courses.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights varying perspectives on academic preparedness and the importance of individual circumstances in course selection. There are references to specific course demands and personal experiences that may not apply universally.

JustSomeWiggle
Hi! So I just breezed through a summer Calc II course (took E&M and Modern Physics last semester) and will be approaching Solid State Physics and Calc III this coming semester together. I've taken my school's upper division Linear Algebra course and passed before last semester and continue to do well in math, so do any of you think I'll have trouble with Solid State Physics in the coming semester considering I'll be taking Calc III concurrently? I'll also be taking an applied electronics course and a object orience programming course, but I have little worries about those classes based off of what I've heard from other students.
 
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I would recommend speaking with your advisor. They know how these courses are structured at your university, and are familiar with your particular situation. We would just be guessing. For example, I would have thought it would be impossible to take E&M and modern physics prior to calc II and actually pass the classes (I don't think I could have!), but it seems to have worked out fine for you.

jason
 
It all depends on how you manage your time. My object oriented class took me 5-10 hours a week. Calc 3 took me 10 hours easy. Electronics and SSP can both take similar time scales. If you think you can put in 40-50 hours a week plus class time without getting burned out go for it. If not, you might want to ease up.
 
jasonRF said:
I would recommend speaking with your advisor. They know how these courses are structured at your university, and are familiar with your particular situation. We would just be guessing. For example, I would have thought it would be impossible to take E&M and modern physics prior to calc II and actually pass the classes (I don't think I could have!), but it seems to have worked out fine for you.

jason
Ah, to the advisor it is then!
That's the tricky part as I've had little problem following an nontraditional education path thus far. I found very little difficulty in understanding the concepts of fields in E&M and from what I'm aware I shouldn't really be exposed with that until Calc III. I know that I'll run into some diffEq and partial diffEq in Solid State that I'm a little worried about, but I will be getting a math for physics textbook to help guide my way and spend a lot of extra time out of class on it. I'm no math savant, so it won't be easy by any stretch; I'm just hoping due to course offering/scheduling that I can clear through this course this semester.
 
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I'd be hesitant to take an upper level physics course with so little math, but it seems you've done okay so far.
 

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