What classes are you taking for Fall 2009?

[n!kofeyn]

I have a feeling that I may have some time management issues, so any tips about classes, gre's or applications would be helpfull. However I will be looking into some supplementary books you guys suggested already.

My advice is to get started now for your GRE and graduate applications. You want to let professors know as soon as possible if you want them to write a letter of recommendation, because professors are worst than students about procrastinating. They are also very important for your application. Make sure you have a list of schools to apply to, then slowly break it down through the first half of the semester. Try to get all your apps in before the Christmas break (ideal is probably November), and remember that all schools have different deadlines.

You'll need a general essay on why you want to go to graduate school, which will differ in specifics from school to school. Get started on it now, because you need to let it set to be able to rightfully edit and shape it. Also, the subject GREs are not easy.

All I really remember about my fall semester when applying was well...applying. It is really time consuming if you take it seriously, as you should.

 

[jaska22]

Thanks for the advice. I will try to start on everything now since my classes don't start until 24 which will give me some time to get ready.

And applying and recomendation letters, I was hoping to get from the profesors that I will be taking now since transfering from community college and not having most professors more than once didn't result in me feeling comfortable to ask them for recomendation letter. Also, I am very quiet and even though I do good in class (A's) I still don't seem to stand out because I don't speak up. So, I will try to change that this semester and maybe ask them for recomendation letters.

 

[DukeofDuke]

I'm a physics major and will be a sophomore
Class Schedule:

1, Honors Real Analysis -- I think it should be elementary analysis course, still don't know what text we are going to use
2, Mechanics and Relativity 2 -- We'll use Thoronton and Marion
3, E&M1 -- Griffths
4, QM1 -- Griffths again and probably supplemented by Shankar
5, intro to CS-- Java


My question:
is it too much? I originally didn't register for EM, but my advisor told me I can't appreaciate QM fully without understanding EM. He suggest me take EM instead of QM
but I simply cannot wait to take QM, I want it so much
So my schedule may be a little bit weird though.. -_-

Weird, do you mean first year E&M, the one you take right after taking Mechanics, or do you mean an advanced E&M with more detail? If you've taken the basic E&M I don't think its a problem, but if you haven't taken any E&M at all, well, I think you might just be blinded by the glory of the word quantum. I'd say your adviser is right...I'd replace QM with E&M and take QM next semester.

 

[AUMathTutor]

I took Griffiths E&M and QM at the same time, and it was alright. I mean, neither class was easy, but both were doable.

 

[kirab]

1. Circuit Theory
2. Digital Systems
3. Programming Fundamentals
4. Calculus C
5. Advanced Engineering Math

2nd year EE with a mandatory schedule for the fall and winter terms!

 

[ralilu]

I'm a high school senior but I'm pretty excited

AP Physics C Mechanics
AP Physics C EM
AP Chemistry
AP Langauge and composition
AP Government
Either Calculus 2 or calculus BC (I did calc AB junior year and i got accepted into georgia tech for calc 2 so I'm deciding whether to do calc 2 or calc BC...)

Question: Am i going to die?

 

[siyphsc]

when did they split the AP physics course into two classes? back when i took it (some 5 years ago) it was just one class.

 

[ralilu]

I didnt even knw physics C used to be one class. but they also tnking of splitting physics B.
maybe that's what you meant?

 

[Heat]

-Circuits 1 with lab - Electric Circuits (8th Edition) James Nilsson
-Signals and Systems - book: Signals and Systems, 2005 Interactive Solutions Edition by Simon Haykin

-Materials in Engineering
-Multivariable Calculus
-Logic Design with lab

Are any books recommended for these classes?

Any advices on how to take on these classes?

 

[thrill3rnit3]

I'm a high school senior but I'm pretty excited

AP Physics C Mechanics
AP Physics C EM
AP Chemistry
AP Langauge and composition
AP Government
Either Calculus 2 or calculus BC (I did calc AB junior year and i got accepted into georgia tech for calc 2 so I'm deciding whether to do calc 2 or calc BC...)

Question: Am i going to die?

It's not that bad. I'm going to take most of the classes you're taking, the only thing I'm scared about is AP Language, because I'm not as good in English and composition.

About the Calculus, I'd take the college course if I were you. AP Calculus is too watered down, plus the college course is only 1 semester. You can then use the 2nd semester to enroll to an more advance course (Calculus III).

