Maximizing Your Pre-Med Education: Essential Courses for Med School Success

[bor0000]

I consider myself premed, i.e. taking org chem,bio etc and only want to go to med school... but i'll be done with those prereqs at the end of this year, and i consider majoring in math. i.e. the last 2 years of undergrad i could do any major i want.
and i wanted to know what courses are generally useful for someone if he doesn't plan to be a career physicist or mathematician? i.e. if you wanted to do 'mri research' during med school(i.e. not dedicated to it like a real researcher but just to get some points), would it be helpful to take quantum physics in undergrad? or electromagnetism? what would they teach me in those courses that i could use in med school?
thanks

 

[ColdFusion85]

I am currently a sophomore undergrad pursuing a BS in Physics. I didn't become a physics major until this semester (previously was Aerospace Engineering), so I had to modify my curriculum so that I can graduate on time. Anyway, my fall semester of senior year consists of Intermediate Mechanics 2, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics 2, and Into to Solid State Physics. I was wondering what I should expect in terms of work load, and which of these classes will pose the most challenge (mathematically).

Also, from those who have taken the GRE, how should one prepare in terms of learning material (i.e. Thermo and statisctical mechanics) that is to be taken simultaneously with the GRE exam...I only ask because I will have to take the GRE in the fall semester, and I know there will be some Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, etc...on it whose courses I will be taking at this same time, so I would not have sufficient previous knowledge on these subjects. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mohamed fawaz]

dear sir,

i am a student and have completed my 12th standard cbse
i have got admission for mbbs in a medical college in a well known university in karnataka,india.

my area of concern is that, i wud like to specialise in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

but as a undergraduate course mbbs (is compulsory ), and i am going to do it.

but i wud be glad to get help from you on this issue:

is it compulsory to do MS (general surgery) course after mbbs to undertake the thoracic and cardiovascular surgery course, or is it ok if i do MD ( general medicine) ?

i wud like to work as well as do the thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
course, but i am scared that i wud not get enough employment oppurtunities if i do MS (general surgery) as compared to MD ( general medicine)

it wud be even better if there by chance is an oppurtunity to do thoracic and cardiovascular sugery directly after mbbs ...

i wud be greatful for ur kind advise on this issue and seek ur help and relevant information as soon as possible .

note:i wud like to to the thoracic and cardiovascularsurgery on course in a harvard teaching affliated institution - BETH ISREAL ... .i wud like to work on MS or MD On ur advice while doing this course

 

[Dracovich]

Well I'm propably ending up in some UC school on my third year as an exchange student, but judging from the physics courses offered i don't think i can fill my entire year with them there. And i always was a bit interested in engineering, but i must admit I'm pretty clueless when it comes to what of it might be courses to take in conjunction with a physics degree. To be honest I'm not even sure what field of engineering to take from. I was contemplating mechanical engineering, since i was pretty interested in learning some more practical things (building stuff basically :) ).

But to be honest i have no idea if that's a good move or not, and my school doesn't have an engineering department so here i am asking you guys :) What courses would compliment a pure physics degree as far as engineering goes, or if you have some other suggestions to other courses since i basically just need to fill out my schedual :)

 

[amb123]

Hi, all. I know that these questions are asked often, but if you have time and want to help out, I'm looking for evaluation of proposed course load for my first semester at Cal as a Junior transfer.

Here's what I've got so far:

-Physics 49 (this is supplementary work because my community college didn't cover quantum physics and maybe some other topics they needed covered. I'm also considering whether or not I want to just take the whole course again.)
-Chem Engineering 140 (I heard was killer, is it that bad?)
-Materials Engineering 45 + lab
-Physical Chemistry A

Now, I am considering whether or not this is a full load, too full a load, not enough, or what. I just don't really know what to expect at a real university coming from community college. I can replace Physical Chem with EE101, and I can add in an upper level course in American History. This will be my only responsibility, I am not going to work while in school.

Thoughts?
-A

 

[trancefishy]

Well, it's my last semester at my university (and next fall i will hopefully be doing math in moscow, which will be my last for my bachelor in math). so far I've done the calc series, matrix theory and linear algebra. I'm currently enrolled in abstract algebra and I'm doing a directed study in real analysis (which i really like).

next semester, I'm taking diffyQ, which i imagine to be pretty easy. linear programming is also offered, but, it seems a bit too applied for my tastes. i may take both, and another directed study, possibly in topology.

i'm generally interested in the abstract and geometrical. I'm hoping topology will satisfy this. I'm in no way required to take linear programming. in fact, if i take all 3, i will have completed the req's for a math major, and the 2-3 math courses i plan to take in moscow will be just, extra (though, hopefully make me look a bit better to potential graduate schools).

anyhow, any thoughts on this? especially linear programming? i will also be consulting my advisor, aka head of the dept, also the teach for linear programming. just wondering what you folks think.

