What's on Your Fall 2010 Science Schedule?

[HeLiXe]

And with Advanced Experimental Techniques in Physics we normally go to CERN!

*faints*
Do it, do it , do it!

 

[Hobold]

Second semester in Mechanical Engineering:

Calculus II
Linear algebra
Statics
Waves and heat
Experimental physics I
Scientific computing I
Geometric design and modeling

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

They do sound very interesting... =( And with Advanced Experimental Techniques in Physics we normally go to CERN!


I'm obviously not a genious. It's always like this in Belgium. It's around 30 credits for each. I've even had a semester with 8 courses, which was indeed insane.

Not insane as 9 courses, but it's up there.

 

[HeLiXe]

Not insane as 9 courses, but it's up there.

that is insane

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

that is insane

I heard from someone, that he knew someone who took ten courses, so I guess 9 isn't the top record. (-:

Mind you, for most courses here you have two final exams, the second exam is only if you failed your first exam or want to improve your mark, either way the last mark is what counts.
In a system where you have only one final exam for a course I don't think you would see someone taking so many courses, it's not realistic thing to do.

 

[TheIconoclast]

Special Relativity for Beginners
Statistical Computation
Differential and Integral Calculus
Special Calculus Workshop/Seminar
Principles of Chemistry 1

First year at the University of Texas. Only 13 hours but I don't want to kill myself first semester!

 

[seanconnors]

Intro to quantum physics
differential equations
gen chem
gen chem lab
mase 101 (a mech eng, computer designing course)
japanese

 

[Ryker]

Right now it looks like this (is 22 hours of classes + labs too much?):

Astronomy of the Solar System
Introduction to Computing Science
Honors Calculus I
Honors Linear Algebra I
Newtonian Mechanics and Relativity

If it were me, I'd scratch Astronomy and CS, but unfortunately, there aren't any Physics courses I can do, as I don't have the pre-reqs as a first year student. Damn, I need to get used to this North American system of not taking only courses from a specific field.

 

[seanconnors]

22+ hours? wow... how many credits is each class? if it's 22 hours plus lab, i would say it is too much. how about postponing linear algebra?

 

[johng23]

I'll only take one course...I think it will be "Introduction to modern optics". It's annoying, almost all the courses I want to take are offered during the winter term, so it's going to take me a few years to do them at the rate of one or two at a time tops. Meanwhile there's basically nothing offered in the fall...

 

[Ryker]

22+ hours? wow... how many credits is each class? if it's 22 hours plus lab, i would say it is too much. how about postponing linear algebra?

It's a normal credit load and those 22 hours include both classes and labs. I guess that Computer Science kind of adds an extra load, because it consists of 3 hours of classes and 3 hours of labs, whereas a regular "Arts option", which I luckily don't have to take as I got granted transfer credit, would usually entail only 2 hours of classes.

 

[jetforcegemin]

4th year applied math/econ double major at UC Berkeley. I thought i'd post course descriptions since course titles don't really mean much.

Introduction to Partial Differential Equations -- Mathematics (MATH) 126 [4 units]
Description: Waves and diffusion, initial value problems for hyperbolic and parabolic equations, boundary value problems for elliptic equations, Green's functions, maximum principles, a priori bounds, Fourier transform

Concepts in Computing with Data -- Statistics (STAT) 133 [3 units]

Description: An introduction to computationally intensive applied statistics. Topics will include organization and use of databases, visualization and graphics, statistical learning and data mining, model validation procedures, and the presentation of results

Econometric Analysis -- Economics (ECON) 141 [4 units]
Description: Introduction to problems of observation, estimation, and hypothesis testing in economics. This course covers the statistical theory for the linear regression model and its variants, with examples from empirical economics.
My 4th class will probably be one of the following:Probability for Applications -- Statistics (STAT) 204 [4 units]

Description: A treatment of ideas and techniques most commonly found in the applications of probability: Gaussian and Poisson processes, limit theorems, large deviation principles, information, Markov chains and Markov chain Monte Carlo, martingales, Brownian motion and diffusion. Probability Theory -- Statistics (STAT) C205A [4 units]

Description: Some knowledge of real analysis and metric spaces, including compactness, Riemann integral. Knowledge of Lebesgue integral and/or elementary probability is helpful, but not essential, given otherwise strong mathematical background. Measure theory concepts needed for probability. Expectation, distributions. Laws of large numbers and central limit theorems for independent random variables. Characteristic function methods. Conditional expectations; martingales and theory convergence. Markov chains. Stationary processes.

