Testing 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 basicly :) ).

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 basicly 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. Theres 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.

 

[rualthan]

Is there a math bridge course to becomes illegible for courses at masters level which require certain amount of math course in the undergraduate level.

I am based in India and did BCA (Bacherlor of Computer Application) in College. I am would like to a master course that concentrates on Mathematics and Computing, Theoretical Computer Science or similar.

All such course I found from reputed institutions require at least two years of Math at the UG.
I unfortunately did only 1 year of Math in BCA.

Is there a better way around this?

 

[Kinnishian]

Hi everyone,

I've recently discovered myself to be in a bit of a pit, as a freshman 'engineer' (not really considering myself an engineering haven not taken any real engineering courses yet, besides a MATLAB based programming course). First year I've abused the fact I have AP credits in a few subjects, and been all over the place while taken philosophy, sociology, math major [proof based linear algebra] class, and organic chemistry 2 [Chem major]. The latter is where I really made a mistake, because I should have delayed it for a term, and taken physics 61 (college mechanics 1 physics). Now, I have a very questionable future for my sophomore fall, because almost all of the engineering majors are pinned on that 61 pre-requisite (especially mechanics and biomedical engineering, which I am considering).

Most students in my situation jump into any of the dozens of physics summer courses at universities across the U.S. The other problem is that I got into a program that pays for me to travel to India for 8 weeks for NGO 'work' [we'll see how meaningful it really is, I'm not sure, but hopeful], and I already accepted that program. It's smack dab in the middle of my summer, May26th-July 31st. My Summer is May 11th to August 29th. Since I've probably given enough information to find my home address and favorite color [Green, sometimes Purple], I'll add that I go to Pratt @ Duke university (NC).



Now, I come to the physics forum, because I've spent a couple of hours going through the website of every college in Massachusetts (my home state) [Still only halfway through], and not finding a traditional summer session course I could go through to receive credit for learning mechanics physics 1. Ideally, I'd love self-learning with OCW, or something else, but my university requires some physically [hehe, pun] based summer course. There's also a risk the one or two colleges I found [vocational] would further not be accepted by the university [Although, in a way, in any case, I'll be self-studying for the Duke university administered test come fall].

Does anyone have any idea of an alternative in this situation? Some sort of program that exists in the world [Split summer? -I'm really not sure what would it be], or process that would help me out?
I do have a fair (as in a notch about poor but below good/great)amount of experience with mech physics, not as much e&m (but I only need mech). I took physics C I and II in high school concurrently with calculus [and so it was much more difficult than necessary, as it stayed always two weeks ahead of my math. I am very confident I still would have gotten a 4 (not 5) had I finished copying over my AP bubbles. This post is not supposed to be about me lamenting my test-taking failure, rather the general topic, but I got verbosely sidetracked]

I'm very grateful, thanks for taking the time to read this blab.

-Kin

 

[ledaniel]

Hello,

I am currently a sophomore undergrad student majoring in geology and I was just wondering how tough this course would be. I mean I know it is different at every school, but I was hoping to get a general idea about the material taught in this course. This isn't required in my degree plan, but I was just hoping to take it to get a better understanding of geophysics in general as an technical elective. I have taken Engineering Physics I (Mechanics) last semester and am currently taking Engineering Physics II (Waves & Electromagnetism). I struggled a bit with Mechanics last year, but I am struggling even more with Physics II. Any help would be great!

Thanks.

 

[Neopets]

The difference between number of courses per semester at 2yr college vs 4yr?? Weird

Do people take a lot of courses per semester studying engineering at a 4 year college compared to a 2 year college? What is about average?
How many classes per semester is normal at 2 year, and how many at 4 year college, usually when you study engineering? and how many units does it come out to? For some reason at community college no one ever takes more than 12 units per semester! so do most people at 4 year colleges take 20 per semester, this seems really unusual!

 

[Versus]

Hello everyone,

I've just finished my year 12 exams and am expecting some good scores. In my earlier tests, as we do some in Jan and the rest in June in the UK, I achieved full marks in; Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Further Mathematics which I'm pleased about.

So I'll be applying to university soon and my main passion is Theoretical Physics and do a lot of reading and self studying into the concepts as well as lurking around here and reading peoples debates! Basically I'll be applying to Cambridge University as my number one choice with a few other good universities.

