Help me choose which courses to take this summer.

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Zill1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Courses Summer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around course selection for summer registration, specifically focusing on mathematics courses such as Algebraic Structures, Discrete Mathematics, Differential Equations, Foundations of Mathematics, Analysis I, and Linear Algebra II. Participants share their preferences and experiences related to these subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for Algebraic Structures and Linear Algebra II, citing enjoyment of algebra and a desire to avoid courses heavy in optimization and graphing.
  • Another participant suggests that Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) will likely involve graphing, which may not align with the original poster's preferences.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the Discrete Mathematics course, with questions raised about whether it is a traditional discrete math course or an introduction to abstract mathematics.
  • One participant notes that proofs are a significant component of Linear Algebra II and upper-level algebra courses, which may be relevant to the original poster's interests.
  • A later reply confirms the initial choices of Linear Algebra II and Algebra, suggesting that Discrete Mathematics could also be beneficial, particularly for its combinatorial content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the suitability of Linear Algebra II and Algebraic Structures for the original poster, but there is uncertainty regarding the value and content of the Discrete Mathematics course, as well as the implications of taking courses that involve graphing.

Contextual Notes

There are varying interpretations of course content and structure, particularly regarding the Discrete Mathematics course, which may depend on institutional differences. Additionally, the original poster's experience with proofs is limited, leading to uncertainty about their preferences in that area.

Zill1
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
My summer registration occurs soon and I would like a bit of input; I have the following choices for courses this summer:

Algebraic Structures
Discrete Mathematics
Differential Equations
Foundations of Mathematics
Analysis I
Linear Algebra II I really enjoy algebra and I am trying to work my way up to learning about Lie Algebra so I figure I will pick up algebraic structures and Linear II, but what about the last one? My least favorite math aspects are optimization and intense amounts of graphing. I don't mind proofs, love algebra, and stats/probability don't bother me much.

Any help you guys can give would be great.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sounds like you answered your own question since ODE or PDE (you weren't specific) will more than likely have graphing.
 
daveyinaz said:
Sounds like you answered your own question since ODE or PDE (you weren't specific) will more than likely have graphing.

It's all ODE.
 
You don't mind proofs? That's most of what you'll be doing in Linear Algebra II and upper level algebra courses.

Also, is discrete math an actual discrete math course, or is it a sort of intro to abstract math course? At my school, the latter is the case, and it seems to be other places too, which is why I ask.
 
Newtime said:
You don't mind proofs? That's most of what you'll be doing in Linear Algebra II and upper level algebra courses.

Also, is discrete math an actual discrete math course, or is it a sort of intro to abstract math course? At my school, the latter is the case, and it seems to be other places too, which is why I ask.

It's relations, inductions, sets, functions, counting techniques, recurrence relations according to last years syllabus.

And the only proofs I have done were in the analysis intro I am in, so I can't really say whether I love them or hate them; they're just proofs at this point.
 
Zill1 said:
It's relations, inductions, sets, functions, counting techniques, recurrence relations according to last years syllabus.

And the only proofs I have done were in the analysis intro I am in, so I can't really say whether I love them or hate them; they're just proofs at this point.

Gotcha. In any case, I'll confirm what you've already chosen: Linear Algebra II and Algebra seem like good choices. For your third choice, discrete math would probably be a good one to have. It sounds like you'll be introduced to some combinatorial stuff also, in which case, you'll be thankful you took it once you get to higher levels of Algebra and what not - it seems to pop up every now and then.
 

Similar threads

Courses Choosing courses for mathematics minor to support my physics major
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Courses Deciding What Math Courses to Take Next
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Other Summer Opportunities for Math/CS
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admissions I Need some advice about my physics undergraduate options
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Courses Should I Retake Physics 1 Before Taking Physics 2 After Learning Calculus?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Building a step by step course for different subjects in mathematics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Courses Should I take a group theory course before QFT?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
6K
Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Should I double up on math courses next school year?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K