Seeking your suggestions on my current course workload

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a college sophomore's course workload in mathematics, specifically regarding the selection of courses such as Abstract Algebra I, Linear Algebra with Proofs, and Computational Multivariable Calculus. Participants explore the implications of these choices on the student's academic trajectory and research in computation theory and cryptography.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original course plan includes Abstract Algebra I, Linear Algebra with Proofs, and Computational Multivariable Calculus, with concerns about managing the workload.
  • Some participants suggest that knowledge of vector calculus is not necessary for understanding abstract algebra or linear algebra.
  • There is a consideration of whether taking three mathematics classes is typical for math majors, with at least one participant affirming that it is normal.
  • The student expresses uncertainty about the impact of lacking knowledge in multivariable calculus on their understanding of other subjects and their preparation for competitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that taking three mathematics classes is normal for math majors. However, there is disagreement regarding the necessity of vector calculus knowledge for abstract algebra and linear algebra, with differing opinions on how this might affect the student's understanding and preparation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on course prerequisites and their relevance to the student's research and competition preparation. There are also differing views on the appropriateness of the student's course load.

bacte2013
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Dear Physics Forum advisers,

I am a college sophomore in US with a major in mathematics and an aspiring mathematician in the fields of computation theory and cryptography. I recently revised my course workload with my adviser, and he suggested some variations in the workload for me to choose. Ultimately, the choice is mine but I would like to discuss the matter with you. I was originally planned to take the Abstract Algebra I (text: Dummit/Foote), Linear Algebra with Proofs (text: Friedberg et al.), and Computational Multivariable Calculus (text: university course packet, around a level of Thomas' Calculus). Although the LA with Proofs is a prerequisite of AAI, I got a special enrollment permission from the instructor since I have been self-studying Artin's Algebra and Hoffman/Kunze's Linear Algebra, and my upcoming undergraduate research in the computation theory-computer security will involve a lot of abstract algebra.

I discussed the matter with my adviser, and he told me to postpone taking either AAI or Multivariable Calculus to Spring 2016. I agree with him since I was hesitant about taking all of those courses at one semester. My research adviser favored taking AAI on Fall, while my academic adviser actually advised me to postpone taking the AAI to next Spring. Naturally, I am inclined to take AAI on the Fall since it will be heavily used in my upcoming research, but I fear that lack of knowledge in the vector calculus might hurt me the full understanding of abstract algebra and abstract linear algebra, and my preparation for Putnam competition (although it seems that the contest is more focused on algebra and number theory). What is your recommendation? Should I perhaps taking all of them at one semester?

My adviser told me that my upcoming research will involve bits of measure theory and approximation theory, and he told me to study one of following real analysis books (he said they are introductory books): Apostol's Mathematical Analysis, Rudin's PMA, Pugh's Real Mathematical Analysis, or Folland/Royden's Real Analysis. What should I get? I only took computational 1-variable calculus course using Lang's A First Course in Calculus, but I do have good proof skills. Will my lack of knowledge in the multivariable calculus be a problem? Should I start with transition books of Spivak, Courant, or Apostol (Calculus)?

Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hear back from you!
 
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bacte2013 said:
I fear that lack of knowledge in the vector calculus might hurt me the full understanding of abstract algebra and abstract linear algebra, and my preparation for Putnam competition (although it seems that the contest is more focused on algebra and number theory).

Vector calculus will not be used at all in abstract algebra or linear algebra, so you're not missing out on anything.
 
Then should I proceed to Abstract Algebra I and Linear Algebra with Proof? I am thinking of taking the discrete mathematics too since a lot of CS courses require the DS. Is taking three mathematics classes quite normal for the math majors?
 
bacte2013 said:
Is taking three mathematics classes quite normal for the math majors?

Yes.
 

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