 

[yosofun]

I am considering offering Windows netMeeting (software is free) and email based online prep courses for the GRE Physics Exam.

Tentative Plan 1
A Friday A Week --- Starts 3/10 at 6 PM PST. $100 for 4 one-hour lectures on Friday nights (and one on Thursday night) and strategized problem sets. Problem-discussion hours follow lecture hours. (10 lecture hours total.)
Lesson Plan
3/10 - E&M
3/17 - Mechanics
3/24 - Stat Mech & QM
3/30 - Special Relativity, Optics, Condensed Matter, etc.
3/31 (bonus lecture) - Last Minute Exam Q&A

Tentative Plan 2
Spring Break Cram --- $200 for 6 daily lectures starting the Saturday night before the exam. Includes strategized problem sets, high-priority email support. (14 lecture hours total.)
Lesson Plan
3/25 - E&M
3/26 - Mechanics
3/27 - Stat Mech
3/28 - QM
3/29 - Special Relativity
3/30 - Optics, Condensed Matter, etc.
3/31 (bonus lecture) - Last Minute Exam Q&A

In general, I'd lecture via netMeeting -- you and your online peers will be able to ask questions on-the-spot, so it'd be like a real lecture. I will assign problems from past exams, which you should attempt to do. (The solutions are already posted on my website below.) Basically, if you study better with a lesson plan and structured lecture-series, then this may help you.

If you're interested, please email me at yosofun@gmail.com with subject PhysicsPREP...

About me:
I am Yosun Chang, the creator of GREPhysics.NET --- the only source for full solutions to all released GRE Physics exams. I have worked through and typed up the solutions to every single released GRE Physics exam question. I am also writing several prep books. I have had 8 year's worth of experience as a private tutor, and I have also been a paid grader at a large public university.

 

[makethings]

There is a course I am thinking of taking but I don't know what the course content is all about. Here is a description that's written in my academic calendar.

Engineering Biology
Using a quantitative, problem solving approach, this course will introduce basic concepts in cell biology and physiology. Various engineering modelling tools will be used to investigate aspects of cell growth and metabolism, transport across cell membranes, protein structure, homeostasis, nerve conduction and mechanical forces in biology.

The course is offered by my school's chem eng department (not my department) and i emailed their counsellor for more info. no reply yet..

i talked to one chem eng upper year a long time ago who took this course and i remember she said something like there was a lot of derivation of equations in this course. It kind of baffles me since I didn't know biology had lots of math in it.

Anyways I figure i'd take a shot and post this here asking what can I expect in this kind of course and if there is some notes online somewhere that dwells into this subject and its math. just so i know what the hell I am getting into by taking it.

 

[Beeza]

This spring, there is a schedule conflict between my multi-dimensional calculus course and my thermodynamics course. Both courses are required for Physics majors at my school, and are scheduled into our "core schedule" as being taken the spring semester of our sophmore year.

Now, here's the unfair part. All of the other physics majors do not have this problem because they have another math course called Linearity II, which is differential equations and multidimensional calculus taught in the same class (6 credits). Every single physics major is taking Linearity because it is recommended. The Linearity teacher would not let me into Linearity 1 because the class was full this fall. I transferred into my school and had a late registration date.

If they base a physics majors curriculum on taking the Linearity course sequence (1 & 2), but getting into the course requires permission from the instructor (which she would not give me because she let the class fill up with engineers, which do not have to take the course and take multidimensional calculus and diff eq separately), how big of a deal should i make about this schedule conflict due to them denying me access to a class that is clearly required for physics majors? Not to mention, there are about 15 physics majors. How hard could it possibly be to accommodate us?

My option is to take thermodynamics the spring of my junior year along with E&M 1 and QM 1. there's also two electives I need that will be offered the same semester which are astrophysics (required for my major) and nuclear physics (useful for GRE's). I'd be looking at a courseload of thermodynamics, E&M1, QM 1, astrophysics, and Nuclear Physics all in the same semester ;) I don't think that's possible to complete.

I've already notified the department chair and her reply was that she would see what she can do about it, but I haven't heard anything in weeks.

