Which courses should I take this semester?

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Lanza52
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Courses Semester
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on course selection for a mathematics curriculum, specifically the decision between taking Differential Equations (DE) or Matrix Theory (Linear Algebra 1). The participant is currently enrolled in General Chemistry 1, General Physics 1, Calculus with AG 3, and Differential Equations. They are considering dropping DE for Matrix Theory, as Linear Algebra provides essential tools for understanding both Differential Equations and Calculus 2/3. The consensus suggests that taking Linear Algebra and Differential Equations concurrently in a later semester is beneficial, as they complement each other effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Calculus concepts, particularly Calculus 1 and 2
  • Familiarity with Differential Equations and their applications
  • Basic knowledge of Linear Algebra, including matrix operations
  • Awareness of academic scheduling and course prerequisites at your institution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum requirements for your mathematics degree
  • Explore the relationship between Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
  • Investigate the scheduling of upper-division math courses at your institution
  • Learn about the applications of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) in advanced mathematics
USEFUL FOR

Students pursuing a mathematics degree, academic advisors, and anyone involved in course planning for STEM disciplines.

Lanza52
Messages
63
Reaction score
0
Hey guys!

I'm currently scheduled to take General Chemistry 1 w/ lab, General Physics 1 w/ lab, Calculus w/ AG 3 and Differential Equations this semester. But I was reading on a site that Linear Algebra teaches you tools that are very useful when learning DE and Calc 2/3. So I'm considering dropping DE and taking Matrix Theory (my University's LA 1.)

Does this sound like a solid plan? Or should I stick with DE. I'd take them both, but that would put me above the credit maximum for my school =/

As a side note, quality of professor isn't too much of a worry. I tend to do most of my learning on my own regardless of the professor.

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, what about dropping Calc 3 instead? Which combo of two classes would be most beneficial?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
At the CC I'm going to now, we take all Calculus first and then Linear Algebra and DE in the same final semester.
 
It depends entirely on your school, really. At my school, virtually every upper-division math course (that is, everything after and including Linear Algebra) is offered once per semester, one semester per year. Thus, if you miss a class, you need to wait another year to take it again. Because of that, I took my first course in Linear Algebra alongside Calculus III last Spring and took Differential Equations in the Summer so I could take PDEs over the Fall. Do you have any similar restrictions?

If not, I'd recommend taking Linear Algebra and Differential Equations concurrently in a later semester, since they complement each other nicely and Calc III is still quite fundamental.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
Replies
41
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K