Would this course load be manageable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the manageability of a proposed course load for a semester, which includes language, mathematics, and physics courses. Participants share their experiences and perspectives on the difficulty of the courses involved, touching on aspects of language acquisition, mathematical rigor, and the complexity of physics topics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confidence in managing the proposed course load, citing previous success with similar courses.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the potential challenges of Chinese 1, depending on individual language learning abilities.
  • A participant shares their experience with Linear Algebra, noting that their course focused heavily on proofs and advanced topics, which may not be typical for introductory courses.
  • One participant currently enrolled in the same courses finds the problem-solving course demanding, requiring extensive time and effort to complete assignments.
  • Another participant emphasizes the interrelation between Linear Algebra, ODE, and Calculus 3, suggesting that prior knowledge in these areas aids in understanding Linear Algebra.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for Modern Physics, highlighting its engaging content and the awe it inspires.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the manageability of the course load. While some feel confident about handling the courses, others express concerns about specific subjects and their demands.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences with language acquisition and mathematical rigor vary significantly, indicating that individual backgrounds may influence perceptions of course difficulty. The discussion reflects a range of expectations and experiences with the courses mentioned.

John Jacke
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Last semester I took Physics 2, Calc 3, a lab course, and ODE. This was easy to do for me because I studied often.

This semester I will take:

1. Chinese 1 (required)
2. Linear Algebra
3. Modern Physics
4. Physics problem solving (a drill of advanced multi-step calc-based physics problems from classical mechanics and E&M)
5. Intro. to modern astrophysics

Do you think this is too much? I know Chinese so I'm not worried about that course. The problem solving course is basically both general physics 1 and 2 combined from sophomore year and then topped with an increase in difficulty.
 
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I see Chinese 1 can pose a problem, depending on what is expected from you, and if you are able to pick up languages easily. I took Arabic, and it was hard for me. I already knew Spanish/English, due to me being Mexican American. I ended up going to Arabic 4, which is four semesters at my school. I am not good at learning languages.

Linear Algebra can also be difficult. My course focused solely on proofs, we did isomorphism and jordan canonical forms. I do not think these topics are normal for an introduction to Linear Algebra. Some linear algebra courses are plug and chug. It is the first mathematics course, were watching only videos can not get you a good grade. You have to read the assigned textbook, reread it, reference another book, and cry, then rinse and repeat.

Modern Physics was easier than Electromagnetism for me.
 
I'm taking this course load now. I think its fine. I don't exactly know what's been going on in linear algebra because I have been spending all my time in the problem solving course. The problem solving course requires me to do 8 physics problems which are basically based on general physics 1 and 2 on steroids. It's aim is to basically force us to master all of that content. We have a week to turn in this assignment and it usually ends up being 20 pages long taking on average 10 hours to complete. Anyway I think linear algebra is almost a mix of ODE and Calc 3. I think because I took those courses and especially Calc 3 this class is very simple to understand. Modern physics is amazing and we just learn about crazy dang every day. I walk out of there and am awestruck. Today we learned Q&M formally, we went over the Heisenberg uncertainty principle mathematically/conceptually, and learned about Schrödinger's cat.
 
John Jacke said:
I'm taking this course load now. I think its fine. I don't exactly know what's been going on in linear algebra because I have been spending all my time in the problem solving course. The problem solving course requires me to do 8 physics problems which are basically based on general physics 1 and 2 on steroids. It's aim is to basically force us to master all of that content. We have a week to turn in this assignment and it usually ends up being 20 pages long taking on average 10 hours to complete. Anyway I think linear algebra is almost a mix of ODE and Calc 3. I think because I took those courses and especially Calc 3 this class is very simple to understand.

Really don't understand how you can do a proper course in ODE without taking LA first, or C3 for that matter.

Modern physics is amazing and we just learn about crazy **** every day. I walk out of there and am awestruck. Today we learned Q&M formally, we went over the Heisenberg uncertainty principle mathematically/conceptually, and learned about Schrödinger's cat.

I would ask for my money back.

Not a dig on you, don't interpert it that way.
 

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