Choosing College Classes: Deciding Between Calculus and Linear Algebra for CS

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for enrolling in college mathematics classes, specifically whether to take calculus or linear algebra as part of a computer science curriculum. Participants explore the relevance and necessity of each subject for a computer science major.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of starting with calculus versus linear algebra, questioning the importance of each subject in computer science.
  • Another participant suggests that calculus is needed for physics, implying a connection between mathematics and other STEM fields.
  • A later reply emphasizes the value of taking as many mathematics classes as possible, arguing that predicting future needs in mathematics is difficult.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether calculus or linear algebra is more important for computer science, and multiple viewpoints regarding the necessity of each subject remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the relevance of calculus and linear algebra to computer science are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of taking one course over the other.

Chromium
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Hey everyone,

I recently went to enroll for classes for my first quarter of college. However, I have a bit of a dilemma (or so I think). When I left high school I assumed the university would see on my final transcript that I took pre-calculus (I got a B+), and that I would be allowed to take calculus. As it turns out, the school requires that I take a pre-calculus placement test before I'm allowed to go directly into calculus. So for the moment, I am currently enrolled in a linear algebra class. I think I should just take the test so I can go into calculus, but then again I'm not 100% sure what I should do. My questions are:

Is it absolutely necessary that I start out in calculus, or can I just start in linear algebra?

Is linear algebra even that important in CS?

Thanks again
 
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uhh, I don't know what you mean by CS... but if you are taking physics 1 I think you will need calculus, btw I recently took a calculus placement exam (for NYU)... it was all trig and algebra, easy as pie...
 
Sorry about that, by CS I meant computer science. I'm a computer science major.
 
Chromium said:
Is linear algebra even that important in CS?
Is calculus?
Seriously, take all the maths classes you can - it's hard to pick up maths by yourself later.
Don't worry too much about exactly how relevant something is going to be later - can you predict everything you are going to need to know in the next 50 years?
 

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