Honors Math

<p>samwise- iit varies. Usually in the middle of 2nd semester, sometimes a little earlier. But there really is no "Calc III" part.... its blended in with linear algebra.
Why not take a Diff Eq course in summer, and Calc III in fall?</p>

<p>chibearsfan- There are many types of applied math. Some in combinatorial theory, financial math, game theory, algorithms, other in PDE, other in ODE apps....so, I'll give you what most do- generally for honors major with interest in applied math. Still take 295-396; it will make the rest of your classes easier, and provides a good base for applied math. </p>

<p>What do you want to do?</p>

<p>Well, I want to take the 295-396 sequence, so unless I enroll in two math courses next fall I won't be able to take calc 3. I've already learned div, grad, curl, strokes, etc. through Purcell for E+M and now through "Div, Grad, and Curl: An informal text on vector calculus," but I'd still like some formal coursework in the subject. I think the best idea is just to take both over the summer, shouldn't be a big deal. And if linear algebra is introduced in 296 that will be good, so I can take quantum mechanics my sophmore year.</p>

<p>bisbis, I'm not quite sure what I want to do but all of the things u described like game theory and combinatorial theory, etc is really what I enjoy. I am also considering an honors stats major/minor. Anyone know if that can be done as well without me going nuts? As far as careers, I was considering things like research, financial math, or teaching and coaching for ARML, AMC, etc. I really love problem solving and competition, those are my two main passions in math, so I'm sure how you can see that those jobs fit my interests.</p>

<p>Freshmen Year (1st semester):
MTH 295
Math 423 Mathematics of Finance</p>

<p>Freshmen Year (2nd semester):
MTH 296
Math 286 Honors Differential Equations</p>

<p>Sophomore Year (1st semester):
MTH 395
MTH 289- Problem Solving Seminar (i.e. Putnam prep)
ECON 409- Game Theory</p>

<p>Sophomore Year (2nd semester):
MTH 396
MTH 555- Complex Variables
Math 566: Intro to Combinatorial Theory</p>

<p>Junior Year (1st semester):
MTH 512- Linear Algebra
MTH 525- Probability Theory
Math 664 Combinatorial Theory I</p>

<p>Junior Year (2nd semester):
MTH 513- Algebraic Structures (basically advanced modern algebra)
Math 665 Combinatorial Theory II
Mathematics 623: Computational Finance</p>

<p>Senior Year (1st semester):
Math 556: Methods of Applied Math I
Math 571: Numerical Methods for Scientific Computing I
Math 596: Analysis I (Complex)</p>

<p>Senior Year (2nd semester):
Math 597: Analysis II (Real)
Math 557: Methods of Applied Math II
Math 572: Numerical Methods for Scientific Computing II</p>

<p>Yes, it is very possible to get a major in Honors Stats as well. Take 3 classes in Stats each year until junior year. In senior year, take another Stat class, and do your thesis.</p>

<p>OK, because I know how people were saying it would be really hard to double major in honors math and honors physics, so I thought the same might be true for stats. Was I wrong? Also, would it be wise to take the problem solving seminar multiple times just because I love competition and when I get to uMich I'm going to try to make a really strong Putnam team because they haven't had a great one since 2000 I believe. It says it's only once a week, so it wouldn't be really hard or repetitive to take it every year would it? Also, I've heard that the honors math program is about 20-30 students per class. How large is honors stats in relation?</p>

<p>"Also, would it be wise to take the problem solving seminar multiple times just because I love competition and when I get to uMich I'm going to try to make a really strong Putnam team because they haven't had a great one since 2000 I believe. "</p>

<p>Me too! And I'm wondering if we can take the seminar our freshman year, when I'll probably be at my strongest problem solving state.</p>

<p>Look on the brightside chibearsfan17, if randomdad's son comes to UM and takes the Putnam, that's going to be a gigantic advantage.</p>

<p>I know, right? That's why I'm prayin that him and others like him decide on U of M over antisocial nerd fest....I mean MIT. I was also thinking about the seminar for freshman year but I figure that it requires some multivariable and things of that nature that the normal frosh hasn't covered. I might be nerdy and show up anyways just to learn new stuff. Why are you going to be at your problem solving peak when you enter freshman year? I plan on being at my very lowest then and getting to be amazing over my 4 years with smart people finally. You did a USAMO too or something like that, didn't you tetrahedr0n? Well, I know you're only a junior, but commit to uMich now cuz we're gonna need you!</p>

<p>Sadly, the state of Michigan only had 3 USAMO qualifiers this year, a soph, a junior, and a senior. If by some miracle the senior (Jeffrey Madsen) attends U of M, we'll be in the money. Who knows, maybe that's randomdad's son.</p>

