Ordinary Differential Equations and Calc III

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to take Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) and Calculus III (Calc III) concurrently during a summer semester. Participants explore concerns about pacing, prerequisites, and the impact of online instruction on learning outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the fast pace of both classes during the summer and questions whether they can keep up with the material.
  • Another participant suggests that the decision may depend on the specific class syllabus and encourages consulting an academic advisor.
  • Some participants argue that taking both classes simultaneously could lead to difficulties, especially if the courses are taught online, limiting access to in-person help.
  • One participant recommends taking Calc III before ODE, citing it as the normal order of teaching and suggesting that it may help with understanding ODE concepts.
  • There is a question about the relevance of hyperbolic functions in both courses, with one participant noting a lack of exposure in previous classes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether to take both classes at the same time. Some advocate for taking them sequentially, while others believe it may be manageable depending on individual circumstances.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of class pacing, the potential challenges of online learning, and the need for self-study in preparation for ODE if taken concurrently with Calc III.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering taking ODE and Calc III together, particularly in a summer session, may find this discussion relevant.

Juan Becerra
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Hello, I need help deciding on whether to take ODE (MAP2302) and Calc III during the summer. Would it be wise to take ODE along with Calc III in the same semester? Some people have told me to take Calc III first because there are a few things in ODE that are taught in Calc III, but others have told me that it is doable. ODE will only be a summer A class, meaning that the class will be taught at a fast pace. My concern is that I won't be able to keep up with the material since there are things that I haven't learned yet. I'm not too concerned about Calc III because the class will take up both semesters (summer A and B). However, I have been told that my instructor likes to move at a fast pace. So to sum it all up my concerns are: will I be able to keep up with both classes? (knowing that they will move at a fast pace since they will be during the summer terms) and will I be completely lost in ODE since I didn't take Calc III yet?
On a similar note, how much (if at all) do hyperbolics come up in ODE and Calc III? My Calc II professor only spent like 10 or 15 minutes talking about them; we weren't tested on them, so I have no clue what they're used for or how to solve them.
If I decide to take them both at the same time, what material should I self-study from Calc III for ODE?
Suggestions and feedback are greatly appreciated.
 
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Juan Becerra said:
On a similar note, how much (if at all) do hyperbolics come up in ODE and Calc III?

Depends on the class syllabus. Since you won't tell us where this is, you are in a better position to judge than we are.

Juan Becerra said:
will I be able to keep up with both classes?

What does your advisor say?

Personally, I would need a really, really really good reason to take both classes at the same time in a summer session, which is twice as fast as spring or fall. Especially this summer, where the odds of doing it remotely are high.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Depends on the class syllabus. Since you won't tell us where this is, you are in a better position to judge than we are.
What does your advisor say?

Personally, I would need a really, really really good reason to take both classes at the same time in a summer session, which is twice as fast as spring or fall. Especially this summer, where the odds of doing it remotely are high.
For the latter part, are you saying not to take them both because the classes will be taught online? If so, I could see how it would make both classes even harder because I won't be able to personally ask my professors for help or go to see a tutor.
 
I would take Calc III first and then Diff Eqns second as that is the normal order of teaching.

One could take them in the same semester but then you'll devote half time to each and perhaps get sick of math in the long term. Its almost always better to have a variety of courses spread over several disciplines.
 
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Juan Becerra said:
For the latter part, are you saying not to take them both because the classes will be taught online?

No I said "especially if they will be taught online."
 

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