Applied Stochastic Process I -- Industrial Engineering (IND ENG) 263A [4 units]

Description: Conditional Expectation. Poisson and renewal processes. Renewal reward processes with application to inventory, congestion, and replacement models. Discrete and continuous time Markov chains; with applications to various stochastic systems--such as exponential queueing systems, inventory models and reliability systems.
I would like to take 205 but I've heard it is quite difficult from the grad students.

 

[deadkitty]

I'm doing 20 credits, but shouldn't be too horrible:

Circuit Analysis + Lab
Digital Applications + Lab
C++ Programming
Calc based Physics I
Macro-economics

 

[StudyBug1]

Calculus 2
Chemistry with lab 1
On Flight: The Responsibility, authority and romance of flying
English
Physics seminar

 

[HeLiXe]

I heard from someone, that he knew someone who took ten courses, so I guess 9 isn't the top record. (-:

Mind you, for most courses here you have two final exams, the second exam is only if you failed your first exam or want to improve your mark, either way the last mark is what counts.
In a system where you have only one final exam for a course I don't think you would see someone taking so many courses, it's not realistic thing to do.

Even if you can sit 2 finals 10 classes is still quite much! >_> WOW

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Even if you can sit 2 finals 10 classes is still quite much! >_> WOW

Yes, I agree, I don't know how much this story is tangible.

 

[AsianSensationK]

Operating systems
Algorithms and complexity analysis
Advanced computer networking

I'm a grad student in CS. It feels like I need at least one more course to really have a solid term, but I work full-time as well.

 

[Null_]

First year chemE-

Calculus I
Chem 1
Chem 1 Lab
Physics 1
Physics 1 Lab & Problem Set
Intro to Engineering
Honors English II
Intro to Computer Science

It's a total of 17 hours. :)

 

[Fisicks]

First Year Math Major

MATH340 Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I (Honors); (4 credits)
PHYS171 Introductory Physics: Mechanics and Relativity; (3 credits)
PHIL100 Introduction to Philosophy; (3 credits)
ENGL101 Academic Writing; (3 credits)

 

[nonequilibrium]

First semester:

Introduction to Modern Physics (6)
Classical Mechanics (6)
Differential Equations (8)
Geometry I (5)
Algebra I (7)
Analysis II (7)

Does this seem doable? I'm guessing what you guys call "credit" is something else than here? 3 years of undergraduate studies equal a minimum of 180 "study points" aka credits over here in Belgium (with no upperbound).

 

[hitmeoff]

Elementary Analysis I - Introduction to real analysis including convergence of sequences, infinite series, differentiation and integration, and sequences of functions. Students are expected to do proofs - Using Ross' Elementary Analysis: The Theory of Calculus book.

Classical Mechanics I - One dimensional motion and oscillations; three-dimensional motion, non-inertial coordinates, conservation laws, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics; rigid body motion and relativity - Using Marion and Thornton's Classical Dynamics

Observational Astronomy - Telescopes and astronomical observations, imaging with CCD detectors and image processing techniques. Photometry and spectroscopy of stars, galaxies, and quasars. Advanced imaging techniques such as deconvolution, adaptive optics, and interferometry - Using Observational Astronomy by Birney

Physical Chemistry I - Principles of quantum chemistry with applications to nuclear motions and the electronic structure of the hydrogen atom - Using Quanta, Matter, and Change by Depaula, Atkins and Friedman

Experimental Physics Lab - Optics: lenses, mirrors, polarization, lasers, optical fibers, interference, spectra.

Problem Solving in Math Seminar - Develops ability in analytical thinking and problem solving, using problems of the type found in the Mathematics Olympiad and the Putnam Mathematical Competition. Students taking the course in fall will prepare for and take the Putnam examination in December.

Seems like a lot, but the last two are 2 units a piece (half a class)

 

[Codyt]

First semester Physics Major

Physics 137 and Lab...Conceptual Physics
Statistics 211 and Lab...Elementary Statistics
Honors 101 Seminar
English 101 Composition
French 110

 

[eXorikos]

First semester:

Introduction to Modern Physics (6)
Classical Mechanics (6)
Differential Equations (8)
Geometry I (5)
Algebra I (7)
Analysis II (7)

Does this seem doable? I'm guessing what you guys call "credit" is something else than here? 3 years of undergraduate studies equal a minimum of 180 "study points" aka credits over here in Belgium (with no upperbound).

Judging by the courses you're a fellow physics student at KU Leuven?

39 credits is alot. I would drop Algebra I or Analysis II. I don't know them because I've taken medical radiation physics.

 

[nonequilibrium]

Judging by the courses you're a fellow physics student at KU Leuven?

39 credits is alot. I would drop Algebra I or Analysis II. I don't know them because I've taken medical radiation physics.