I love both Physics and Mathematics though and although in my head I'd love to be a Theoretical Physicist I just wondered what advice people could give me about where a PhD leads in either of these fields could lead in terms of jobs.

If I wanted to do Theoretical Physics, would I need to do more Maths or more Physics at university?

 

[hariyo]

For the people having different background like engineering/math/computer science who has only taken 2-3 introductory physics course in 1st year of undergraduate and none after that, which book would you recommend for following field? I have compiled following in terms of popular book followed in US undergraduate university. Please suggest if you have some thoughts.

1> Classical Mechanics --Taylor
2> Quantum Mechanics --Griffiths
3> Electrodynamics -- Griffiths
4> Statistical Mechanics --Reif

5>Partical physics --Griffiths

 

[PurpleSqueeze]

Hello everyone I am currently out of school ( graduated) and have recently found my love for engineering which has always been dormant due to the fact of my parents pressuring me to do law or purse something in the medical field.
I have always loved numbers but grew to hate them when i begin to fail in maths in high school.
I found that if i tried i could grasp the concepts of the topic but was too lazy to practice it when i was at home so i forgot everything.
I have now found maths and physics very interestings especialy the physics subject.
With physics and maths i find that many people fail because they try to memorise the subject and not try to understands it.

well that aside i have one year to prepare for my engineering course and i would like to know what to expect will be general topics ?
My interests are in mechanical or electrical engineering.
I have always been facinated by nuclear power but i hear the nuclear engineering class is a ball buster...

What e books can i get ?
i plan on self teaching my self calculus but what else would i need to get familar with apart from calculus and physics any other math related topics?

Thank you very much for help and i will search rest of forum for more info

 

[l'Hôpital]

Is this possible?

I'm sort of going through a crisis phase in my life, where I realized I probably don't want to become professor but I still want to study a lot of math. So far, I'm going into my third year, with a bunch of math coursework. The only thing remotely close to Applied Math I've done is taken a C++ class and a graduate sequence in ODEs. I'll be taking special topics in ODE next semester as well ( a sequel to the sequel).

This sort of crisis, coupled with the fact that my interests in math already lie in Applied-Math-like fields (like ODEs), is pushing me towards an Applied Math grad school. This is also furthered encouraged by the fact that many applied math students have told me their classes were very theoretical in their own right as well. So, I'm thinking about applying towards some of these applied math program (and I don't want to abandon pure yet, but making some room for applied).

However, my schedule for the third year is almost all filled up already (with a bunch of graduate level math classes) so I wouldn't really have any room for applied math classes up until senior year, but I fear that the admission committee won't look at my senior year classes and hence, they'll just see a pure math guy.

So, am I sort of screwed? I mean, I'd like to go to a top 20 school for sure, and not sure if my background would make it so that i could only get into a Top 20 school for pure math and not applied.

 

[Adyssa]

I'm just about to enrol in my final year of CS. I'm halfway through the computational maths major and I have 3 more (CS) electives to choose. I'm not sure what kind of career I'm pushing for, but my course choices so far have been my gut instinct. I'd like to round out my degree a bit, but I want to pursue a path in CS that won't waste all those hours I'm spending on calc! My initial desire was to do Games Programming, where the maths is very useful, and I took an OpenGL course, but I don't want to follow that stream any further.

My second choice for a major was Crypto & Security, but with only 3 electives left I can't go as deep into that now unless I can swindle my way out of a few pre-requisites and do the harder courses.

I like the sound of Software Architecture: Design & Implementation, and Web Servers & Web Technology, as I feel they will give me a good grounding in enterprise level systems but I won't do any maths there (not necessarily a bad thing).

And I'm interested in a Data Warehousing course, but I think if I do that I should pick up at least one more DB course and maybe Unix Sys Admin and give it a good go. Not really sure how maths will fit into this.

Should I change program and do more maths?! Maybe I should do some finance and stats courses? Confusion reigns. Maybe it doesn't really matter what I choose, it's only a undergrad. degree anyway.

I should mention that the maths courses I've taken (and will take) are:

done:
Discrete Maths
Maths for Adv. Computing (trig, algebra, calc, vectors, matrices and transformations)
Numerical Methods (Bisection, Newton's, Runge-Kutta, some theory, more application, just had a brief look at DE's)

next year:
Linear Algebra & Vector Calculus
Numerical Solutions of DE

 

[TheEigenvalue]

Hi. This is a bit of a follow up to this topic:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=544643"
which describes my struggle to pass a tough graduate Analysis class while dealing with the cognitive side-effects of medications I take for treatment-resistant Bipolar Disorder.

