difficulty of math courses

[letsgetaway]

I'm switching my major from Biology to Computer Science. The CS degree is a BS only with two options: Science or Accounting option. I plan to do the science option, but it requires a minor in math. Therefore I have to take math for the next few years. lol I don't want to even think about how many I have left. I just want to get it over with. But my question is, of the following classes, if you have taken one or several of them, which ones do you rank as easy, intermediate, and difficult? I'm not a math genius myself. But if I don't have to cram stuff (which I'll never take a summer math again) I usually come out of every math class with a B or better. I am good at self-teaching. Precalculus at the moment is the highest level of math I've completed.

These are the following courses I have to complete. I've tried looking at the library and going through some math books. The library in my town is small so the topics were limited to statistics/probability, calculus I, precalculus, and elementary algebra.

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Courses
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Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Calculus 3
Linear Algebra
Discrete Math
Probability
Statistics

I'd love to hear anyone's opinion on these courses. Thanks y'all!



By the way, since every university varies classes like math, here's the math course catalog for my school: http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/nsm/math_courses.html

 

[daon]

Another CS major aboard, eh? I'm majoring in CS as well (and math) and have taken all but one of those classes--they go by quick, believe me.

Here is how I found the difficulty of these classes from least to most difficult (keep in mind it is assumed you take them in the order you listed):

Statistics - Mostly memorization, but a bit of work
Calculus 1 - Memorization/Some application--Its a new idea to many, so it takes getting used to.
Discrete Math - A little different than what you're used to (not only real numbers anymore!). Shouldn't be too bad.
Linear Algebra - A lot of application/projects/work. Several new ideas to learn.
Calculus 3 - Basic multivariable calculus, many topics to cover. Some of what you learned in Linear Algebra.
Calculus 2 - A LOT of topics covered, a lot of reading and homework may be needed here. Make sure you know ALL Calc. 1 material very well.

I'm taking an upper-level Probability class this semester. Anywho, its important to CS majors to expecially focus on theory mathematics. Discrete math will probably be your first Analysis-like course, and then you'll likely take a Modern Algebra course a little later. It will be necessary to prove things in later CS courses (Algorithms a big one), so get your proof structure to a T. Good luck in your studies!

-Daon

 

[letsgetaway]

Thanks for the insight on these courses. I'm taking Calculus I right now. I don't have a opinion of it yet since last week was my first week in the class. I'm going to pass it for sure. I didn't say I wouldn't come close to losing my mind first. LOL j/k :lol: