<p>I just got my AP test results back and I got a 5 on the Calc BC test, which makes me eligible to take math 230 (according to the freshman handbook). I've always been fascinated with math and I've done quite a bit of work with AMC/AIME prep, which has given me a basic familiarity with proofs (lemmas, inductive proofs, casework, proof by contradiction, etc.). I'm the kind of guy that likes to read and reread proofs I find interesting (proof that e^ipi=-1, proof that 1/1+1/4+1/9+1/16=pi^2/6,etc.) for sheer pleasure. I definitely take pleasure in math for its own sake.</p>
<p>I don't think I'm going to major in math, but I find it very probable that I will major in one of the sciences (possibly molecular biology or neuroscience). So I'm wondering how hard/work intensive it is and whether it is interesting or intellectually rewarding.</p>
<p>One of the reviews for math 230 said that the problem sets took 20 hours a week… is that true? because if it is there’s no way I’m gonna take it (I’m also doing directed studies)</p>
<p>Directed Studies is simply three classes that you take. You can thus take one or two more each semester depending upon whether you want to take four or five total</p>
<p>I think the concept is similar (proof-based coverage of multivariable calculus and linear algebra), but Math 55 is far, far more difficult. It covers a lot more material and practically requires that you already have a broad knowledge of multivariable calculus and linear algebra. Yale’s Math 230, by contrast, only “requires” a 5 on the Calc BC test, so I think in that case they assume that you can “start from scratch” with multivariable calc and linear algebra and do okay; not so in Math 55. I have heard that even math olympiad students have struggled with math 55.</p>
<p>I have trouble believing that Math 230 only requires a 5 on the BC exam. I had a couple good friends who took it my freshman year, and both had previously taken multivariable calculus (and linear algebra I think - though I’m not certain). And I know for a fact, having seen their problem sets, that there is absolutely no way I could have done Math 230, despite my 5 on the BC exam and being generally quite good at math.</p>
<p>“Math 230, Vector Calculus and Linear Algebra, is a demanding, year-long course for students with a strong interest in mathematics and a firm command of the techniques and theory of calculus of functions of one variable… Interested students with a score of 5 on the BC Calculus AP test or equivalent preparation are invited to consult the instructor for permission to enroll.”</p>
<p>So you might be right, svalbardlutefisk (I’ve never seen the problem sets), but Yale seems to think that mastery of Calc BC is sufficient preparation. Then again, maybe they’re being overly optimistic.</p>
<p>D1 is a rising sophomore. She did DS + math 230 + music theory (second level music theory since she took the placement test) for the first semester and DS + math 230 + microecon (not the entrance level econ since she did APs of micro and macro econs in high school) for the second semester. She compared math230 with math 55 and thought they were not that much different in the sense of difficulty. She did not have any multivariable calculus and linear algebra in high school. Math 230 is proof-based multivariable calculus and linear algebra. D1 will not be a math major. Based on her experience, it was doable. I dont think that she had any real joking classes. She did have quite bit of experience with AMC/AIME in high school.</p>
<p>S finished hs math in 9th grade and took multivariable, diff equations, linear algebra, but took them at local colleges where the material wasn’t fully covered, so wants to take them at Yale. He might major in math/app math/econ or math & econ. But he doesn’t have experience with proofs. Can any math majors weigh in on whether math 230 would be ok for him? Thanks!</p>