Do you learn less in a double degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of pursuing a double degree in mathematics and applied science versus a single mathematics degree. Participants explore concerns about the depth of mathematical education in a double degree program and the potential impact on learning and career opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that a double degree may result in less comprehensive learning in mathematics due to the broader scope of requirements.
  • Others argue that the core mathematics classes required for a double major are the same as those for a single major, suggesting that overlap in general requirements can mitigate time constraints.
  • A participant notes that it is possible to focus more on mathematics within a double degree by selecting the minimum required subjects for the second degree.
  • There is a suggestion that the choice of subjects can significantly influence the educational experience, with some indicating that a double degree may lack certain pure mathematics courses.
  • Participants highlight the importance of considering the educational system of the country in which the degrees are pursued, as requirements may vary significantly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a double degree results in less learning in mathematics. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the structure and implications of double versus single degrees.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention differences in educational systems across countries, particularly between the USA and Australia, which may affect the relevance of their comments.

mitcho
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I have a love for mathematics and I want to be able to learn as much as I can and go as far as i can with it. I like it for its beauty and it absolutely fascinates me. I am currently in year 12 and have to apply for my university courses very soon. I have the option of studying a mathematics degree on its own or a double degree in mathematics and applied science. If i study the double degree, will i learn less about maths. I don't understand how you can have a degree in both in only 1 extra year. To me, the degree must miss some important stuff that you would otherwise get in a single degree? The main reason I want to do the double degree is to open up more career opportunities but I would prefer if it didn't take away from my maths education.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
 
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mitcho said:
I have a love for mathematics and I want to be able to learn as much as I can and go as far as i can with it. I like it for its beauty and it absolutely fascinates me. I am currently in year 12 and have to apply for my university courses very soon. I have the option of studying a mathematics degree on its own or a double degree in mathematics and applied science. If i study the double degree, will i learn less about maths. I don't understand how you can have a degree in both in only 1 extra year. To me, the degree must miss some important stuff that you would otherwise get in a single degree? The main reason I want to do the double degree is to open up more career opportunities but I would prefer if it didn't take away from my maths education.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

That's generally right. I have a few friends who are double majoring in math and physics. By the time we graduate, we'll both have B.S.'s in math, but I will have an additional 36+ hours of coursework they will not because of the time constraints placed on them by having to fulfill two degree requirements. However, there are exceptions.
 
When you do a double major, the requirements for each major are the same as if you were doing just one. So you will have to take the same math core classes as your classmates who might be in the math program only.

However, some of the requirements between your majors will overlap. For example if you're going to university in the US or Canada (maybe other countries too), you'll have to take general requirements such as History. But the general classes you take will satisfy the requirements for both degrees, i.e. you'll only have to take one set of general requirements.

So doing a double major takes a lot less time than 8 years.
 
mitcho said:
I have a love for mathematics and I want to be able to learn as much as I can and go as far as i can with it. I like it for its beauty and it absolutely fascinates me. I am currently in year 12 and have to apply for my university courses very soon. I have the option of studying a mathematics degree on its own or a double degree in mathematics and applied science. If i study the double degree, will i learn less about maths. I don't understand how you can have a degree in both in only 1 extra year. To me, the degree must miss some important stuff that you would otherwise get in a single degree? The main reason I want to do the double degree is to open up more career opportunities but I would prefer if it didn't take away from my maths education.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Not necessarily. It depends how you choose your subjects.

I'm currently doing a double degree. Since a single degree is 3 years, and a double degree is 4 years, if you choose the minimum amount of subjects in your 2nd degree, and fill the rest with maths, you should be able to do just as much, if not more math subjects than those with a single degree.
 
mitcho said:
I am currently in year 12

Your phrasing suggests that you are not in the USA, where probably the largest number of PF members are located. Different countries have different educational systems. It would help a lot if you (and others!) would tell us what country you're in, so you don't get answers that are inappropriate for your country.
 
jtbell said:
Your phrasing suggests that you are not in the USA, where probably the largest number of PF members are located. Different countries have different educational systems. It would help a lot if you (and others!) would tell us what country you're in, so you don't get answers that are inappropriate for your country.

Ahh, yeah I should have specified. I am in Australia although I can't imagine the tertiary education system is too different. If it helps at all, the following are links to the course lists to the two degrees I'm considering.
http://www.uq.edu.au/study/plan_display.html?acad_plan=MATHSX2030"
http://www.courses.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Courses.woa/wa/selectMajorFromMain?pres=sf&courseID=9455&structureID=24766#24766"
 
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mitcho said:
I have a love for mathematics and I want to be able to learn as much as I can and go as far as i can with it.
This is the essence, I checked the courses and it depends a lot on what sort of maths you like. The math + applied is lacking all forms of pure maths but I think that it would be a better choice if you don't want to do the proof heavy classes while if you want to do pure maths the other one is obvious.
 

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