- #1
zheng89120
- 139
- 0
I am undecided between these two for 2012 spring term (my last semester hopefully)
Which should I take: Abstract Algebra vs 4th year lab (non-thesis) course?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for selecting between an Abstract Algebra course and a 4th year Specialist Physics Laboratory course for the upcoming spring term. Participants explore the implications of each choice in relation to the participant's academic background and future interests, particularly in physics and plasma physics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about the decision, indicating it is a personal choice that requires more context about the participant's program and interests.
- Another participant suggests that the lab course may provide unique experiences that cannot be replicated after university, contrasting this with the accessibility of learning abstract algebra independently later on.
- A participant describes the content of the Abstract Algebra course, highlighting topics such as rings, fields, and modular arithmetic, while also noting the potential lack of direct applicability to a physics career.
- Concerns are raised about the workload, with the lab course requiring significantly more time commitment compared to the Abstract Algebra course.
- Some participants find abstract algebra interesting but question its utility for a physicist, suggesting that the lab course may be more beneficial for practical experience.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the value of each course, with no consensus reached. Some favor the lab for its practical applications, while others see merit in studying abstract algebra for its theoretical insights.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the lack of information about the participant's overall academic trajectory and how each course fits into their future plans, which complicates the decision-making process.
- #2
DivisionByZro
- 250
- 1
How is anyone supposed to help you with such little information? This is a choice you need to make. Not knowing what the lab is, I'd take abstract algebra, but again, we don't even know what program you're in.
- #3
zheng89120
- 139
- 0
i'm taking physics honors, with a research interest in plasma physics, thanks
- #4
epenguin
Science Advisor
- 3,638
- 1,014
We have no idea of your other studies and interests and where this fits in, but 10:1 I would take the lab. Because I have never taken a course in abstract algebra, yet I know some and could easily know more if I needed or wanted to. All I need to do is get a book called 'Abstract Algebra' (in my case read the ones I've got 
). Any time in life. But I will never again after uni be able to follow that lab course, a certain reality from them remain with me when I answer some questions here.
And BTW I think the main thing about abstract algebra is the spirit. It is quite amusing for a bit to prove from minimal postulates that x - x = 0, etc. in some structures, and realize that it is not a necessary assumption, nor perhaps so obvious as it seems, but after a bit I found each algebraic structure was more of much the same thing.
And then if you have for applications to pursue the most useful ones like groups or vector spaces do they call it abstract algebra any more, don't they just call them group theory or vector spaces?
Edit: while writing you posted and I have no doubts now, the lab.
). Any time in life. But I will never again after uni be able to follow that lab course, a certain reality from them remain with me when I answer some questions here. And BTW I think the main thing about abstract algebra is the spirit. It is quite amusing for a bit to prove from minimal postulates that x - x = 0, etc. in some structures, and realize that it is not a necessary assumption, nor perhaps so obvious as it seems, but after a bit I found each algebraic structure was more of much the same thing.
Edit: while writing you posted and I have no doubts now, the lab.
- #5
zheng89120
- 139
- 0
hey, in case you need more information, the course descriptions are:
MATH-210*/0.5 Rings and Fields 3L
Integers, polynomials, modular arithmetic, rings, ideals, homomorphisms, quotient rings, division algorithm, greatest common divisors, Euclidean domains, unique factorization, fields, finite fields.
vs.
PHYS-453*/0.5 Specialist Physics Laboratory 6P
To provide students in the SSP degree programs with experience in a range of advanced experiments and techniques. Four experiments are performed selected from, for example, pure and applied nuclear physics, Mössbauer spectroscopy, fluid mechanics, optics, magnetic resonance, quantum effects in the solid state, superconductivity, and superfluidity.
this is a tough choice, because although the lab is more of what a physicist especially in PP, like to be involved in, I'm also inclined to take a lighter course since this is somewhat an elective choice - and the lab course would apparently take 6 hours a weeks of in lab time vs 3 hours for abstract algebra
MATH-210*/0.5 Rings and Fields 3L
Integers, polynomials, modular arithmetic, rings, ideals, homomorphisms, quotient rings, division algorithm, greatest common divisors, Euclidean domains, unique factorization, fields, finite fields.
vs.
PHYS-453*/0.5 Specialist Physics Laboratory 6P
To provide students in the SSP degree programs with experience in a range of advanced experiments and techniques. Four experiments are performed selected from, for example, pure and applied nuclear physics, Mössbauer spectroscopy, fluid mechanics, optics, magnetic resonance, quantum effects in the solid state, superconductivity, and superfluidity.
this is a tough choice, because although the lab is more of what a physicist especially in PP, like to be involved in, I'm also inclined to take a lighter course since this is somewhat an elective choice - and the lab course would apparently take 6 hours a weeks of in lab time vs 3 hours for abstract algebra
- #6
- 22,170
- 3,333
zheng89120 said:
Lol at thinking of abstract algebra as a "lighter choice"
Abstract algebra is extremely interesting, but it will perhaps not be as useful to a physicist. I think the lab will be way more useful to you.