The discussion centers on the physics curriculum at UC Irvine (UCI) and its implications for transfer students. Key concerns include the Computational Methods course, which utilizes Mathematica and C programming, and the prerequisites for the Mathematical Physics sequence, which requires upper-division Quantum Physics and E&M. Participants confirm that Mathematica is widely used in physics programs and express that while the prerequisites may seem excessive, they ultimately prepare students for complex problem-solving in physics. The conversation also touches on the social environment at UCI and UCLA, with a consensus that both schools may lack vibrant social scenes.
PREREQUISITESProspective transfer students to UCI or UCLA, current physics students evaluating curriculum choices, and educators interested in the integration of computational tools in physics education.
complexPHILOSOPHY said:Always work independently through your text in conjunction with an alternate text, preferably one recommended to you from PFers. Never trust the professor's workload. That's retarded as hell though that you were given zero proofs and then a proof-based exam.
Surely you worked through the proofs in your text regardless of what the professor said, or were there no proofs?