Anyone have any ideas as to what I should do? Even if its to keep my mouth shut?

 

[InbredDummy]

Hi I'm an undergrad and I decided to take a grad course that i wasn't ready for, and during the first midterm i did horribly, i didn't do well on the homeworks, you get the point. My professor told me the stuff after the first midterm is going to get even more difficult so i should just start attending the undergrad course in mid semester. So I didn't attend, I emailed my professor that I am going to retake the undergrad course next year to get a fresh start.

I know an incomplete is bad, but how bad is it? I have been getting A's for the last 5 semesters in tons of math courses.

 

[DefaultName]

Hi. I'm a Junior Electrical Engineering major, about to complete my B.S. degree. I have one more year to go and need help planning my schedule.

In short, I have only one required EE course that I must take each semester. I also have a few gen-ed requirements that I need to take no matter what, each semester. So at this point, I have two classes per semester that is required and comprises of 8 total credits.

Full-time is 12 credits.

For the fall and spring of my Senior year, I would like to take an upper level EE course each semester. Therefore, for the fall and spring semester, I will have two required courses and the EE course I want to take. I will have one slot open each semester.

EE Courses are in red.

Fall 2008
Senior EE Course - Required Course
General Ed. - Required Course
Senior EE Elective Course - Want To Take
Free Slot for random course

Spring 2009
Senior EE Course - Required Course
General Ed. - Required Course
Physical Education Course - Required Course
Senior EE Elective Course - Want To Take
Free Slot for random course

This is where I need your help. Ultimately, my career goals is to work for an engineer for maybe 1-3 years and then pursue an MBA or law degree. I have no desire to be an engineer my whole life.

I am mainly asking these questions because of the added pressures of the importance of your GPA when applying to graduate school (whether it's a business or law school). I know they might realize that engineering may be slightly more harder and difficult to get a high GPA, but sometimes that doesn't matter for most admissions committee (this is what I've been reading, at least). You are compared to a student with a completely different major, let's say a humanities major, with no distinction between the students, except solely the GPA.

Does it matter if I don't take EE courses in the free spots? I am talking in POV of a employer who looks at my senior level course listings on my transcript, for example. As I mentioned above, I do plan on working as an engineer as a few years, so I will be applying for entry-level jobs as an EE/Comp E. (Please note, I will have two internships under my belt, in addition to numerous campus leadership activities, few scholarships, and a few honor society memberships (Eta Kappa Nu, EE honor society... being one of them)).

Otherwise, if I do not take additional EE courses, I am planning on taking some other courses where I can boost my GPA even higher. They might be either 300 level CS classes or even some other interesting Gen-Eds. I guess the 300-level CS courses wouldn't look that bad. My main goal is to try to boost my GPA above a 3.3+/4.0. I currently have a 3.18.

 

[sparkster]

I'm teaching a junior level geometry course this summer (I'm a math grad student). The title of the course is simply "Topics in Geometry" with no other description in the catalog. I've asked the DUS and he says the content is pretty much left to the individual teacher. But I'm having trouble deciding what to cover.

My text choices are Henle's Modern Geometries or Kay's Geometries, and I'll probably use Greenburg's book as a reference. I've talked to the prof's and grad students who have taught the course in the past couple of years and no one has really done it the same way. The techniques varied from a strict axiomatic approach starting with neutral geometry and working up to hyperbolic and elliptic geometry, to teaching it historically, to a very broad survey course covering things like the complex plane, basic knot theory, and origami, among others.

The class is both an elective for math majors and required from future secondary math teachers.

Any advice from experienced teachers?

 

[leumas614]

I am a chemistry major and will be applying to graduate schools in chemical engineering but I go to a small school which has no engineering department. My advisor told me my biggest weakness is my lack of coursework in chemical engineering. I have good grades in chemistry, math, and intro physics as well as some great research experiences and a publication.

What should I do? It might be too late to sign up for a course at a different school for Fall 2008. How flexible are schools in general in admitting non-degree seeking students late in the game?

Thanks

 

[roeb]

I am an electrical engineering student and for the upcoming semester I would like to take intermediate classical mechanics (not intro). The problem is that the professor teaching the class is one hardcore dude. According to a student that is currently in his class, he says that he typically has tests that have a 30% average and it is an insane amount of work.

I have talked with a grad student in electrical engineering (researching stuff very similar to what I am interested in) and he said that nobody would ever care if I take a mechanics class.