 

[algirau]

Biochemistry
Calculus III
Differential Equations
First-Year Latin
Biodiesel Special Project
World Civ. to 1650

 

[hitmeoff]

Classes:
Intro to Abstract Math - Foundations of Higher Mathematics - Patty, Fletcher
Intro to Group Theory - A First Course in Abstract Algebra - Fraleigh, Katz
Linear Algebra I - Linear Algebra - Friedberg, Insel, Spence
Elementary Analysis - Elementary Analysis - Ross

 

[Intrinsic3141]

Calc III
Linear Algebra I
American Colonial Society
Intro Physics II

 

[Feldoh]

Circuits + Lab (Engineering Dept.)
Thermodynamics, Fluids, Heat and Mass Transfer (Engineering Dept.)
Quantum Mechanics I - Griffiths and Shankar
Science and Engineering Ethics
Science and Society in Literature (English equivalent for most schools)

Unfortunately as an engineering physics major and the way classes are offered I'm rather stuck as far as classes go:

Graduate E&M and regular Classical mechanics are only offered in the spring semester, and all the math classes that are beneficial are full since math majors get priority. Also I'm required to take thermodynamics from the physics department but meets at the same time as the engineering thermodynamics =/

That's why I'm taking two electives that, while are somewhere relevant, are not top priority.

 

[SpiffyKavu]

The Solar System
Thermo/Stat Mech
Quantum Mechanics II
Differential Geometry

Four classes seems to be my limit. I tried five last semester, and it didn't go too well. I still easily passed all my classes, but I did not like the stress.

This semester, though, I am also planning to do an honors thesis in astronomy. I still have to choose a faculty mentor, though. I will likely also have to get a job to pay for rent.

 

[AsianSensationK]

I'm kind of in an interesting boat. I actually finished a bachelors in pure mathematics and philosophy two years back (with a mediocre 3.1 GPA). I was accepted to a couple of local law schools and didn't go. I looked for a job as an actuary and landed nothing (got to the final round at a couple of big companies, but didn't get any offers). So I'm finally getting off my butt and entering a graduate program in CS (well I'm in info systems). Unfortunately, it's not a very prestigious program, but I really think I'll get the skills needed to find a job in the field.

Programming II - (C++ object-oriented programming)
Telecommunication and computer networks
Computer Architecture
Accounting for managers (a graduate survey course of the two intro accounting courses)

I've got a couple of CS core courses to make up in my program before I'm allowed to take any graduate level courses. I'm really thinking I should try to knock out Data Structures and Algorithms in the same term, but I worry about taking a course like that seeing as I've only taken the first term of programming so far.

I should start a thread for grads like me who wandered about and are transitioning back to school.

 

[Shing]

good idea =)

classes
CALCULUS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
GENERAL CHEMICAL LABORATORY
LINEAR ALGEBRA


BASIC CHINESE (I am studying at Taiwan =). )
ENGLISH
CITIZENSHIP AND CIVILITY
Elective courses
INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE & APPLICATION
THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICS

questions
Am I going to die?
I know it is important to know a bit about C++ for a physicist. So I wonder whether I should learn it on my own or take a class? (I am pretty dumb at computer lol)

 

[hachi_roku]

advanced surveying +lab
physics (E&M) + lab
multivariable calc first part
diff eq and linear algebra (put together in one course)

i just finished summer taking dynamics and strength of materials, so i anticipate this load to be not as bad.

i heard the diff eq class is easy, more procedure based than previous math classes, and that calc 3 is easier than calc 2.

anything to look out for with this schedule? I will more than likely spend a good chunk of my studying time focusing on physics, but i heard it wasn't too bad.

 

[Feldoh]

questions
Am I going to die?
I know it is important to know a bit about C++ for a physicist. So I wonder whether I should learn it on my own or take a class? (I am pretty dumb at computer lol)

Seems like a bit much, but you might be able to pull it off. Taking foreign languages are a MAJOR time sink. That's not to say that they are not useful, they are, but it takes a lot of time to memorize and speak.

It's more important to be able to think like a computer more than to program in just C++. Once you've learned to think like a computer when it comes to algorithms and such it becomes quite a bit easier to teach yourself any language you need to learn (fortran, python, c, java, c++, etc...)

 

[mg0stisha]

Only a frosh :(

Intro to Physics (Calc-based) + Lab
Careers in Physics
Calc 1
The Logic of Chess (Math Elective!)
English 101

...can't wait til spring semester.

