How hard are these college math courses???

[Hoeboy]

From personal experiences or from what you've heard, how hard are these math courses? They sound not too bad. I think only one or two of the course makes you write your own proof.

MATH 233 ? Fundamental Concepts for Advanced Mathematics (3)
MATH 247 ? Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 310 ? History of Early Mathematics (3)
MATH 341 ? Number Theory (3)
MATH 347 ? Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 355 ? College Geometry (3)
MATH 361A ? Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I (3)
MATH 361B ? Introduction to Mathematical Analysis II (3)
MATH 364A ? Ordinary Differential Equations I (3)
MATH 380 ? Probability and Statistics (3)
MATH 381 ? Mathematical Statistics (3)
MATH 410 ? History of Modern Mathematics (3)
MATH 444 ? Introduction to Abstract Algebra (3)

 

[CanOWorms]

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are OK.

 

[Marty]

The difficlty of math classes is going to vary widely depending on what university you attend, the name by itself is almost meaningless since you can take almost any concept and push it to its extremes and end up with a difficult course.

Marty

 

[silverpig]

Differential equations is relatively easy, but I had problems with honour lin alg. If you take the intro, then the actual course, you shouldn't have any problems.

Probability and stats is hard, but that's cause I've always sucked at probability.

 

[Hoeboy]

<<The difficlty of math classes is going to vary widely depending on what university you attend, the name by itself is almost meaningless since you can take almost any concept and push it to its extremes and end up with a difficult course.>>

Well that can be said about any course, not just math. Actually with math it's a bit easier to gauge the difficulty level. Algebra is obviously easier than calculus for example.

 

[JohnnyReb]

MATH 233 ? Fundamental Concepts for Advanced Mathematics (3)
MATH 247 ? Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 310 ? History of Early Mathematics (3)
MATH 341 ? Number Theory (3)
MATH 347 ? Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 355 ? College Geometry (3)
MATH 361A ? Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I (3)
MATH 361B ? Introduction to Mathematical Analysis II (3)
MATH 364A ? Ordinary Differential Equations I (3)
MATH 380 ? Probability and Statistics (3)
MATH 381 ? Mathematical Statistics (3)
MATH 410 ? History of Modern Mathematics (3)
MATH 444 ? Introduction to Abstract Algebra (3)

If you get thru these, you will learn a great deal outside of the course content. I would hope that MTH233 would be a into to Mathematical Logic. MTH341 will be a lot of proofs, good stuff! MTH380/381 will be hogwash, this isn't really mathematics and will give you some really bad thought patterns. Get thru them, but learn as little as possible.

The course content seems a bit light for a BS. Is this a Math Education Degree? If it is, consider getting the Math degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and getting a masters in education. If this IS Arts & Sciences, then I would suggest a different University or a more intensive course selection. There is a lot more to college than graduating. A good education is it's own reward.

John

 

[Hoeboy]

<<If you get thru these, you will learn a great deal outside of the course content. I would hope that MTH233 would be a into to Mathematical Logic. MTH341 will be a lot of proofs, good stuff! MTH380/381 will be hogwash, this isn't really mathematics and will give you some really bad thought patterns. Get thru them, but learn as little as possible.

The course content seems a bit light for a BS. Is this a Math Education Degree? If it is, consider getting the Math degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and getting a masters in education. If this IS Arts & Sciences, then I would suggest a different University or a more intensive course selection. There is a lot more to college than graduating. A good education is it's own reward.>>


What do you mean by a great deal outside of the course content? And yeah this is for a Math Education Degree. And yeah it's from the Math and Science department If it is lightwork then good. I abandoned Civil Engineering because it was TOO much work (60+ units left). I really want to teach elementary kids anyways so this is good. I want to finish college as soon as possible although I do agree that an education is it's own reward. But at this point in my life, I am really tired of school and I have no motivation to really go for a masters or anything really intensive. I will only dig my own grave if I force myself to. Maybe later in life but for now, something light, easy, and fast will do.

 

[Random Variable]

Ordinary differential equations (ODE) was hard for me, but I'm sure it's not nearly as difficult as a class on partial differential equations (PDE).

Oh, and what's abstract algebra?

 

[JohnnyReb]

What do you mean by a great deal outside of the course content?

Mathematics is possibly the most efficient path to learn how to think. Learning mathematical logic will open your eyes to a whole new world. There will be a great deal of initial discomfort as you restructure the way you think. Don't shy away from the proofs!

Good Luck!

 

[silverpig]

How do you figure probability is hogwash? You're dealing mostly with integrals, series etc... Almost all of higher physics is based on probability...

 

[Hoeboy]

What does ordinary differential equations consist of anyways? Does it just take differentiation from Calculus a step higher?

The real kicker is that these classes are gonna cost me more book wise. Math books are rip offs!

 

[b0mbrman]

<< Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are OK. >>


Yep...no problem at all

 

[JohnnyReb]

How do you figure probability is hogwash? You're dealing mostly with integrals, series etc... Almost all of higher physics is based on probability...

Probability and Statistics. At the core of these disciplines is vapor. There's nothing there. You can't KNOW anything. From the standpoint of Classic Mathematical Logic it's not mathematics. I was kind when I referred to these as hogwash. There may be value in these "out there somewhere" but not in the development of a mathematical mindset.

For the curious I recommend Proof, Logic, and Conjecture : The Mathematician's Toolbox by Robert S. Wolf.

From the Author:
This book is primarily a textbook for upper-division college math and computer science students. But I have made a real effort to make it easy and enjoyable to read, without an instructor. If you are curious about what math really IS and what it really means to DO math, this book could be enlightening and a pleasure for you to read! Even curious high school students should be able to read and absorb most of this book.