Math Course for Chemistry Major: Finite Math or Statistics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Plastic Photon
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Semester Spring
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice of a mathematics course for a chemistry major, specifically between finite mathematics and statistics. Participants explore the relevance and utility of each course in relation to chemistry and future calculus studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in taking a math class to build skills before calculus, considering finite math and statistics as options.
  • Another participant suggests that while both courses are useful, statistics may be more beneficial for a chemistry major, though finite math could provide better preparation for calculus.
  • A different participant questions the timing of course registration, noting that it may vary by university.
  • Further replies clarify that registration deadlines depend on the institution's academic calendar, with some allowing sign-ups within the first two weeks of the semester.
  • One participant brings up cultural aspects related to holiday celebrations, which diverges from the main topic of course selection.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a quarter system, indicating different academic timelines compared to a semester system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both courses have value, but there is no consensus on which is definitively better for a chemistry major. The discussion includes competing views on the relevance of finite math versus statistics.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying academic calendars and registration policies, which may influence course selection timing. There is also a lack of clarity on how each course specifically aligns with chemistry studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering math courses in relation to chemistry majors, particularly those weighing the benefits of finite mathematics versus statistics.

Plastic Photon
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
I have not signed for any classes yet but I am 100% certain I am going to take trig, chem, sociology/philosophy. I can take one other class and I was leaning towards a math class because I want to build my math skills before I head into calculus (trig is a prerequisite). I have options between finite mathematics and statistics.

My current focus is chemistry and I do not know which course is better for a chem major or if at all either is helpful. BOth of these classes require only college algebra certification with no calculus. DO you think either one be worth taking, and if so which and why? I am leaning towards the finite math course.

If I do not sign for another math I will have to sign for both sociology and philosophy or antoher liberal art.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Both courses are useful. Statistics is probably more so for a chem major, but finite math might be better preperation for calculus since it lends itself easily to the theorem and proof structure you'll be seeing in calculus. If this was me choosing and I could only take one or the other I would go with statistics. If I was going to take both eventually anyway, I would go with finite math first because it will help you better understand calc, and calc will probably help you understand statistics.
 
Isn't it kind of late to sign up for classes for spring?
 
Nothing000 said:
Isn't it kind of late to sign up for classes for spring?
This obviously depends on the university. In some, the fall term has not even ended yet. At mine, we can still sign up for courses any time within the first two weeks of the semester.
 
I did not know that some schools fall semesters go till january. How do they celebrate christmas and new years?
 
Millions of people will be celebrating Christmas and New year;

Christmas, January 7th
New year, January 14th

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL: SERBS, RUSSIANS, BULGARIANS, UKRAINIANS,
SOME GREEKS, SOME ETIOPIANS, SOME
EGYPTIANS, and many, many more

***** HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERBODY!
 
At my uni we're on the quarter system, Fall quarter ended at the beginning of December, Winter is just starting, and then we'll have Spring in about 11-12 weeks.
 

Similar threads

Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
9K
Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Courses Advanced Math for Computational Material Science Engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs Chemistry-Based Research Program or more Math/CS Courses?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Courses Navigating Two Math Classes and an Elective Simultaneously
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Courses Taking 5 UD math courses in a single semester - nuts?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Should I double up on math courses next school year?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Courses Choosing courses for mathematics minor to support my physics major
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K