Is Number Theory a Valuable Addition to My Math Minor?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a student's summer schedule challenges, specifically the conflict between taking Linear Algebra and Circuit Analysis, both important for an Electrical Engineering (EE) major. Although Linear Algebra is not a requirement, the student feels it is beneficial and is considering it for a math minor. However, with Linear Algebra conflicting with Circuit Analysis, the student is left with a gap in their schedule. The only available course to fill this gap is Number Theory, which is deemed not directly relevant to EE. While some participants suggest that taking Number Theory could be beneficial if the student can achieve a good grade, others recommend reconsidering the necessity of Linear Algebra. The student contemplates self-studying Linear Algebra over the summer due to the scheduling constraints. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of course selection and the impact of scheduling conflicts on academic plans.
Chunkysalsa
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So summer schedules came out today and they completely messed me up. I was planning on taking Circuit Analysis I, Philosophy, Intro Engineering, and Linear Algebra.

Now I'm an EE major but my school does not require Linear Algebra, however I felt like I was missing something by not taking it (although I'm sure topics from LA are taught in many of my other classes). However just my luck LA conflicts in time with Circuits. My back ups were thermodynamics or dynamics (Required to take on) however they decided not to teach either of those in the summer. (They have in the past).

Now since I'm planning to take linear algebra, I'll be very close to getting a math minor. I would just have to take two more classes. I was planning on doing Complex Analysis and maybe PDE's. Here are the options
* MAA 4211 Advanced Calculus I
* MAA 4212 Advanced Calculus II
* MAA 4402 Complex Analysis
* MAD 3107 Discrete Mathematics
* MAD 4401 Numerical Analysis
* MAP 4231 Operations Research
* MAP 4341 Elementary Partial Differential Equations
* MAS 3203 Number Theory
* MAS 4156 Vector Analysis
* MAS 4301 Abstract Algebra
* MHF 3202 Foundations of Mathematics
* MHF 3404 History of Mathematics
* MTG 3212 Modern Geometry
* MTG 4302 Elementary Topology
* STA 4321 Probability & Statistics
* STA 4445 Probability Models



Now to make a (really) long story short. I have a hole in my summer schedule and the only thing I can really fill it with is Number Theory.

Is this class in anyway useful to me? I liked Calc 2 and ODE but I've never taken a proof based class ( though NT doesn't require the intro to proofs (foundations) class like some others)
 
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Number theory is not directly relevant to an EE major. So, no, it is not useful. However, if you think you can get a good grade in it, it won't hurt to take it.

Personally, I'd reconsider taking linear algebra if it's not required. I'm an EE major and linear algebra wasn't required for me either, but I took it anyway. It certainly didn't hurt to take it, but I don't think it was really necessary and most EEs I know didn't take it.
 
Oh I'd love to take Linear Algebra, its just that it conflicts time wise with my Circuit Analysis class ( which is way more important). Summer was really my one chance to take it though since I'll have a pretty loaded schedule during fall/spring.

Maybe I'll self-study since I'll have a lot of time over the summer.
 
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