Aha, hello :) Indeed, a fellow KUL student, starting my 2nd year of physics. I'd really like to try and combine it with mathematics as long as it's possible -- maybe doing them in tweede zit (re-examination period) will work? But then I'd still have to follow the courses throughout the year which means I could just as well do the exam in january, or am I wrong on that? What year are you in? What "topic" did you choose? :) (or maybe PM me if this is considered off-topic)

 

[eXorikos]

6 exams is possible, but you might have a few exams with only one or two days and that's hard with so many big courses. I reckon you had good results your first year? I had electrodynamics again from the second year (and a few courses of my minor) with the third year.

In your place I'ld ask prof Troost. He's the program director and he helped me a lot with my situation (IAJ and stuff...).

 

[nonequilibrium]

In your place I'ld ask prof Troost. He's the program director and he helped me a lot with my situation (IAJ and stuff...).

Just sent him an email. Thank you :)

 

[Hypersphere]

First quarter:
Quantum mechanics
Advanced classical physics

Second quarter:
Advanced quantum mechanics
Condensed matter physics
Computational physics

The second quantum course starts where the first ends, covering chapters 6 and 7 in Sakurai. Then it begins on the Peskin & Schroder book. ACP uses Goldstein, Poole & Safko. The other two courses are described well enough by their names.

 

[haxtor21]

Fall College:
Calc 2
Engineering Physics I
Introduction to Robotics

Fall HS:
Art Class
"___" some other bs class

I can't wait for fall so I can quite my job :D.

 

[KonstantinosS]

I'm starting as a Physics freshman this fall in University of Crete, Greece.

English I - Pretty basic grammar and vocabulary. English for academic purposes.

Physics I - We'll cover all Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Waves parts of Serway's book, "Physics for Scientists and Engineers".

Modern Physics Topics I - It is just an intro subject to familiarize with the research programs of the University. In the end of the term i should prepare a project (like an essay) about a topic of my own interest.

Math I - Using 1st and 2nd book of THOMAS Calculus. It's basically what I've done in high school but in a more advanced level.

Math for Physicists I - Complex Numbers, Intro to Possibilities, Intro to Linear Algebra

Plus one more subject which is basically an intro to UNIX and several programs that will come in handy the years to come.

So, what do you think? I think it's a pretty common first term.

 

[iratern]

Fall 2010: Hopefully Math/ Physics double specialist

MAT157Y1 Analysis 1: We're using Spivak's Calculus, it's a yearly course (5 hrs/week)

MAT240H1 Algebra 1:Using Linear Algebra by Stephen H. Friedberg, Arnold J. Insel (5 hrs/week)

PHY151H1 Foundations of Physics: A basic physics course using King's physics for scientists and engineers (4 hrs/week + biweekly 3 hr lab)

PHL100Y1 Intro to Philosophy: An intro into Philosophy (3 hrs per week)

And hopefully either intro to french, german or spanish or maybe bio (maybe even russian). I was going for french but the course filled up before the first year enrollment time! It's french for people with no previous knowledge! So now I'm on the waitlist until august 6 then I'll see, anyone have any suggestions? I really do want to learn another language before I graduate!

Anyone have an opinion on the courseload?

 

[HeLiXe]

So, what do you think? I think it's a pretty common first term.

It looks similar to what my first term should have been...but I decided to get my social sciences out of the way, so next semester is Calc I w analytic geom, Eng I, Biology I, Philosophy. Next semester is Physics I w lab...the physics levels are one behind the calc levels in this area.

 

[Hobold]

I don't see how 12-15 hours per week work in most USA Universities... Here I usually have 25-27 hours per week (not counting research programs, which takes up 20 more hours if you're in any) and sometimes it's still not enough for some professors.

 

[cepher]

Still tentative for F10:

E/M (Griffiths)
Genetics
Gen Chem
Int. Chinese 1
Soph Seminar in Lit

 

[lisab]

I don't see how 12-15 hours per week work in most USA Universities... Here I usually have 25-27 hours per week (not counting research programs, which takes up 20 more hours if you're in any) and sometimes it's still not enough for some professors.

Probably because the terms "hour", "unit", and "credit" mean the same thing - it depends on the regional dialect.

A 3-unit class typically means 3 hours of lecture a week. For work outside of class, a general rule of thumb is 2 to 4 hours of outside study for every hour of lecture (that can vary widely of course).

So if someone says that their class load is "12 hours", that means ~12 hours of lecture + ~36 hours of study = ~48 hours of work, per week.

 

[jtbell]

Also, laboratories usually "count" for fewer hours than the time actually spent in the lab. Where I teach, a laboratory class that meets for one three-hour session per week is worth one credit hour.