- #1
ephedyn
- 169
- 1
Background: I'm a freshman physics major, and I noticed that I have a time conflict between these 2 pairs of introductory classes that I want to take, and they are only offered once in 2 years, so I will like some opinion on which I should take:
1. graph theory OR continuum mechanics
2. statistical mechanics OR numerical analysis of ODEs and PDEs
The graph theory class is using a book by Chartrand; the continuum mechanics class is taught without a reference text; the statistical mechanics class is taught from a book by ; the numerical analysis class is taught using a book by R. L. Burden;
My heart tells me to go for numerical analysis because I haven't had any computing classes yet, and this gives me good reason to touch up on my programming ability while doing coursework; and gives me a more employable skill than statistical mechanics.
The issue is, I've already taken more than enough mathematics classes for my physics degree requirements and even a minor in mathematics. There are more interesting math classes coming up ahead: graduate algebra etc. Call it bad planning but I really enjoy taking these extra math classes; at the same time, I'm told it's no point doing a double major in math since I'm planning to go to grad school for physics.
This is where graph theory comes in. I know that graph theory has many applications, in computer science, electrical engineering, and simply as a research area. But these don't seem relevant to my immediate interests/internships/jobs that I am applying for. However - I will need graph theory to graduate with a math major!
Which brings me to where continuum mechanics bothers me... It's being taught by a great professor, it is a very useful class, and I will be building on my background in mechanics, statics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, ODEs, PDEs etc. instead of having a standalone in graph theory. But it's another useful class which will not contribute to my graduation requirements!
To put it short:
- If I were to assume I'm going double in math and prioritize graduation requirements, I'd take graph theory + numerical analysis.
- If I stick to a pure physics major, and prioritize graduation requirements, I'd take ? and statistical mechanics.
- If I were to go for the more useful classes for employability first, I *think* continuum mechanics AND numerical analysis is the way to go.
Which combination would you choose?
1. graph theory OR continuum mechanics
2. statistical mechanics OR numerical analysis of ODEs and PDEs
The graph theory class is using a book by Chartrand; the continuum mechanics class is taught without a reference text; the statistical mechanics class is taught from a book by ; the numerical analysis class is taught using a book by R. L. Burden;
My heart tells me to go for numerical analysis because I haven't had any computing classes yet, and this gives me good reason to touch up on my programming ability while doing coursework; and gives me a more employable skill than statistical mechanics.
The issue is, I've already taken more than enough mathematics classes for my physics degree requirements and even a minor in mathematics. There are more interesting math classes coming up ahead: graduate algebra etc. Call it bad planning but I really enjoy taking these extra math classes; at the same time, I'm told it's no point doing a double major in math since I'm planning to go to grad school for physics.
This is where graph theory comes in. I know that graph theory has many applications, in computer science, electrical engineering, and simply as a research area. But these don't seem relevant to my immediate interests/internships/jobs that I am applying for. However - I will need graph theory to graduate with a math major!
Which brings me to where continuum mechanics bothers me... It's being taught by a great professor, it is a very useful class, and I will be building on my background in mechanics, statics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, ODEs, PDEs etc. instead of having a standalone in graph theory. But it's another useful class which will not contribute to my graduation requirements!
To put it short:
- If I were to assume I'm going double in math and prioritize graduation requirements, I'd take graph theory + numerical analysis.
- If I stick to a pure physics major, and prioritize graduation requirements, I'd take ? and statistical mechanics.
- If I were to go for the more useful classes for employability first, I *think* continuum mechanics AND numerical analysis is the way to go.
Which combination would you choose?