 

[thrill3rnit3]

The Logic of Chess (Math Elective!)

:!)

 

[Shing]

Seems like a bit much, but you might be able to pull it off. Taking foreign languages are a MAJOR time sink. That's not to say that they are not useful, they are, but it takes a lot of time to memorize and speak.

It's more important to be able to think like a computer more than to program in just C++. Once you've learned to think like a computer when it comes to algorithms and such it becomes quite a bit easier to teach yourself any language you need to learn (fortran, python, c, java, c++, etc...)

haha
thanks!
yeah I am quite worrying for the class... because I planed to minor in math as well (that implies that I have to take over 10 main crouses in math and physics for my year two)

so just sitting in class, since I am pretty dumb at computer, will do? (a bad GPA will damage my chance to get into a good grad school?)

English is my second lauaguage, haha students in asia are forced to take english for practics's sake. And I really spend a lot of time on it! (fortunately, I found the fun part of it)

 

[Vorfield]

-Physics I: Mechanics And Special Relativity (Kleppner and Kolenkow)
-Object-Oriented Programming And Data Structures
-Multivariable Calculus
-Introductory Design And Programming For The Web
-Visual Imaging And The Electronic Age
-Freshman Writing Seminar

Too much for a freshman? The other posters in this thread seem to be taking 4-5 hardcore math/science courses...

 

[sapphire_glow]

I've got (as a 2nd year engineering physics student):

-Numerical methods (appears from the description to be a mis-mash of a lot of different things I've already encountered in first year courses, but who knows)
-Circuits and signals
-Multivariable calculus
-Modern physics I ("a logical transition from classical to modern physics" and all that that entails)
-Data structures and algorithms (design of computer programs, which have data structures and algorithms in them)

I don't know yet what my textbooks will be for these courses.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Tentative schedule:
Harmonic Analysis.
Quantum Theory 2.
PDE 1.
Hilbert Spaces.
Analytical Electromagnetism.
Lab b1.

Before that I thought of taking Several Complex Variables, but rethink it, I too don't need the stress, even more so cause I know I can learn this stuff with textbooks instead with a lecturer.

 

[NukeEmAll]

Classes

Calculus w/Analytic Geometry III
Linear Algebra w/Applications
Honors Physics II and Lab
Honors International Relations

Between this and major involvement in the campus and two very busy clubs, plus applying to four-year universities (I'm a sophomore in the community college system), this will be a study on just how suited I am to the demanding life of a physicist/nuclear engineer

 

[qspeechc]

Real Analysis of Several Variables - prof's notes
Complex Analysis - Conway
General Relativity - Schutz
PDEs - Habermann, and Bender and Orszag

While most people are worrying if they're taking too much, I kinda feel like my work load is a bit light. What do you guys think?

 

[boboYO]

wierd, in australia the standard is 4 units per semester (12 weeks) and you have to get faculty permission to do 5.

 

[snipez90]

We're on the quarter system here (3 quarters per year, 10 weeks per class) and we also have to get permission to take more than 4 courses per quarter. Anyways tentatively, my schedule looks like this:

Honors Analysis in R^n - likely a text by Paul Sally and Kolmogorov/Fomin's introductory analysis
Economic Analysis (microecon with math)
Statistical Theory I
America In World Civilization (or something to that effect)

The civilization sequence is the last of my core education requirements. I'll be taking more economics related courses than math courses, but judging by the difficulty of the analysis course, the math course can easily take more effort per week than the rest of the courses combined.

 

[clope023]

here's what mines probably going to look like

circuits 2
electronics+lab
fields and wave (ee version of the physics major 2 semester E&M course)
modern physics+lab

my ee curriculum says I could change 2 classes to technical electives so I'm wanting to do modern physics (considering just dropping it for more ee classes though); the only thing that sucks is that they all fall on the same day so that means all 4 of these finals would be one right after the other; on top of that I'm also wondering if I could fit another class to get more work done in one semester what do you guys think?

 

[mvantuyl]

• Mechanics - Halliday
• Linear Algebra - ?
• English

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

 

[Pinu7]

Tentative schedule:
Harmonic Analysis.
Quantum Theory 2.
PDE 1.
Hilbert Spaces.
Analytical Electromagnetism.
Lab b1.

Before that I thought of taking Several Complex Variables, but rethink it, I too don't need the stress, even more so cause I know I can learn this stuff with textbooks instead with a lecturer.

