Undergraduate choosing math courses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around course selection for a second-year mathematics student aiming for a career in quantitative trading. Participants are providing advice on which courses to take, their relevance to the field, and the difficulty of various subjects. The scope includes academic planning, course applicability, and personal interests in computer science and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists a proposed course plan including Financial Engineering, Operations Research, Probability and Stochastic Processes, Linear Algebra, Financial Math, Number Theory, and Optimization, seeking feedback on this selection.
  • Another participant questions the absence of Differential Equations from the proposed plan, suggesting it may be more applicable than Number Theory for a career in quantitative trading.
  • The original poster expresses surprise that Differential Equations is not a required course and considers adding it, emphasizing the importance of applicable knowledge and performance in courses.
  • There is a suggestion to consider additional computer science or physics courses, particularly Statistical Mechanics/Physics, as alternatives to Number Theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of Number Theory versus Differential Equations for quantitative trading. There is no consensus on the optimal course selection, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding which courses are most beneficial.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the open curriculum allowing for flexibility in course selection, but also indicates that some courses are required for the mathematics major, which may limit options for electives.

salad
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Hey guys,

Been reading the forums for a bit, first time posting. I'm a second year math student looking to work in quantitative trading as a career. Right now I'm planning out the courses to take for my next few years, and was looking for advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

-Financial Engineering
-Operations Research
-Probability and Stochastic processes (required)
-Linear Algebra (required)
-Financial math
-Number theory
-Optimization

How does this look? Any advice is helpful - along with input on which courses are tough (so I can take easier electives that semester). Also, if there are any additional electives you guys think I should add, I have interests in CS (particularly Python programming) and Physics (something that deals with magnetism and/or propulsion).

Thanks!
 
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salad said:
Hey guys,

Been reading the forums for a bit, first time posting. I'm a second year math student looking to work in quantitative trading as a career. Right now I'm planning out the courses to take for my next few years, and was looking for advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

-Financial Engineering
-Operations Research
-Probability and Stochastic processes (required)
-Linear Algebra (required)
-Financial math
-Number theory
-Optimization

How does this look? Any advice is helpful - along with input on which courses are tough (so I can take easier electives that semester). Also, if there are any additional electives you guys think I should add, I have interests in CS (particularly Python programming) and Physics (something that deals with magnetism and/or propulsion).

Thanks!
Where is Differential Equations ? Number Theory is pretty theoretical, I think; I am not sure that this is something that "quants" use in their daily life. Is this required for the mathematics major? If it is not, you might look for something more applied -- additional computer science or physics, maybe Statistical Mechanics/Physics?
 
Differential Equations surprisingly isn't required. Do you think I should add it? The curriculum here is very open so I have a lot of discretion in the courses I choose. Mainly I'm focusing on applicable knowledge that I can also do well in (failing classes is never a good look).

For the mathematics major I'll need math or statistics courses, so CS/physics is only for additional coursework outside of the major requirement.
 
salad said:
Differential Equations surprisingly isn't required. Do you think I should add it? The curriculum here is very open so I have a lot of discretion in the courses I choose. Mainly I'm focusing on applicable knowledge that I can also do well in (failing classes is never a good look).

For the mathematics major I'll need math or statistics courses, so CS/physics is only for additional coursework outside of the major requirement.

I am surprised that DiffEQs is not required. I would take it, but I am a lowly chemist.
 

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