So I am trying to pick classes to take next semester (should they not kick me out). Here are some of my options:

1. Algebra I (Abstract/ Modern Algebra)- theory of groups and rings. I am taking this one for sure. I love Abstract Algebra and did really well in it as an undergraduate even while taking the same medications I take now. So I am confident I can do well.

2. Analysis II- measure theory and analytic function theory...also complex variables. I want to take this class, but it is with the professor I have for Analysis I this semester in which I have a 20% in. I don't know if it is a bad idea to tackle this class next semester or to wait until Spring 2013 when another person is teaching it. Let me know.

3. Extremal Combinatorics: This is an advanced class and suggests prerequisites of courses I never took. So I don't think it is a good idea. But feel free to tell me what topics are in Extremal Combinatorics.

4. Finite Element Exterior Calculus:This class is lower-level (600 level) and says that no prerequisites are needed other than mathematical maturity. Tell me about this course.

 

[quintillaz]

Hello,

I am a graduate student in Optics with a Physics bachealors. I am very interested in learning about and eventually doing research in gravitational physics, but unfortunately the university I am attending does not offer class in GR. This brings me to my question, does anybody know of a university offering a course in GR during the summer?

I have searched for a program but all I can find are mini-courses in gravitational waves, which is not what I am interested in.

Thank you in advance

 

[JVanUW]

So long story short, next semester I am taking 19 credits of science and math, and I'm
looking for an honest and sincere opinion, maybe some advice. Please do not be harsh. These are the classes I will be taking

Intro EM:Purcell
Mechanics:Thornton
Calc 3/Differential equations:Apostol
Cosmology: Ryden
QM: Griffiths

From what I've read, advanced knowledge of differential equations isn't completely necessary for Thornton or Griffiths. Furthermore, this winter break I've been studying differential equations rigorously on my own as well as well as general mathematical methods of physics.

I'm wondering if this is doable given my preparation. Will I have to know more differential equations for these textbooks? Burning out isn't really a concern of mine right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, whether about the books or classes. thanks

 

[PhizKid]

A couple years ago when I first went to college, I attended a private Christian school and ended up failing 6 classes there in my freshman year, all related to Christianity (i.e. classes on the foundations of being a Christian, how to be a better Christian, learning about the school's denomination of Christianity in general, etc.; basically the core classes required of the school's definition of a Christian faith).

I have applied to go back to community college now, and I had considered leaving out this transcript but I didn't want this to come back and bite me in the rear and get me in trouble during my education so I included the transcript, which means I have several 0.0 GPAs being averaged into my cumulative overall GPA which I fear will affect my scholarships in the future (some of them require a minimum GPA of like 3.5) and especially my graduate school prospectives.

I haven't been formerly accepted yet (this community college isn't open-registration because it's part of CUNY) so I haven't spoken with an advisor yet, but can anyone give me any advice in advance about how I should go about discussing my failed classes since they are not available to retake at this school (or mostly any school around here, I guess)? Or is my only option to take as many classes as possible to get my GPA up in order to get scholarships and accepted into special programs that I am interested in?

Edit: Sorry, I just realized this post is almost out of context with this forum, so I'd like to add that I want to go into the studies of Physics (almost a given) but I would like the 0.0 GPAs removed and thought re-taking those classes would replace the grades but not sure if all schools offer that option.

 

[Jolb]

I'm finishing my first year as a graduate student. I was wondering: do any schools offer graduate-level physics courses over the summer? I'm particularly interested in schools on the east coast. Classes I have in mind are quantum field theory, solid state physics, general relativity, etc.

It just seems as though the only summer physics courses are intro undergrad courses. However, I know many math departments offer advanced mathematics courses during the summer--why don't physics departments do that?

 

[Guan]

Hello all, I was graduated with B.Sc. of Nuclear science and currently working as a NDT technician. I'm very much interested to further my study in MSc degree in Nuclear Engineering in the future, perhaps in 2-3 years time.

And, I was thinking, before enroll in the graduate course, I might need to study and revise back some of my undergraduates textbooks and courses in preparation of the Nuclear Engineering graduate course.