Wow! You live up to your name!

 

[Flat]

Here's my classes - books:
Dif Eq's - Boyce
Classical mechanics (second year physics)- Morin
Intro to nuclear engineering - not too sure
linear algebra - Not sure as well

I'm thinking about signing up for some general required course, but I think that 5 classes in a quarter might be pushing it.

 

[Troponin]

The Solar System
Thermo/Stat Mech
Quantum Mechanics II
Differential Geometry

Four classes seems to be my limit. I tried five last semester, and it didn't go too well. I still easily passed all my classes, but I did not like the stress.

This semester, though, I am also planning to do an honors thesis in astronomy. I still have to choose a faculty mentor, though. I will likely also have to get a job to pay for rent.

Cool semester.
Is "the Solar System" a lower level course? I've never heard an upper level course with such a general term.
Either way, I got a nerd boner looking at your schedule.

 

[SpiffyKavu]

Cool semester.
Is "the Solar System" a lower level course? I've never heard an upper level course with such a general term.
Either way, I got a nerd boner looking at your schedule.

Nah, The Solar System is a senior level course. It is not my area of interest in astronomy, but the professor is fantastic, so I couldn't pass it up. Course description: Formation and evolution of the Solar System. Planetary surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres. Asteroids, comets, planetary satellites, and ring systems. Emphasis on using basic physics to understand observed properties of the Solar System. Intended for students majoring in the physical sciences.

I had a better schedule when I took high energy astrophysics, though.
And differential geometry is a senior level course, but I got the feeling that it is not going to be proof based. Over the past two years, there are 70% A's. Either there has been a lot of brilliant students, or that is kind of messed up.

 

[Troponin]

Nah, The Solar System is a senior level course. It is not my area of interest in astronomy, but the professor is fantastic, so I couldn't pass it up. Course description: Formation and evolution of the Solar System. Planetary surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres. Asteroids, comets, planetary satellites, and ring systems. Emphasis on using basic physics to understand observed properties of the Solar System. Intended for students majoring in the physical sciences.

I had a better schedule when I took high energy astrophysics, though.
And differential geometry is a senior level course, but I got the feeling that it is not going to be proof based. Over the past two years, there are 70% A's. Either there has been a lot of brilliant students, or that is kind of messed up.

Cool. I actually have "intro to sky and solar system" this fall. Mine appears to be VERY intro though. It is for an Astronomy minor...I think the department ran out of courses and added that one to the minor requirements. It is listed as a general course without much mathematics. I hope I enjoy it, but I figure at least it won't be too difficult.

I'm a transfer student to a new University. I am also taking Vector Calc/Complex variables this fall. It is a 500 level course, and I believe it is even a higher level than Differential Geometry...I'm confused with what to expect in that course as well as I can't imagine the school expecting you to wait until Senior year to learn about vectors and complex variables. lol
I suppose I'll find out what to expect soon enough though.

Good luck in Differential Geometry! I'm planning to take that this winter. It's one class I'm particularly excited for.

 

[elemental09]

-Partial Differential Equations
-Concepts in Abstract Mathematics
-Thermal Physics
-Mechanics: from Oscillations to Chaos
-Fundamental Physics Laboratory

Not particularly looking forward to any of these; my spring schedule is looking much better, with an intro to quantum course, E&M, intro to real analysis, complex variables, and history and philosophy of sciences after 1700. Might replace real analysis with differential geometry, but I hear that will be covered adequately in GR in a couple years.

 

[unhorizon]

Advanced E&M - Balanis
Communication and Signal Theory - Forgot the Book
Intro To Biomedical Engineering - Vander's Human Physiology
Intro to Short Story-lol
Undergrad Research-Professor Buma

Hope the semester isn't too tough. Advanced E&M Is a grad class. I'm going to be a senior.

 

[Eric_meyers]

-Waves and Oscillations
-Physics Lab
-Biology lab
-Biology II
-Organic Chemistry I
-Intro nuclear engineering
-Vector Calculus.


Yaaay!

 

[drkatzin]

-Classical Mechanics III (standard Lagrangian/Hamiltonian mechanics)
-Electromagnetism II (using Griffiths)
-Algebra I (linear algebra and group theory, taught by Artin!)
-Design and Analysis of Algorithms
-Techniques of 20th Century Music Composition

Getting psyched!

 

[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.