Does anyone have any opinions or thoughts on whether or not I should take a class such as this? It is worth taking despite the possibility of totally screwing up my GPA? I find it very unlikely that I will get an A because there is no way I can compete with a bunch of physics majors who have a very solid understanding of physical concepts. I would like to take the class to learn something, but perhaps I shouldn't because of this risk.

If I don't take this mechanics class, would I screw up my future in terms of being able to learn quantum mechanics and solid state physics?

Alternatively, I could take a relatively easy mechanics of materials class and be done with the requirement that I need to fulfill.

 

[citizenkong]

Here's a question: Is 5 weeks long enough to cover final year syllabuses in quantum mechanics and solid state physics? I've got a feeling it isn't, but that's all I was given. What's more, the exam is tomorrow and nobody is sure what's going to be in it. The past papers are full of topics we didn't cover, and there are no model solutions available.

Personally I feel I've been cheated out of an education in the subjects, and as one of the minority of Scottish undergrad students who doesn't have their tuition paid by government, I'm tempted to bring it up as an issue with the university.

 

[thE3nigma]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding a couple of courses. Currently I am looking at 4 courses, and I would like to choose two of them. I have either CHEM211: Fundamentals of Analytical chemistry and CHEM311: Instrumental Analytical Chemistry or I am looking at CHEM362: Metabolism and Bioenergetics and CHEM371: Techniques in Biological Chemistry.

I am currently enrolled in a Biotechnology major, and I am looking towards a Masters in Biotechnology. My interests were which of these 4 courses would be most beneficial to take, while at the same time which are probably the easier of them. I have heard that all are quite difficult, so I think that might be difficult to answer.

 

[nandofer]

Hi, this is my first time writing in this forum. Thanks for your help.

I am a mechanical engineer. I have just finished my degree and I would like to improve my knowledge as an engineer.

I am from Spain and I do not know where I can find some courses in engineering that I would like to take. I am interesting in two courses. The first one is course in aeronautical structure. I want to known how to use the programs Catia, Nastran Patran. The second one is course in piping. I want to know how to use the computer programs in this area, like PDS or PMDS.

I really want to take a course in America, better in California. It would be a pleasure for me to know how the American engineers work. Could you give some piece of advice? Do you know where I can find someone? Or do you know where these courses are?

I would really appreciate your help. Thank you very much for your attention.

Regards,
Fernando

 

[djeitnstine]

Taking TehGao's suggestion from https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=331619" thread I will recreate a new thread querying on this matter.

___________________

. Personally during this quarter I did quite well; however, I feel that I could have learned the subjects slightly better had I taken fewer courses.

In the end its a matter of devoting the necessary time to excel. With self discipline, I believe you will do fine

Hmm so actually learning the subjects properly seems an issue. I will be in a similar situation this semester starting monday. I will be taking 6 classes and 2 labs all technical.

Needless to say I'm aiming for an A in them all but I truly want to learn these subjects to the best of my ability. Any tips?
_____________________

This is what was posted in that thread. More specifically the classes are:

Fall '09



AE 301 Aerodynamics I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MA 441 Advanced Engineering Mathematics I . . . . . . . . 3

EE 335 Electrical Engineering I . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

EE 336 Electrical Engineering I Laboratory . . . . . . . . 1

ES 305 Thermodynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

AE 318 Aerospace Structures I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

AE 314 Experimental Dynamics I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

AE 315 Experimental Dynamics I Laboratory . . . . . . . . 1


The numbers beside them are the amount of credits for each class, 17 in all.

So any tips on actually learning all of the content in each course?

 

[Pyroadept]

Hi, so, I'm in a bit of a situation here. I've finished first year of a general science degree (well, Maths, Maths Physics and Exp Physics) in university, and I'm not entirely sure which of the three I'd like to specialize in, but was leaning more towards Maths. The problem was, I didn't like the university, and so I applied to transfer to the second year of another university; the problem was, they don't do general science, so I had to choose between Maths and Maths Physics or Maths Physics and Exp Physics, so I chose Maths and Maths Physics. I got the transfer, but now I'm not sure if I'm making the right decision. I mean, what's the point in being happy in the university if you're not happy in the course? (And vice versa, I guess.) I really want to go to this new university, if not for the course. What would you do?

 

[jumpboy]

So I am a 3rd year physical science major at my university with a strong interest in EE. I would rather be an EE major but things happened, didn't get into the school. blah.