So, would like to ask for suggestion, what should I focus on, like, is it necessary to revise all my basic atomic/nuclear physics, high energy physics, nuclear and radiochemistry, nuclear electronics and instrumentation, reactor technology, plasma physics, etc etc...Or, do I need to start studying engineering subjects like thermal hydraulics, thermodynamics, metallurgy, fluid mechanics etc etc?

What about maths? what skill would I need to focus on?

 

[monmon_4]

netmath.illinois.edu/courses

Does anyone have experience with these online courses?

As an extension of my previous thread, I've just graduated from undergrad with a CS degree with Calc I, Calc II, and Linear Algebra under my belt. Eventually, I would like to pursue a master's degree in applied mathematics.

I'm starting a full-time job in July, and these online courses might be my only way to beef up my mathematics background. Assuming I do well, would showing proficiency in these courses be enough coursework to get into a top 10 applied math program (besides GRE scores)?

PS. I was also told that research is significantly less important for master's degrees than PhDs.

 

[chhan92]

Hi!
I usually choose my courses in advance then prepare for those courses before term starts.

Background: I have taken: Multivariable Calculus (little spivak), Real Analysis (Pugh), Abstract Algebra (Dummit and Foote chapters 1-5,7-9,13,part of 14(including FTGT)), Ordinary Differential Equations (Hirsch & Smale & Devaney, half being linear system, half nonlinear (existence & uniqueness, some other stuff, linearization, bifurcation, Lyapunov)

Note: I did not take point-set Topology by Munkres, but I have self-taught myself enough point-set Topology.

Before september, I will have undergraduate probability background from a course (from Whittle's Probability via Expectation)

Goal: Since I am becoming 3rd year in upcoming September, I would like to get as much background grad level math as possible, so that it will help me decide my specialization.

Achevements: I will take Complex Analysis (Stein & Shakarachi) 1 year, Graduate Differential Topology (John Lee's Smooth Manifolds), Graduate Algebraic Topology (Hatcher)

Constraints: I do not know whether it is beneficial for me to still take point-set topology course (in terms of applying to graduate school)

Possibilities:
1. I have prerequisite to take 2 half-year courses in Graduate Algebra (Dummit and Lang), where 1st term does Groups/Rings/Modules, 2nd Term does D&F chapters 13-19
2. I have prerequisite to take 2 half-year courses in Real Analysis (textbook of choice is usually Stein/Shakarachi, Folland and/or Lieb/Loss), where 1st term covers Measure Theory, Hilbert Space, L^p space?, and 2nd term covers Banach Space, Baire Category Theorem and its cousins (Open mapping, uniform boundedness), Fourier Analysis, L^p space?
3. I have prerequisite to take 1 year course in Undergraduate Partial Differential Equations (Strauss). Alternatively, I can take 2 half-year courses in Graduate PDE (Evans), where 1st term is pretty much condensation of 1 year undergraduate course (but this still is intended for people without any background), and 2nd term is Evans chapter 5 and beyond. I can try graduate option safely if I do option 2 at the same time (or I have to make sure I work on Folland/Rudin regularly without falling behind as 2nd term requires a great deal of Real Analysis)
4. I will have prerequisite to take 2 half-year courses in Graduate Probability (Rosenthal, https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812703713/?tag=pfamazon01-20), where two terms combined pretty much goes through whole book
5. Miscalleneous courses such as K-theory and C* algebras (where course description says I have all prerequistie, but I do not believe this), Set Theory and Model Theory, Linear Operator Course (Peterson), which I am unlikely to try out.

Sorry to write such a lengthy post that is not even done yet!
Up to now I showed positive sides pretty much, but:

Problems (Constraints)
1. Undergraduate PDE overlaps with Algebraic Topology for 1 out of 3 hours (in 2nd term), which I am willing to sacrifice (so this is not too much big deal)
2. 1st Term Graduate Real Analysis overlaps with 1st term of Complex analysis (undergraduate level) for 2 out of 3 hours! This is a serious problem. (maybe I should wait till 4th year to take graduate real analysis). But then I cannot take 2 real analysis if I do not take 1st term one, which means that it is likely that I have to give up on Graduate PDE
3. 2nd Term of Graduate Algebra overlaps with Algebraic Topology for 1 out of 3 hours, which seems to be somewhat big deal (also because 2nd term of Graduate Algebra gets to cover all interesting algebraic geometry, representation theory of groups)
4. 2nd Term of Graduate Probability overlaps with Algebraic Topology for 1 out of 3 hours! To make it worse, this overlaps with 2nd term of Graduate Algebra ENTIRELY.

