<p>I'm a prospective chemistry major trying to decide between Math 21 and 23 this fall. I've taken MV calc and am currently learning linear algebra so handling the material isn't a problem, it's whether the higher difficulty is worth it for someone who knows he's not majoring in math. Any takers?</p>
<p>(I have read the section about 21/23/25/55 on the site but want to hear some student opinions)</p>
<p>Oh, I'm a big fan of taking the hardest math class one can, but that's my only basis for suggesting 23. A chemistry major can't know too much math.</p>
<p>Yeah, I was leaning towards 23 for a long time, but after considering being pre-med and the fact that I want chemistry to be my hardest class (Chem 30 this fall), I've become indecisive lately.</p>
<p>If you've already taken MVCalc and are currently taking LA, I doubt that you should be taking 21, although, from what I understand, it is the most "applied" of the MVCalc/LA sequence and comes in different flavors. Wait until the math placement test to make a decision, talk to students and profs during orientation.</p>
<p>Are you leaning more towards the applied side of chemistry or the theoretical side? If you're more into the abstract, then I'll go for math 23. I know of a chemical engineering PHD student who is doing a thesis that doesn't involve much theoretical math or proofs at all.</p>
<p>21 will probably be review for you, so even though it may be easy, it could end up being a waste of your time. If I were you, I'd take 23.</p>
<p>Consider shopping both classes. It will give you a chance to meet the kids intending to take each one, read this year's syllabus, sit in on a lecture or two, etc. before making a final decision.</p>
<p>21 is, unfortunately, impossible to shop (because it's taught in section, and those aren't assigned until the end of reading period). However, there are a ton of meetings and info sessions during freshman week and shopping period that should help you make your decision.</p>
<p>Also, because of your HS math background, it'd be very easy for you to take 23, and if you decide the workload is too much, to drop into 21 (even though, as far as I know, the 23 and 21 syllabi don't align... 21a is like 21b and so on).</p>
<p>Still split...chem 30 + pre-med + math 23...how intense is math 23, that's what's still bothering me....</p>
<p>Don't you have to take Chem 20 before Chem 30? Or do you already know some orgo? I took orgo at Princeton my first year along with the honors math sequence (more demanding than 23). It was tough and pretty time consuming, but it's definitely doable.</p>
<p>It's only July! No need to worry - just put them both on your shopping list and figure things out in Cambridge.</p>
<p>There are definitely kids who take the kind of courseload you're considering and do well. But a huge chunk (of very very smart kids) take much less demanding classes and put their extra time into doing amazing things, like starting companies, or spreading AIDS awareness in Boston, or who knows what else.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking this question! I was wondering the same thing, since I've taken MVC already...I guess the answer to that'll have to wait until September. Another, though related, question is whether we can take anything other than 21 or 23 (but not a lower course). Is there any need for these to go in sequence, or can I take, possibly, something like calculus-based stats? I've always been interested in a course like this and frankly, I'm quite tired of calculus and diff. eqs.</p>
<p>After talking to an MIT friend about some (relatively big) stuff we're collaborating on this fall/winter as well as me going for the D1 squad (or club...hopefuly not though) I think it will be 21 for me, but just in case...I'll shop it.</p>
<p>if you want to concentrate on chem 30, then i'd suggest 21...23 would take up more time outside class. GPA is more important for pre-meds unfortunately, but the decision is up to you. if you're going to do a D1 sport though, i'd recommend 21 to avoid over-exerting yourself</p>
<p>also, do you need a linear algebra course for your major? if you do, and take 21, you would have to take another sem. of linear algebra that you wouldn't have to if you took 23 (if i recall what someone told me correctly, but it might be diff based on your major), so you might want to look into that and take that into consideration also</p>
<p>Nah, chemistry majors don't need linear algebra from what I've heard...but I'll ask dr. tucci just to make sure.</p>
<p>Quantum mechanics uses a lot of linear algebra, so depending on how in depth you go in physical chemistry, you might need to know it.</p>
<p>^I'm more of a chemical biology person.</p>
<p>Huh, so if you've already taken MVC and linear algebra, does Harvard require us to still take math?</p>
<p>gen ed requirements</p>
<p>Chem concentrators are exempt from the QR requirement
FAS</a> Handbook: Chapter 2: The Core Curriculum Requirement</p>