<p>Holy crap, a kid from my 8th grade math class (we went to the local high school) made USAMO and he's really smart and I actually heard he was considering uMich. Another possible candidate....</p>

<p>Jeff is not randomdad's son (he is a 2-time USAMOer, this year and 4 years ago.) I don't really know where he's going to college, but I could ask him at the ARML pracices. I personally didn't qualify for USAMO, but I've been close before (I needed another AIME point last year, and this year I had the highest possible non-qualifying score :().</p>

<p>Well tetrahedr0n, I'm definitely not as skilled as you in mathematics competition...yet. I didnt know what an AMC, AIME, or ARML was until a few months ago and I'm a senior, haha. I love math though and I hope I can make up for lost time at uMich. Hey, what's your AIM sn?</p>

<p>it is, unsurprisingly, "tetrahedr0n".</p>

<p>And skill is all very relative - I just love math and enjoy problem solving. And I'm really looking forward to college where we'll have a supportive math environment with interested people and teachers instead of ughh... my hs math class.</p>

<p>Take the Putnam seminar as much as you want. You only meet once a week, an hour, I think. But I don't know too much about U of M's putnam team. Its just that most people don't take it in frosh year (not enough knowledge), and mostly sophomores take it. Some juniors and seniors take it, but most concentrate on research. Thus, most only take it once. I might be wrong, my brother never had this course (more applied), never cared for prob. solving.
Chibears..... stats has a <em>lot</em> of overlap with applied math, much more so than physics. Probably 5 or so courses shared. Its much easier (saves a semester). No idea about class sizes.</p>

<p>You guys are making me want to go to U of M! My brother went, and I want to go somewhere else (Hopefully MIT), but I am getting hyped up reading this thread! I also want to do Putnam, but I was not in the Top 50 in MMPC this year (51- 100), so I suck. U of M'll have a good team in two years or so. (Its rare for freshmen to be on the team, but again, I'm not to sure on the Putnam stuff.</p>

<p>Bisbis, if you can get into Cal, MIT, Princeton, Harvard or Stanford, go for it...but otherwise, I really recommend Michigan for Mathematics. Michigan is considered one of the top 10 math programs in the nation. I would recommend it as highly as Yale, Chicago or CalTech.</p>

<p>bisbis12, the Putnam team is 3 people designated by the college, but anyone can take the competition. Its just that a college team's score is the sum of the 3 scores. Typically freshmen are obviously not part of this 3 person team. Take Princeton last year for example - freshman Ana Caraiani was a fellow (top 5 scores, and she was reportedly the top score) but wasn't on the team.</p>

<p>Of course, this year...</p>

<p>tetra - you are correct. Jeff is not my son. We are out of state.</p>

<p>Again, S has not decided yet - probably will not do so until after USAMO. </p>

<p>Mom and dad hope he will decide by the following Friday - and we will all go out to dinner to celebrate.</p>

<p>Good luck to your son on the USAMO. Perhaps he'll be spending the summer traveling to wherever this year's IMO is.</p>

<p>Yes, and if your son does select Michigan, please post after the dinner so we can have a celebration here too!</p>

<h2>While I usually hate reviving dead threads, some ammendments are needed.</h2>

<p>
[quote]
Yes, the problems are HARD. I was looking over my brother's 295 HW....all problems were from Spivak, plus a couple others. Every single one of them was a proof..... I felt ashamed I couldn't understand any of it all.... he had spent 20 hours every week on it, (I'm glad I used to live by Ann Arbor, everything was so easy to observe... no dorms for him). Well, that's why it is honors, I guess. I'd recommend repeating them, I guess even if you are good at math. DON'T skip 295/296!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Perhaps the professor this year gives less homework than previous instructors have, because I do not know anyone who does 20 hours of homework. At most homework takes five hours. You have a week to do problem sets, which consist of approximately five to ten problems. In each pset there is a challenging problem or two. However, if you work in a group, then problem sets are a breeze. I went to a group study thing once, and the pset took around 1/4 the time. Also, many students had the foresight to purchase the answer book on Amazon. Unfortunately I did not pick it up then, and it is selling used now for $700 (retail is $45, so if you're taking the class buy it retail as soon as you can). Couple groups + answer book and homework is not an issue.</p>

<p>There are approximately thirty students, but halfway through the semester only half of them show up in class (except for Monday, which is when we turn in homework and get it back, and and the days after and preceding a midterm :P).</p>

<p>I think the students who find the class extremely challenging are those who enter without any proof experience, and I do not mean USAMO level.</p>

<p>sonar, which edition of Spivak do you use? I have the first edition (and the answer book for it), so I was hoping that I don't need to upgrade next year.</p>

<p>Are the problems on the psets all from the book? Does your course mostly cover the book, or are there frequent deviations?</p>