What classes are you taking for Fall 2009?

[qspeechc]

• Mechanics - Halliday
• Linear Algebra - ?
• English

Being in my mid 50s, three classes per semester and working full time is about my limit.

Hey congratz, that's awesome!

 

[mg0stisha]

I completely agree with the above statement! What motivated you to get back into school?

 

[theman408]

Differential Equations
Engineering Circuits II
Electromagnetism I
Engineering Statics
Microeconomics

 

[ryanj123]

Is this too much, too little, or just right? How would you rate the rigor in a graduate admission committees perspective?

Fall 2009 (18 credit hrs)

Real Analysis I
Complex Analysis
Probability Theory
Chemistry II
Physics E&M
Research (Group Theory/Symmetry Studies)

 

[n1person]

Ah, I am but a high school senior... :-/
Fortunetely I will be going to a magnet school for half the day, which is really awesome cause there are opportunities for independent studies with the math/physics teachers there.

AP Government and Politics
AP English Literature
Chinese 3
Engineering Design and Development (a capstone engineering course)

then at the Magnet School

Physics C Mechanics (pretty much stuff I already covered in my engineering courses...)
Physics C E&M ( somewhat excited) 1/2 year
Multivariable Calculus (I know most of it, but it will be nice to take the course) 1/2 year
Discrete Math 1/2 year
So I will have room for an independent study about complex analysis I hope!

 

[ehypersonic]

I'm taking

Calculus 2(Integral calculus)(leithold and spivak)
Experimental physics 1 (Colin Cooke and many guide's)
General mechanics 1 (halliday and Alonso-Finn)
Linear algebra and differential equations (for linear algebra Friedberg and Shilov; for dif.eq. Dennis G. Zill)

 

[Hel]

Second year
Quarter System


Analytical Geometry and Calculus IV (4 credits, Larson/Hostetler/Edwards)
Principles of Physics (4 credits, Calc-based, lab)
Engineering Mechanics (3 credits)
Violin (1 credit)
Organ (0 credit)
String ensemble of some sort... to keep music minor status/scholarship.
2 credit GS class.

Clearly, this is a typical sophomore pre-med student's class schedule.

 

[mvantuyl]

I completely agree with the above statement! What motivated you to get back into school?

I've been working (drudging) as a software developer for the last 35 or so years and decided it's about time to decide what I want to be when I grow up.

 

[algirau]

Biochemistry
Electromagnetism Lab I
Partial DIff EQ
Calculus III
Intro Hist II
Latin II
2 Hours Special Project
1 Hour Research

 

[echelonIV]

Formal Languages and Automata Theory
Program Design and Development
Multivariable Calculus
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Introductory Psychology

I'll be a junior. Horrible planning and indecisiveness accounts for me taking a couple of freshman/sophomore level classes.

 

[╔(σ_σ)╝]

Digital Systems
Electric Networks
Differential Equations and Vector Calculus
Solid State Physics
Hopefully Graph theory

 

[endless06]

CS - Designing Functional Programs
ECON - Intro to Microeconomics
GEOG - Geog and Our Planetary Environment
MATH - Algebra for Honours Mathematics
MATH - Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics

 

[Freyster98]

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Major: Junior Year, Fall Semester

Introduction to Instruments and Computers w/lab
Analysis of Structures
Fluid Mechanics w/lab
Product Design ( using Pro-E )
Applied Math for MAE's
American Pluralism ( stupid gen-ed )

 

[xmavidis]

Materials Science, Fall 2009, senior year (4th year)

Semiconductor physics
Symmetry in materials science (group theory) {grad course}
Quantum mechanics I
Mathematical physics {grad course}

+ research on photonics (diploma thesis)

 

[Bourbaki1123]

Introduction to Algebraic Geometry (Independent study, Uses Ideals, Varieties and Algorithms:A computational intro. to alg. Geometry and Atiyah Macdonald. The Prof uses the simple book (Ideals and varieties) to give an intuitive outline and then fills in more detail when we meet.)

Real analysis 1/Adv. calc (uses Bartle, I wanted to use Rudin because I have read the first two chapters)

Theory of Computation ( Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation (3rd Edition) (Hardcover) by John E. Hopcroft)

German II

Numerical Analysis (can't remember the text.)

The Real Analysis stuff seems a little more difficult than some of the stuff from my first modern algebra course, but still pretty easy (I hope it gets tough, then it should be pretty fun). Theory of Comp is supposed to be pretty challenging, I can't wait to get sufficient background to have a more intuitive grasp of theory of recursion. The Algebraic geometry prof said he will be giving me some simple but unsolved problems dealing with Groebner Bases when we cover the material.

Overall, I am very excited about this semester.

 

[doublemint]

3rd Year
BIOL - Biology of the Fungi
BCEM - Metabolism and Basic Nucleic Acid
CMMB - Molecular Genetics
MATH - Linear Methods I
PHYS - Classical Physics I

 

[ObHassell]

I'm a freshman at a CC, don't laugh.

