What classes did you mathematics majors take?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Chaotic42
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the various mathematics courses taken by participants who are mathematics majors or have related academic backgrounds. The scope includes course requirements at different colleges and universities, reflecting on both foundational and advanced mathematics topics, as well as the interplay with other disciplines like physics and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants outline their current and planned mathematics courses, including calculus sequences, linear algebra, differential equations, and advanced topics like topology and analysis.
  • Others share their experiences with different college systems regarding when to declare a major and how that affects course selection.
  • A few participants note the differences in course numbering and content across institutions, particularly for calculus courses.
  • Some express interest in double majoring in mathematics and physics, while others mention pursuing mathematics alongside computer science or chemistry.
  • One participant reflects on a historical perspective of mathematics courses taken between 1951-1955, highlighting the evolution of curriculum over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share their individual experiences and course selections, but there is no consensus on a standard curriculum for mathematics majors, as variations exist across different colleges and universities.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of standardized course names and sequences across institutions, as well as differing requirements for declaring a major. Some participants mention elective courses and additional requirements that vary widely.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a major in mathematics, those interested in the academic pathways of mathematics and related fields, and individuals exploring course requirements at different colleges may find this discussion informative.

  • #31
I go to a 2-year community college right now, but at the university that I plan on transfering to you have to take 5 extra classes. So I plan on taking one of these five classes each semester instead of one of the classes for my major and just going one extra semester. I think that only one extra semester is not that bad.
 
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  • #32
I didn't major in math, but here's what I took for math as an engineering undergrad:

1st year:
Calculus I-II-III
Differential Equations
Probability and Statistics
(I went over the summer, too)

2nd year:
Advanced Calculus
Linear Algebra
Problem Solving Seminar (for the Putnam Exam, on which I got 3 points :redface:)
Complex Variables

3rd year:
Computer Science I
Partial Differential Equations

4th year:
Modeling and Analysis of Uncertainty (more stats)
 
  • #33
Motifs said:
Math is backgound for sciences and engineering. you learn compsc you need math, if you learn physics, math is also necessary.
Choosing math/compsci or math/physics is up to what you really like, but Do both if you have time is my real suggestion..:biggrin:
Hey, don't tell me that people are doing something different from what I suggest :wink: :biggrin:

I'd try to do both, too. I actually wanted to, but I couldn't take physics, so I opted for geology instead. However, I may get my chance since I might be there an extra year anyway. Might as well take classes that I want to take since I have to be there for my extra one or two classes.
 

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