Need Help Choosing a 3rd year Math Course

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing between two third-year math courses: Algebra and Stochastic Processes, focusing on their relevance for graduate school applications, perceived difficulty, and practical applications in applied mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that Algebra is more beneficial for graduate school applications, particularly due to its relevance to the math GRE and its standard inclusion in undergraduate curricula.
  • Others express a preference for Stochastic Processes, highlighting its practical applications in simulations and modeling, particularly in applied mathematics.
  • One participant notes the clarity of the Algebra course material available online, while expressing a lack of familiarity with Stochastic Processes.
  • There is a suggestion that the difficulty of the courses may vary based on individual strengths, with one participant indicating that they find Algebra easier due to their struggles with Statistics.
  • Another participant mentions that Stochastic Processes is an enjoyable and interesting subject, emphasizing the appeal of applied mathematics.
  • Concerns are raised about whether Abstract Algebra is a required course, which could influence the decision-making process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which course is more advantageous for graduate school and which is easier, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants' preferences seem to depend on their individual academic backgrounds and future plans, with some emphasizing the importance of GRE preparation while others focus on practical applications in their fields.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in applied mathematics or related fields considering course selections for their third year, particularly those interested in graduate school applications and the relevance of course content to their future studies.

rad0786
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So here is the situation:

I'm starting my third year this September in Applied Math..and I have to decide between 2 different math courses...

1. Algebra 1
An introduction to group theory, including Sylow theorems and structure of finitely generated Abelian groups; applications of group theory.

2. STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Random walk, Markov chains, discrete and continuous parameter Markov processes, branching processes, birth and death processes, queuing processes.

Which one would be more usefull when it comes to applying for Graduate School? Which one is easier? What are the applications of Algebra vs Stochastic processes?

Any ideas/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
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Algebra is better because the math GRE would cover more from group theory than stochastic processes. Plus, Algebra is a standard undergraduate calss the graduate committees like to see (at least I would think that's the case).
 
the algebra course material is brialliantly described in crystal clear fashion and undying prose, in my web notes, downloadable for free as we speak.

but i wouldn't know a stochastic process from a ricci curvature.
 
Thanks you guys

Mathwonk: i took a look at your notes, that's good stuff..

I still don't know which course too choose yet though..
 
stochastic processes is a damn fun class, very very interesting stuff. i love applied math, ie, learning pure mathematics with all the rigor and then applying it to our world.
 
Algebra by far. Group theory is the foundation of so many interesting and beautiful parts of mathematics; plus, as mentioned before, it will help you more on the GREs.
 
So is STOCHASTIC PROCESSES generally an easy course?
 
For applied math, I'd go for the stochastics class, but isn't abstract algebra is a required course?
 
depends on what you plan to do..if you plan to do anything related to simulations & modelling Stochastics would be the better course to take. All those things in that list esp. Markov Chains are useful.

But if you want to take a course for the GREs(which I'm guessing is only american) than go with what others have said.

I would think abstract algebra would be the easier of the two courses. But that's me personally because I don't understand Statistics that well.
 

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