My question(s):

1) I am trying to load my transcript with classes that will look well to employers and grad schools (for EE). My current plan has me focusing on courses related to signal processing, math, and modern physics. What would be useful courses that will prepare me for a professional career or help get me into grad school?

I've taken Calc 1-3, Diff Eq, and Lin Alg. Also have 3 semesters of Physics down right now.

2) just how important is programming for an EE? I took Basic in high school (we were wayyyy behind) and I am taking intro to Java currently. I am trying to figure out what Comp Sci courses I should take. I really just have the option between Java 2 and Discrete before I can get to other courses (though I only have 3 more semesters after this current one).

 

[SBC]

How to choose a university for Theoretical physics course in UK ?

Hi I am Kiran, undergraduate physics student.this year I want to apply for theoretical physics in Uk. however, I am confused about on what basis I need to choose a university.

on what factors ?
How ?

- well can I do research and taught degree both at once in Masters??
- how to choose research/taught course? on what basis I can choose ?
please reply me.cos I could not get reply for other questions related to this...

please help me !

 

[mel_004]

Hi all,
I am wanting to become a high school biology teacher. The MAT program I am applying for requires that I become certified in general science, so I need three semesters of Physics before I graduate from the MAT program. I have currently taken Basic Physics 1 and 2, so I am looking for an online or correspondence course for a 3rd semester course (must be at least 3 credits). I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of how to go about looking for a course or could suggest a school. I would prefer a course I could take over this summer, 2010, or a self-paced course since I will be doing graduate work and an internship at the same time.
Thank you very much.

 

[cap.r]

Hey so I am entering my senior year next year and am wondering what courses to take. If i just take what I like then it's an easy choice but I am a little worried as to what graduate schools will think of my decision and the overall benefits and disadvantages.

first choice is the take under graduate topology in the fall followed by linear algebra in the spring. (I have already sat in on linear algebra and know everything I need that's why I never took it)

second choice is to take graduate algebra 1 and 2. I have already taken all the undergraduate algebra that is offered and algebra/logic are my areas of interest.

any advice would be much appreciated. These courses are pretty standard i assume but I can provide more information if needed. (btw I can't do both since the times conflict and algebra 1 and topo are only offered in the fall)

 

[hariyo]

I came from EE background. Though I got admit for grad programe for EE, I am thinking of changing to physics grad programe . So, I am still thinking of taking some under grad physics course as deficency course for grad physics. These are the course I am thinking of taking of undergraduate class.

1>Clasical mechanics I&II
2>Quantum Mechanics I&II
3>Electromagnetics I&II
4>Statistical Mechanics I&II

But the problem is i can take only 9 credit/sem. So, I am thinking of taking 1,2 & 3 (part I of all) and next sem 1,2 &3 (part II of all). I really want to complete these course in 1st year such that next year I can take grad course. I will be missing 4(stat. mechanics) and I am just thinking how do i squeezed it in 1st year itself?
Other question I want to ask is are these the only core course we need to take to supplement the grad course for non-physics major folks? Any idea from expert will be of great help.

Finally I have one small social issue concern. I think this shouldn't be a problem. Does anyone have idea for a person like us, who has crossed his undergrad age(something of 28+),how difficult or how awkward it will be to sit with kids for taking these classes :) . I hope they don't poke fun on us for late comer or sth. else :) . Any first hand experience on this situation is welcome to comment on this query.Thx.
R

 

[Joona]

In a few years time I will be applying to colleges and universities and I've been thinking of applying to UK universities to study aeronautical engineering. I've been looking at different courses and the aeronautical/aerospace engineering programs in the following universities have caught my attention: Surrey, Bristol, Southampton, Sheffield, Bath and Loughborough. Also I've been planning on applying for the MEng (master of engineering) courses. And from those six Surrey, Sheffield, Bath and Loughborough interest me the most because they offer sandwich courses as well. For those who do not know what a sandwich course is, it is a course that involves a placement year in the aerospace industry.

I am curious that has anyone here studied aeronautical engineering (or other courses) at those six universities I mentioned. And does it help a lot to get a job (after graduation) if you have completed a placement year as part of your degree?

In addition I'm myself from Finland and I've been planning on completing my conscription in the Finnish Air Force after I have graduated high school. I have planned to apply for the Aircraft Maintenance Non-commissioned Officer Course in the Finnish Air Force.

I was just wondering that would this experience in the Air Forces increase my admission chances in UK universities.

All suggestions and advice are welcome! And I would like to thank in advance everyone who is replying to this thread.

