<p>quicksilver, I've thought the same thing. I think in today's world knowledge of CS is a vital complement to math.
after all, current work in math modeling isn't done with pencils and plastic calculators.</p>
<p>right now I'm considering taking up a "concentration in Computer Science" within my math major, although I do find learning CS theory a bit difficult.</p>
<p>Good for you, foxdie!</p>
<p>I hate to sound preachy, but I do think it's a shame when anybody who studies science dismisses the relevance of other branches of science. I know several physicists who don't like admitting that math or chemistry are worth studying, and I know plenty of CS people who don't seem to care about the underlying math. I mean, I wouldn't even care so much about my people not knowing about stuff, if it weren't for the fact that they were using it so extensively. An analogy for you might be a comp. scientists and an industrial engineer using fluxions for calculus work. Or a CS major and a MechE professor doing research in blood flow and working under the assumption that there are 4 humors, etc., etc. I know that sounds comical, but in my mind, the difference isn't as big as one might expect.</p>
<p>But again, good for you. I hope that works out for you. BTW, how much CS theory do you have to take for a CS concentration? Just curious.</p>
<p>not alot. since the concentration is part of the math major, there is an emphasis on scientific computation and numerical analysis. the theory course one would have to take is 'the science of programming': </p>
<p>"The practical development of correct programs based on the conscious application of principles that are derived from a mathematical notion of program correctness. In addition, related ideas in algorithmic problem solving are explored."</p>
<p>What if you like solving equations and derivitives and stuff like that, no proofs/theory. What kind of math related major would that lead you to?</p>
<p>well you need to do <em>some</em> theory, otherwise that would not be an education- just rote application of ideas/repetition of logical steps.</p>
<p>but if you want to <em>focus</em> more on applying the knowlede you learn, then you could major in applied math- but you would still have to take linear algebra with proofs, a modern analysis class with proofs, other math classes with more minimal proofs reqs.</p>
<p>proofs are important- without that math is just complicated arithmetic- but there are definitely options available...</p>
<p>Is statistics also proof-based? I'm not completely against proofs, I wouldn't mind doing some, but I honestly wouldn't want proofs to take up the majority of my time. Idk.</p>
<p>whats real analysis is sorta confused. calculus is analysis isnt it not sure what you mean by "real". The schol i go to is average at best no "real analysis" class only 1 class that has the word analysis in the title which is numerical analysis description is : ... Fixed-point and floating-point arithmetic; analysis of errors; numerical solution of algebraic and transcendental equations and systems of linear equations ...</p>
<p>'real analysis' just refers to high level calculus of real numbers with proofs (as opposed to say complex analysis with complex numbers), usually taken after multivariable calculus and linear algebra. It's a common class that usually all math majors are required to complete. Sometimes it goes by the name "modern analysis" or just "intro to analysis"- essentially the next analysis class after multivariable.</p>
<p>numerical analysis seems like a very useful/interesting class that uses programmig (algorithms) to solve problems in analysis, focusing on solving practical problems by approximating answers (I haven't taken it myself though).</p>
<p>How about accounting???? lots of jobs. Math majors are generally gifted in math to the extent that the SAT portion was fairly easy.</p>
<p>I'm a math major at RPI. no real analysis is required, but "foundations of analysis" is. I decided recently that I'm gona become an actuary!</p>
<p>@dsliva: Probably "foundation of analysis" at your school is real analysis since from what I know all math majors have to take real analysis. Some schools call it "advanced calculus," but I prefer "real analysis" since it's more specific and accurate about what the subject is about.
@coyn2burglar: I think upper division statistics courses have lots of proofs. I heard that from a professor, but I haven't actually taken one yet.
@atlmom: for accounting, you don't need proof-based math courses. I think the highest math courses for accounting majors are the first two introductory calculus classes 1&2.</p>
<p>I plann to take numerical analysis, but I have neither programming knowledge nor Mathlab. I learned Pascal when I was in high school, and it was pretty much useless since I don't remember anything. I only know some basic stuff in Mathematica, but I guess it doesn't help much. So I don't know if that's gonna be a challenge for me to take a numerical analysis course.</p>
<p>What will my Vector Analysis, Introduction to Complex Analysis courses look like? Physics major, btw.</p>
<p>RE: Proofs in statistics</p>
<p>Yes, there are some proof in statistics classes, but not a lot, and most are pretty relevant. Statistics is a wonderful area of applied math, much more interesting than pure math and very practical in terms of employment. The President of the American Statistical Association recently wrote about the latter and the increase in undergrad majors in stat:</p>
<p>@shackleford: you can read about Complex Analysis here <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_analysis%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_analysis</a>
Are you going for for your master degree in physics? I have a friend majoring in physics, but he doesn't have to take complex analysis. He's an undergrad.</p>
<p>Passionate,</p>
<p>Well, I noticed that the Intro. to Complex Analysis course is a requirement for a Master's in Physics, so I decided I could take it as an elective now and get it out of the way.</p>
<p>Math is really all about the technicalities, especially at the advanced undergraduate level. And most of the time you are not researching numbers, but abstract ideas. If you are not very much into that, you will not enjoy majoring in math.</p>
<p>But all may not be lost. One option might be to major in something non-mathematical, but take some courses in areas of interesting, mathematically oriented subjects, such as logic, probability,discrete math, or liberal arts oriented science courses like general astronomy or physics for poets.</p>
<p>Another might be to major in a field which uses math, but which does not require you to be a mathematician. Now , there is still a lot of "technicality" involved, but perhaps the level of math in these area might be just the right amount for you. These fields include economics and industrial.</p>
<p>i gonna be a math major</p>
<p>physics for poets roflmaoo</p>
<p>Roses are red
Violets are blue
Gravity attracts
And so do you <3</p>
<p>^lol! That sounds like a fun class for me! Except that I dislike poetry :P</p>