Why are these problems? Because when things are grouped together, 2nd term of whatever is usually pickes up where 1st term left off (sometimes profs try different organization in 1st term, then 2nd term gets greately influenced). So it is somewhat risky to take only 1 term counterpart instead of doing all year thing (also because I have to wait till 4th year winter from 3rd year fall, to finish the 2-term combination). Of course, probability is somewhat exception, because I am doing probability as one of sidekicks, so maybe just taking 1 term might be okay.

I am sighing myself so much, because I thought core graduate courses (Real Analysis, PDE, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Differential Topology, Algebraic Topology) would not overlap, but I was wrong.

What are your advices? Thank you for reading.

P.S. If my course description is vague, then here is link:
http://www.math.toronto.edu/cms/tentative-2012-2013-graduate-courses-descriptions/
where MAT1000/1001 are Graduate Real Analysis, MAT1002 is Complex Analysis, MAT1100/1101 are Graduate Algebra, 1060/1061 Graduate PDE, 1300/1301 Topology, STA2111/2211 Grad Probability
and http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/crs_mat.htm#APM351Y1 for undergraduate PDE with course website: http://www.math.toronto.edu/almut/APM351.html

 

[dustbin]

I'd appreciate advice on a small predicament. I'm applying to transfer to Universities this fall semester. I have very few GE classes left to take (actually, only one) and a handful of math classes. I plan to apply to UCSD, UC Berkeley, two other UC's (just because I can apply to four simultaneously with the same application- probably UCSB and UCD), Caltech, and Stanford. The latter two are more just dream applications and the Caltech entrance exam gives me a good motivator for self study.

Anywho... This semester I have a spare spot for a course in order to maintain my full-time status, but I don't NEED to take anything. I am considering physics, C++ programming, a foreign language (lots to choose from), and I have the option of doing a "selected topics in math" where I can essentially work with an instructor on chosen material (this is non-transferable). I am equally interested in all of these.

Here is what I'm going to take in the fall:

Linear Algebra or Transition to Higher Mathematics (cross enrollment at university) for 3 units
Calculus II for 4 units
Advanced Composition (English) for 3 units
-BLANK-

I could take two more classes, but I don't need to and I'd like to have a lot of time to study on my own, work on college/scholarship applications, and tutor. As a pure math major (I'm interested in grad school and doing an REU this summer), as well as considering my upcoming applications, what would be most beneficial for me to take? I've noticed some schools prefer physics courses and some computer science, while some grad programs recommend foreign language (I've taken 2 years spanish). I'm leaning towards C++ simply because it is an online class (I do very well teaching myself and with self-direction), which would free up a lot of time for me.

Opinions, recommendations, advice, etc. greatly appreciated.

 

[acabus]

"Subject to validation" course

Hi,

I'm looking at Mathematics and Physics university courses, and one, from Surrey University, is "subject to validation".

Sorry if I'm being stupid here, but I can't find out what that actually means. Is it that the course is new, and hasn't been "approved" yet? Will the course definitely be available, or may it be scrapped? If this does happen, what would happen if I applied for it, and it was scrapped?

Thanks, and sorry if this is the wrong sort of question.

 

[samdude3]

Hey Guys,

Been around the forums for a couple years now and was hoping I could get some advice regarding math courses I need to take.

I currently attend a CC in Illinois and will be looking to transfer next spring. I am currently enrolled in Calc 1 after having to take Pre-calc over the summer since I took a few years off after high school to work and figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

My question is whether I should take calc 3 over the summer so I can take Diff equations in the fall or just wait to take Calc 3 in the fall and Diff Eq at the school I transfer to? It won't be feasible for me to stay an additional semester after that since all of my classes except that one will be finished. The summer teacher for Calc 3 has horrible ratings on ratemyprofessors.com as well. I would be working around 30 hours a week during the summer as well.

Also, is this schedule do-able working 30 hours a week? I need to work to pay for school and my other expenses.

Calc 2- 5 semester hours
Chem- 5 semester hours
Physics 1/Mechanics- 5 semester hours.

15 total semester hours.

Thank you for all of your help!