Math 187-Precalculus by Stewart
Spanish 101-Vistas (Spanish Book) by some spanish speaking person prolly
Philosophy 123-Philosophy of Science (awesome class) by Philipp Frank (yes it's spelled right)
History 274-Introduction to the Holocaust by Bauer
Writing 101-the Practice of Writing by Scholes

questions:
1) Why is it always the stupid people who are the talkative ones in these classes, it's like they have no frontal lobe and have diarrhea of the mouth 24/7.

2) Why do community colleges make class schedules badly? My Precalculus class is from 8:10-10:25 tuesdays and thursdays , that's almost 5 hours together. My brain is rotted out by the time we're done.

3) Why do I have to take a language class?

 

[qspeechc]

I think I can answer 1). People think the persons who talk the most during a class (asking questions, not with their friends) are the more intelligent students, regardless of whether the questions are dumb or w/e. There was actually a study done on this so I'm not making this up, but I can't find it.

Languages are tricky to master and require the use of other skills and thought processes to master them. That's one reason I can think of.

 

[mvantuyl]

To answer number 2, my calculus I and II classes (at a 4-year institution) were from 6:30 - 9:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays, so the potential exists for more long classes.

 

[ObHassell]

wow, that sucks! I'd need a candy bar or something in the middle of class just to get through it!

 

[ObHassell]

I think I can answer 1). People think the persons who talk the most during a class (asking questions, not with their friends) are the more intelligent students, regardless of whether the questions are dumb or w/e. There was actually a study done on this so I'm not making this up, but I can't find it.

I agree with this, there's always people asking questions, but most of the time they are incredibly easy questions to figure out on your own. I remember my first day of public school my english teacher told us to write "There was too much work for us to do." or something like that so she could teach us about sentence structure. Some kid in the front row pipes up "Is that spelled T-O-O or T-W-O?" I was like "are you serious?" Ever since I automatically assume everyone is stupid, unless they have some kind of credentials that would suggest otherwise...example: high GPA, high test scores, great college, PhD, etc.

 

[Choppy]

I'm a freshman at a CC, don't laugh.

questions:
1) Why is it always the stupid people who are the talkative ones in these classes, it's like they have no frontal lobe and have diarrhea of the mouth 24/7.

2) Why do community colleges make class schedules badly? My Precalculus class is from 8:10-10:25 tuesdays and thursdays , that's almost 5 hours together. My brain is rotted out by the time we're done.

3) Why do I have to take a language class?

Answers:
(1) If they're being disruptive, tell the lecturer. He or she should kick them out. If they're just asking too many rather obvious questions, again the instructor should address that. You can also change the direction of the class by asking more intelligent questions.

(2) I don't understand the problem with your schedule or why it's bad. Likely the college doesn't understand it either. It's not high school. You chose the program. You signed up for the class. They offer it as per availability of the room and instructor.

(3) Again, isn't that your choice? There are lots of programs around that don't have any language requirements.

 

[PhysPhanatic]

At the end of my freshman year, I realized that I hate biology, and converted to Physics But that put me two semesters behind, so calculus I at a CC over summer, and now I'm finally ENJOYING school!

Schedule:
BIOL- Introductory Biology lab - book written by professor
HIST- The U.S. to 1877 - book written by professor
POLS- U.S. Government: Congress, President, and Court
MATH- Calculus II - book is an online sort of text (hey, it's free!)
PHYS- University Physics I - book by Walker, I believe is the name (?)
PHYS- Physics Lab - book by professor

Questions:
1) (rhetorical question in format of a joke) Is time travel possible? I'd love to get past this University Physics and move onto the fun stuff! e.g. Intro to Astrophysics, Intro to Particle Physics, Steller and Galactic Astronomy! The good, interesting stuff that makes you say "WOW!"

I'm a freshman at a CC, don't laugh.

Math 187-Precalculus by Stewart
Spanish 101-Vistas (Spanish Book) by some spanish speaking person prolly
Philosophy 123-Philosophy of Science (awesome class) by Philipp Frank (yes it's spelled right)
History 274-Introduction to the Holocaust by Bauer
Writing 101-the Practice of Writing by Scholes

questions:
1) Why is it always the stupid people who are the talkative ones in these classes, it's like they have no frontal lobe and have diarrhea of the mouth 24/7.

2) Why do community colleges make class schedules badly? My Precalculus class is from 8:10-10:25 tuesdays and thursdays , that's almost 5 hours together. My brain is rotted out by the time we're done.

3) Why do I have to take a language class?

When you add up the time, that's 4.5 hours. Most (at least in all cases I've ever heard of) math classes are four (4) credit hours, rather than three (3). This is due to an integrated "lab," which is considered one (1) credit hour.

 

[ObHassell]

(2) I don't understand the problem with your schedule or why it's bad. Likely the college doesn't understand it either. It's not high school. You chose the program. You signed up for the class. They offer it as per availability of the room and instructor.

(3) Again, isn't that your choice? There are lots of programs around that don't have any language requirements.

