Taking Calculus II & Linear Algebra: Is It Too Much?

AI Thread Summary
Taking Calculus II and Linear Algebra in the same semester raises concerns about workload, but opinions vary on the difficulty of Linear Algebra. Some find Linear Algebra straightforward and manageable alongside other courses, while others emphasize its importance for future studies, especially in physics and mathematics. The discussion shifts to the feasibility of taking Linear Algebra in a condensed summer session, with mixed feelings about the effectiveness of such a short timeframe for mastering the material. Some participants caution that while the course may not be overly challenging, the volume of content requires adequate time for comprehension, especially for those pursuing advanced studies. Overall, the consensus suggests that while it is possible to handle both courses together, careful consideration of the course format and personal learning style is essential.
lubuntu
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Do you think that taking Calculus II and Linear Algebra in the same semester is too much? Or should I be fine? How hard is Linear Algebra?

EDIT: I can't take them the same semester I just found out, do you think it is wise to take LA in a short semester over the summer, like 4 weeks?
 
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lubuntu said:
Do you think that taking Calculus II and Linear Algebra in the same semester is too much? Or should I be fine? How hard is Linear Algebra?

EDIT: I can't take them the same semester I just found out, do you think it is wise to take LA in a short semester over the summer, like 4 weeks?

In my experience, Lin. Alg. was pretty easy... you can probably handle it with other courses, or it'd probably be great as a summer course.
 
Linear Algebra was one of the few math courses that didn't require me to make difficult leaps of logic, i.e. bashing my head against the wall until I went "Aha!" It was all mostly straight-forward.

It's a very useful class, though.

EDIT: In a short amount of time? I'm not sure. The material wasn't super challenging, but I remember there being a lot of it in my class. And linear algebra is way too important to gloss over if you want to do physics.
 
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If you plan on going to grad school for mathematics make sure you spend the appropriate amount of time learning linear algebra the right way. You will be lost in a first course of Algebra without having the basics down.
 
lubuntu said:
Do you think that taking Calculus II and Linear Algebra in the same semester is too much? Or should I be fine? How hard is Linear Algebra?

How can two courses be too much to handle in one semester?
 
lubuntu said:
Do you think that taking Calculus II and Linear Algebra in the same semester is too much? Or should I be fine? How hard is Linear Algebra?

EDIT: I can't take them the same semester I just found out, do you think it is wise to take LA in a short semester over the summer, like 4 weeks?

This fall i personally took: Calculus II, Linear Algebra( a first undergrad course) and Abstract Algebra (a first undergraduate course).

I think you should be perfectly fine.
 
cristo said:
How can two courses be too much to handle in one semester?

It would have been these two along with two others, over the point is moot now. As a physics major would I do myself a disservice to take LA over a short 4 week term?
 
In the semester that just finished, I took honours multivariable calc, honours linear algebra, and differential equations. I still can't say how well those turned out though since the results aren't out.

Funny, for me, my linear algebra was by far the hardest of the three. I don't "get it" as much as the other two, plus my prof totally sucked. I fear for my mark in Linear Algebra.
 
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