Diff. EQ. and Vector Analysis at the same time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of taking Differential Equations and Vector Analysis concurrently in the fall semester, alongside considerations of workload and course prerequisites. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on course loads, particularly in relation to balancing work and academic commitments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in taking Differential Equations and Vector Analysis simultaneously, having completed Linear Algebra and Calculus III.
  • Another participant suggests that if the Vector Analysis course is similar to their Vector Calculus experience, the original poster should manage fine.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of taking only two courses in a semester, with some participants noting it may slow down degree progress.
  • Financial constraints and work commitments are cited as reasons for taking a reduced course load.
  • Details about the course content and prerequisites for Differential Equations and Vector Analysis are provided, highlighting the complexity of the subjects.
  • A question is posed about the feasibility of adding a non-science course to the two math courses, indicating a concern about workload.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of taking only two courses, with some seeing it as a reasonable approach given personal circumstances, while others view it as potentially detrimental to timely degree completion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal course load.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors influencing their course selections, such as financial constraints and work schedules, which may affect their ability to take on a full course load. There is also mention of prerequisites that may impact course enrollment decisions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering course loads in mathematics or related fields, particularly those balancing work and academic responsibilities.

Shackleford
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Thinking about doing this. I've already taken Linear Algebra and Cal. III. Diff. EQ. and Vector Analysis will probably be the only two courses I take in the fall. I MIGHT take the stupid only Writing Intensive core I need, but I can do whatever class that is at almost any time.

So, what do you think?
 
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If the Vector Analysis class is in any way similar to the Vector Calculus course I took, you should be fine.

How are you only taking two courses in the fall?
 
aerospaceut10 said:
If the Vector Analysis class is in any way similar to the Vector Calculus course I took, you should be fine.

How are you only taking two courses in the fall?

Partly due to financial constraints, working 20 hours a week, work/class schedule conflicts, and chiefly not wanting to inundate myself with courses where I need to adequately absorb the material.

What's wrong with only taking two courses in the fall? I take courses in the summer, too, by the way to cushion my not taking THAT many courses in the main semesters.
 
Nothing wrong with it I guess, it's just on the very slow side of achieving a degree and doesn't exactly appear to be a good thing if you're a full time student.

But since you're having to work and whatnot you're basically a part timer, which is fine.
 
aerospaceut10 said:
Nothing wrong with it I guess, it's just on the very slow side of achieving a degree and doesn't exactly appear to be a good thing if you're a full time student.

But since you're having to work and whatnot you're basically a part timer, which is fine.

Yeah, I'm a part-timer. Hopefully, by the time I finish, it will have taken me about six years to finish my Physics BS, which isn't too bad.
 
MATH 3331: Differential Equations
Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisites: MATH 2433 and MATH 2331 (formerly 2431). Systems of ordinary differential equations; existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions; initial value problems; bifurcation theory; Jordan form; higher order equations; Laplace transforms. Computer assignments are required.

MATH 3335: Vector Analysis
Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: MATH 2433 or approval of department chair. Algebra and calculus of vectors, vector differential operators, Green's and Stokes' theorems, curvilinear coordinates, tensors.
 
What about these two math courses and an additional non-science course? Would that be pushing it?
 

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