<p>I plan for one of my majors to be astronomy (my other is biology) and I was wondering what sort of math courses I will have to take and how difficult they will be. Math has always been my weak point, so what will I need to do in order to become stronger in it?</p>
<p>algebra, calculus, physics, ... Math is one discipline where there are different ways to arrive at the correct answer. Knowing that, I recommend you take an online course possibly free at MIT called Discrete Mathematics. Mathematicians believe this course should be taught before Algebra. It will teach you why numbers behave the way they do....understanding that may give you what you need to grasp mathematical concepts. I would also suggest looking at the curriculum for astronomy majors...say at UNC to see what are the prerequisites and math requirements.</p>
<p>So I presume then that Astronomy is basicaly a physics major on overdrive? I took a GE in Astronomy and found the lab portion loaded with math; furthermore my instructor turned out to be a physics professor. Can I therfore safely assume that a major in astronomy would mean that I would mostly be studying math courses?</p>
<p>Astronomy, physics, and math are fundamentally inter-twined.</p>
<p>Math is the language we have chosen to explain the scientific world. Just like you can't have English class without writing essays, you can't have astronomy without doing a lot of math.</p>
<p>All the calculus courses (Calc 1, 2, and 3 at most schools), linear algebra, differential equations, boundary value problems, and some kind of complex analysis. Statistics and computational physics may also be useful. Study, study, study, and ask for help when you need it.</p>
<p>UNC offers only an astronomy minor although they have a selection of astrophysics courses.</p>