Well the thing is that I got the full Pell Grant, which will only fully cover schools in Arizona since that's where I live. And to address your response of "well you're not supposed to worry about how much the college costs", my parents aren't as supportive of college as yours must be, so I wouldn't be able to get their help on the loans (since stafford loans aren't going to cover all expenses at the good colleges). All the programs in Arizona require language classes. And it actually ISN'T my fault that I have to be in badly scheduled classes because my college liaison from my high school didn't turn in my schedule when I had the well scheduled classes (math three times per week, 1h30min each). And for the record all I said was that the scheduling is bad because almost 2h15min of math taught at 8 in the morning isn't very smart, math is like a language where you have to get a lesson in it 3-5 times per week or else you won't learn it as well as you could.

and one more thing, when you're on a forum, it's pointless to try and dig into people for what they say. How would you know I wasn't a middle-aged man trying to hold down a job while raising a family, don't EVER assume unless you actually know what you're talking about.

 

[Landau]

And for the record all I said was that the scheduling is bad because almost 2h15min of math taught at 8 in the morning isn't very smart, math is like a language where you have to get a lesson in it 3-5 times per week or else you won't learn it as well as you could.

Hehe, what do you think math majors do? I have math classes almost every day from 9 to 5. I think you just have to get used to college.

 

[mordechai9]

Most math majors don't take math classes "from 9 to 5 every day". That's nonsense. It's also absurd to claim that someone needs to "get used to" a terrible schedule, as though they should have no other choice, and this is what college is supposed to be like. Of course you would ideally look to change it to a better schedule. And I agree that a 2 hour and 15 minute math class is really pushing the limit.

 

[Landau]

Most math majors don't take math classes "from 9 to 5 every day". That's nonsense.

Well, I have 32 hours a week of math classes, and I'm only taking one extra course (5 instead of 4). Like I said, "from 9 to 5 almost every day".
By the way, I didn't say "most math majors take math classes from 9 to 5 every day". With "what do you think math majors do" I responded to his "the scheduling is bad because almost 2h15min of math taught at 8 in the morning isn't very smart". The second sentence was a reference to my schedule, as indicated by the word "I".

It's also absurd to claim that someone needs to "get used to" a terrible schedule, as though they should have no other choice, and this is what college is supposed to be like.

Again, you are twisting my words. I didn't claim he has to get used to a terrible schedule. I said I think he has to get used to (a normal) college (schedule). And I have no reason yet to believe his schedule is in any way more terrible than a 'normal' college schedule.

And I agree that a 2 hour and 15 minute math class is really pushing the limit.

I have never even heard of a class at university (in my country) of less than two hours. I just don't understand how this is 'pushing the limits'. Is it that hard to stay focused for 2:15 hr?

 

[elemental09]

My Advanced Calculus class that I took over the summer to get ahead was three hours, 6-9 PM, twice days a week. My ODE class (also summer) was 1-4PM once a week. I had 3hrs of Linear Algebra II last term once a week, and this year I'll have Complex Variables as well as Concepts in Abstract Mathematics (essentially foundations of math) each in three-hour stints once per week.

IMO, three hour classes once a week as opposed to three 1hr sessions can, for some people, be a better option. I personally find it easier to get the bigger picture when one portion of a course is completely developed in one sitting, instead of piecemeal over 5 days. Others find differently, and I understand that - I'm no champion at concentrating. Luckily in my university many classes have multiple schedules that one can choose from.

My point is that what is easy for one person may be legitimately difficult for another, simply due to innate tendencies. My advice, if you're faced with a class that you find too long, is to try to pay attention through all of it, and when you find your concentration slipping, take very very detailed notes, and read over them first chance you get out of class. And remember, often textbooks are way better than professors at teaching, in which case the value of sitting through a class becomes negative (a waste of time).

 

[mordechai9]

It's very, very unusual in the U.S. to be in class for more than 20 hours a week. Most students probably average about 15 hours of class per week. "Full time" status usually comes from taking 12 hours of classes per week. I can't speak about your program but obviously there must be some significant differences between countries.

This person above was writing a response to defend his position from someone who responded rather negatively and with a lack of understanding. When someone else posts yet another negative response in the same vein, this repetitive, demeaning behavior deserves to be answered more harshly. Maybe this explains why I "twisted your words".

 

[ObHassell]

It's very, very unusual in the U.S. to be in class for more than 20 hours a week. Most students probably average about 15 hours of class per week. "Full time" status usually comes from taking 12 hours of classes per week. I can't speak about your program but obviously there must be some significant differences between countries.

This person above was writing a response to defend his position from someone who responded rather negatively and with a lack of understanding. When someone else posts yet another negative response in the same vein, this repetitive, demeaning behavior deserves to be answered more harshly. Maybe this explains why I "twisted your words".

Thank you very much! Finally someone understands that this forum isn't a public grill fest! This particular forum was meant for people to post their fall schedule and talk about it, not everyone look for the people who haven't done as well as them and put them down.

To the guy with the 32 hour schedule: Are you in Russia or something? No one does that much work in the states! That's why we're so successful! We multitask! I will concede to you, that I don't have the attention span to be in school from 9 to 5 studying only one rigorous subject. I can do the 2h15min, but I feel that it's very straining for me and I wanted to express it, so PLEASE be reasonable and stop arguing over it! It's pointless!

Now will someone PLEASE post their fall schedule