<p>I imagine there are alteast a few people around here who have taken one or the other, so how hard are these (compared to the math classes before them), and how do they compare to each other? I'm considering maybe taking one in spring or summer.</p>
<p>Also, 451 would be my first theoretical math class.</p>
<p>Can’t speak to 450 (I think that class is mainly for engineers) but 451 (mainly for math majors) is quite difficult. The class is entirely proof oriented. Definitely one of the hardest 400-level math classes offered. Have you not at least taken Linear Algebra?</p>
<p>Not 217… Something equivocal to 214, using the same book they use in 217.</p>
<p>So are you an engineer?</p>
<p>Yes, I would prefer to take 451 though.</p>
<p>Wow, I have never heard of sometime taking 451 who didn’t need to. I mean, it’s going to be very difficult. If you’re smart and you put the work in you could do well. But just know that it’s entirely proof oriented, and it can be hard for some people to wrap their brains around the subject matter. I know someone who was coasting with practically a 4.0, very smart kid, then took 451 and got a B-. You just have to make sure you put enough work in, and you have to be smart. It would certainly be beneficial to take it during a spring term, where you can completely focus on it. Very useful class though, opens the door to a lot of high level math and other quantitative graduate coursework.</p>
<p>“Very useful class though, opens the door to a lot of high level math and other quantitative graduate coursework.”</p>
<p>That’s the reason why I want to take it.</p>
<p>I’m finding myself with a lot of free time now, any advice on what I should be trying to do to try to improve my background a little bit before I take it?</p>
<p>You have to just dive into the material. I don’t believe the coursework prerequires too much specific knowledge, it’s just the more comfortable you are with abstract math/proofs the better off you will be. I would honestly get a hold of the textbook for the course and start learning/practicing the material/proofs on your own - if you really have a lot of free time on your hands. Not only will that get your mind going, but you will have a jumpstart on the actual course. You just gotta dive into that kind of stuff. On the other hand, I suppose 451 technically lists abstract algebra (Math 412) as an advisory prereq. I suppose if you don’t want 451 to be completely repetitive once you take it by studying the material ahead of time, you could do what I suggested with the 412 textbook. Once again, you do not need the mathematical knowledge gained in 412 to succeed in 451, but it helps to have the theoretical exposure under your belt.</p>
<p>450 is a general overall view of engineering mathematics in several different views. That said its a lot of work and random subjects but not too many deep complex ideas.</p>
<p>qwerty how solid are ur math backgrounds? i thought i read somewhere that u said u didn’t even get an A on calc 2, which u took 1st sem yea? that 450 course sounds really tough…u sure u wanna do it?</p>
<p>“qwerty how solid are ur math backgrounds?” </p>
<p>Not extremely solid, but I’m not a moron either. </p>
<p>If it’s too hard, I’ll withdraw.</p>