UMD Math Major: Is Taking 5 Classes Reasonable?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fisicks
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Academic
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and enjoyment of taking five classes in a semester, specifically for a freshman math major at the University of Maryland. The classes include a core class, a physics class covering electric and magnetic fields, and three math classes, with various combinations proposed by the original poster.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster is considering taking five classes, including a core class, a physics class, and three math classes, and is questioning the viability and enjoyment of this workload.
  • Some participants suggest that the feasibility of taking five classes largely depends on the individual's proficiency in math and physics, as well as their willingness to sacrifice free time.
  • One participant shares their experience of taking a similar course load, indicating that while it was manageable, it required significant effort and resulted in a steep learning curve.
  • Another participant reflects on their experience of taking more than the typical course load, suggesting that while they performed well, they felt they did not learn as much as they could have due to the constant workload.
  • This participant emphasizes the importance of having time to think about the subject matter, rather than just completing assignments, which may resonate with the original poster's concerns about enjoyment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the balance between workload and enjoyment, with some suggesting that a heavier course load may hinder deeper learning, while others believe it can be manageable and rewarding. No consensus is reached on the optimal number of classes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that individual learning styles and personal circumstances can significantly affect the experience of taking multiple classes, highlighting the subjective nature of the discussion.

Fisicks
Messages
84
Reaction score
0
Hey guys I'm trying to decide how many classes would be doable next semester. For background info, I am a freshman at the university of maryland, and I am a math major.

How viable would it be to take a core class, a physics class (This is the second semester of a three semester, calculus based, general physics course. The subjects covered include electric and magnetic fields and potentials, simple circuits, and Maxwell’s equations in integral form.), and then 3 math classes?

The 3 I had in mind were
-341, which is a second part of a multivariable calc, linear algebra, diff eq class (http://www.math.umd.edu/undergraduate/courses/syllabi/syllabusMATH340.html" )
-410, which is called advanced calculus I (http://www.math.umd.edu/undergraduate/courses/syllabi/syllabusMATH410.html" )
- and then either intro to numbery theory or intro to abstract algebra

I realize that 5 classes with 3 math is doable, but i want to know if it will still be enjoyable if that makes sense. Also, another option is 341, number theory, and abstract algebra and then I could always take 2 maths. The ambitious side of me wants to take 3 though and I need to know if I am being unreasonable.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
These kinds of questions depend almost entirely on how good you are at math/physics and how much free time you want to (not) have. Odds are taking 5 classes with 3 of them math won't be "enjoyable" but you will probably learn a lot. It's up to you.
 
One semester I took almost just that...a core class (political science), E&M, Advanced Cal. I (into to analysis type course), Linear Algebra, Modern Algebra and a Putnam prep course (only 1 hour a week, no homework, just for fun really). I learned a whole lot but it was quite a bit of work. Definitely doable though.
 
just FYI:

sometimes less is more. I took 6.5 classes (a lab is a .5) when the normal for my school is 3-4. yes, i did well in all my classes, but I didn't learn as much as I could have. i was always doing an assignment or sleeping or taking a (rare) break.
the reason was a lot of *my* learning doesn't occur when doing problems. it's when I am sitting around and just tihnking about the subject.

"well could i do... with these constraints?"
"hmmm if i modeled ... as ..., how would that compare to modeling it as ...?"
etc

just food for thought. it might apply to you. or maybe irrelevant.
 

Similar threads

Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
9K
Courses Advanced Math for Computational Material Science Engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Courses Navigating Two Math Classes and an Elective Simultaneously
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Courses Uncertain on which classes to take next semester
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Courses Should I withdraw from a class?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
Should I double up on math courses next school year?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Courses Taking 5 UD math courses in a single semester - nuts?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K