 

[kq6up]

I have started MIT Open Courseware for Quantum Mechanics:

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-04Spring-2006/CourseHome/index.htm#features

However, there are no solutions to the homework problem set posted for this course. I would like to brush up on Quantum, Stat Mech, E&M, before I take my GRE's. I graduated about 10 years ago and have been teaching Sci/Chem for a while and I would like to go back and at least get my masters. However, since I am not actually taking the course I would like to be able to check my work without having to post every single solution here to have someone check it. Any advice?

Thanks,
Chris Maness

 

[ryanj123]

Hey There,

I was just wondering if there were any people available on the site who could give me advice for which course to take in the upcoming fall 2010 semester. I'm an undergraduate chemistry and math major, nearing the end of my studies (1 year remaining). I have a math elective to consider, and was wondering if I should use it for Statistical Theory (which requires one term of Probability Theory, which I've completed) or Numerical Analysis (which requires a semester of computer science, which I've completed), or even Differential Geometry. I'm looking to go into graduate theoretical chemistry, p.chemistry, or chemical physics.

This is my training in mathematics as of now:

Calculus I-IV
Mathematical Theory
Diff. Equations
Partial Diff. Equations
Linear Algebra I & II
Probability Theory I
Complex Analysis
Abstract Algebra
Real Analysis

What do you think? Anything you suggest that I did not mention other than Stat. Theory/Num./Diff.Geo?

Thanks!

 

[Troponin]

I'm a physics student hoping to study theory in grad school and will only have time to take one of the following math courses:
Advanced Calculus 5700 (basically a baby-rudin type intro to analysis) or,
Numerical Analysis 5070

I have good math preparation, with three 5000 level graduate math courses, and am taking a 2nd year 6000 level mathematical physics course in the fall. I'm wondering if that is enough 'physics analysis' to let me take the Numerical Analysis (I know that programing, numerical methods is a weak spot for me), or if the lack of an analysis course will look bad on a grad application for theory.

*I've asked a few professors, and two said take analysis, two said take Numerical Analysis...so I'm still not sure.

 

[xxsteelxx]

Hi there:

I was wondering if there are websites/colleges/services/etc. that offer an online physics course over the summer. I know I could read a physics book, nonetheless, I am having trouble concentrating. I find myself dozing off often (like after reading three pages!). Don't misunderstand, I love physics, but I want to learn some more. Thanks in advance!

Note: Prior experience includes a algebra/trig-based study of mechanics (no other topic).
I have also studied single-variable calculus.
*I've checked the MIT lectures, however, I need some tutoring, really bad. lol :)

 

[thecs]

So, I got some choices to make. I'm about to start the last year in CS undergrad studies.
I've already picked most of the courses, but I'm struggling with the following.

- On one hand, I like algorithms, image processing \ vision, network & internet stuff, etc., and I want to receive comprehensive training in those areas. Possibly for future research / grad school.

- On the other hand, I'm still not sure that I want to go to grad school for a CS degree. I like physics. and so I want to take as many physics-related math courses I can (No physics in my university at all), e.g. calculus related courses, to have good background for physics studies if that's what I decide (I also like calc). and even if I don't go to physics in grad school, I want to be able to learn physics on my own.

Those are the options I got:

Configuration I: No additional math.

Computational Complexity (graduate level)
Advanced Internet & Networks (graduate level)
3-D Computer Vision (graduate level)
Approximation and Online Algorithms
Web Programming

versus

Configuration III: ODE, no cc

Advanced (graduate level) course in Internet & Networks
3-D Computer Vision (graduate level)
Approximation and Online Algorithms
(ordinary-) Differential Equations
Web Programming

versus

Configuration II: ODE + Calculus, no algorithms, no cc

Advanced Internet & Networks (graduate level)
3-D Computer Vision (graduate level)
(ordinary-) Differential Equations
Calculus III
Web Programming

versus

Configuration IV: ODE + Calculus + Complex, no algorithms, no computer vision, no internet

Computational Complexity (graduate level)
Calculus III
Differential Equations
Complex Analysis
Advanced Optimizations of Compilers (graduate level) [wtf, who cares about compilers?]
Web Programming
Machine Learning (graduate level) or <Small, easy 'general choice' course>


Sorry it's so long and complicated, it somehow always ends up like that.

I know there is no right or wrong here, but I'm really lost. Which configuration should I take, based on the information I have given? seems like any choice is a trade-off.

any advice would be useful.